Overview & Reviews

When the Lincoln LS was first introduced, it was heralded as the domestic answer to the premium midsize sedans from Europe's luxury brands. At the time, the rear-drive LS had the look and the technology to compete with Europe's best in a way few American cars could. Early reviews pegged it as a 10 in terms of fun to drive, and some described it as a car that offered the roominess of a BMW 5 Series at the price of a 3 Series.

The LS had the option of a V6 or V8 and, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive configuration and well-tuned suspension, was reasonably entertaining on a back road. But as good as the LS seemed initially, the car became less appealing over the years as the ranks of newer, more competent and more luxurious entry-luxury sedans grew. With sales slowing, Lincoln discontinued the LS after the 2006 model year.

Though lacking a little in terms of prestige and refinement, the Lincoln LS is still a respectable choice for a used luxury sedan with sporting tendencies. Its pricing is lower than many competing models, and maintenance costs should also be slightly lower than those of some European cars, but don't expect the LS to be as trouble-free as its competitors from Japan.

Most Recent Lincoln LS

A midsize entry-luxury sedan, the Lincoln LS was produced for the 2000-'06 model years. Originally, the LS was available in just two trim levels differentiated by the engine equipped. The Lincoln LS V8 came with a 252-horsepower, 3.9-liter engine that moved the sedan from zero to 60 in 7.5 seconds. A five-speed automatic transmission was standard.

The less expensive choice was the LS V6. Its 3.0-liter engine provided just 210 hp but slightly better fuel economy. For this engine, Lincoln initially offered either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.

Standard features for both cars included dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, alloy wheels, foglights and ABS. However, a few upscale items, such as a navigation system, weren't initially offered.

At the time, we found that V8 versions of the Lincoln LS delivered smooth and acceptable acceleration. The ride was comfortable and compliant, and the LS was at its best when being used as a touring sedan rather than an all-out sport sedan. Notably, it was roomy enough to provide comfortable quarters for four adults. The interior materials were lacking in terms of quality, though, and storage space was minimal in the cabin.

Early models had automatic transmission problems, so it might be wise to avoid them on the used market. Even when that issue was addressed by Lincoln, shifts from the automatic were not exactly smooth and many customers still complained. For this reason, we'd advise any prospective LS buyer to do a thorough test-drive before making a purchase.

For 2003, Lincoln did its first major update on its midsize luxury sedan. Output for the V8 was raised to 280 hp, and the V6 added 12 hp for a total of 222. The five-speed manual that was available with the V6 was dropped due to lack of consumer interest.

Other changes that year included retuned steering (resulting in better feel), a retuned suspension (resulting in a slightly softer ride) and improved interior materials and storage. New features were also added, such as a navigation system, side curtain airbags and a THX sound system. To make the most of your used-car dollar, we suggest looking at 2003 or newer LS models.

A few other changes occurred before the Lincoln LS was discontinued. Satellite radio was added as a dealer-installed option for 2004, and Lincoln made additional improvements to the automatic transmission to improve shift quality. For the final year, the V6 version was dropped from the LS lineup.

User Reviews:

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  Good Car - Great Value - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By GUT - June 21 - 1:06 am

  As my 2nd LS, the 2002 has been a workhorse. I have had it for seven years, now, and never had many problems with it. The electrical system has had its problems, over the years, but it has always been underr warranty and never been a severe problem. For those who bought a 5- series BMW, you could have saved your money and had a better vehicle. I would buy it again, if Ford hadnt stopped making them! In case you are wondering why the American auto manufacturers cant survive - look no further than this decision!

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  Lincoln No. 1 - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Davion - June 14 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, I love this car

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  Love My LS - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Chris C. - June 7 - 7:00 am

  We were looking for a Mustang, but deciding it was not right for our family, we found our 2005 LS sitting on the lot. It was owned by a Ford executive and was originally registered to Ford. The car has all the power I could want with the comfort my wife loves. We got a great deal on the car with full warranty. After owning foreign cars for the past several years, I am really hooked on the good old American cars again. If I were to buy a new car, it would most likely be the LS replacement, the Lincoln MKS. Only major problem with the car is the reverse warning stopped working. Took it to dealer and the sensor unit was replaced under warranty and in 1 day.

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  AWESOME - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By AWSOME - June 6 - 1:33 am

  My parents bought me this car for my 16th B-day and so far it is the best car i have ever driven. fuel economy is great, and there is a ton of power in the v6. Best car ever!

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  Fun to Drive - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Randy - May 21 - 5:53 pm

  Great car for a winding road (with the sport package). Replaced a Pontiac Bonneville w/ this LS and was amazed at the tight road-hugging suspension. I love getting on a curvy road, hitting the curves as speed, and holding on for the ride!

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  Great Car! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By DAH1 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! Great handling and performance, really fun to drive. Test drove the BMW 5 series, preferrred the LSs handling, ride and interior comfort to the BMWs. The air conditioned front seats are nice on a hot day. The CD changer behind the Navigation system display is pretty cool.

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  The Best Ever - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Tommy Girl - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car Ive had in 15 yrs.Ive been driving since I was 16 and never have I been able to handle a car as well as I can handle the 2002 Lincoln LS.

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  Great Car - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By jjj - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I compared it to BMW, Lexus and Mercedes. It was a much better value. I got an American car with better styling and performance for at least $10k less. I can also find my car in the parking lot because there arent 1000 others just like it.

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  i absolutely love this car, the hell wit a 6 cyl CTS!!!! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By hollywood0621 - May 2 - 4:34 am

  I have only had this car a couple weeks but I am so in love!! the power is like driving a 5.0 mustang GT luxury car, with a 5 speed auto or manual transmission, and manual is outrageous! the interior is the finest of leather, heated and cooled seats! Moon roof! oh yea, did I mention how fast it is? mine already had tinted windows, rain vents, when I got it, satin pearl white paint is beautiful! It had 70,000 miles on it when I bought it, 9yrs old, and looks and runs like brand new, my friends cant are still asking me, what year is your car again?

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  Upgraded to the LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Rob - April 23 - 6:43 am

  Had a new Lincoln Zephyr and feel that I have upgraded to an older LS V8, better handling, performance, and overall comfort. at 1/3 the price for a used LS.