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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  Reliability? - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By jimboh - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Should I keep? Car was great for first 8 years (purchased new in 2000) no maintenance issues. In the last couple of years had differential rebuilt at 100k ($1000), new rack and pinon ($650) new front ball joints ($450) broke while driving car and car slammed down onto street-luckily was going slowly and no damage to car or driver. Replaced a couple of coils and valve cover gaskets ($850). On current trip (am in pa.- alternator went bad ($390.) luckily was a few miles from a Lincoln dealership in okla. City car now has 130,000 miles and has been fine since those few repairs so hope for the best. Am very careful about maintenance do transmission, radiator every 50,000 and (now) will now do differential also

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  Betsys LS - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Betsy - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Front seat configuration not suitable for larger person. Only problem with car occured when heat gage pegged for about 8 minutes and annunicator indicated power was being reduced. Subsequently a factory fix has replaced the thermostat.

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By marogy - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This car reminds me of when I was a teenager. The car has great acceleration and corners like a sports car. Along with being quick it has all the luxury you would want. The only change I would like to see is an updated more euro styled dash.

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  My 2000 LS Stinks - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Victoria351 - November 28 - 4:53 pm

  Oh gosh, where do I start? Let me begin by telling you that I purchased this car in 2004 when I was only 18 years old. It was flashy and one heck of a sweet ride. Then all of a sudden it all went downhill. Literally. I have had numerous problems to boot. Let me begin to name the things, bad headers, over heating, driver door wouldnt open and still doesnt open, skipping or misfiring in the engine, antifreeze leaking, bad tires, and much much more. My boyfriend and I were almost killed in the car when we were drive back from vacation only 1 month after purchasing it. The tire blew out on the highway causing the car to spin around, luckily not injuring us or anyone else for that matter.

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  02 LSE What a drivers car. - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By bpe - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my LSE for a year now and still wake up every morning excited to drive it. It loves to be driven hard and on the twisties.

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  Beware!!! - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Gerald Stratos - November 24 - 2:06 am

  I bought my beautiful LS V8 sprt pkg. In March 05 and been having trans problems, (it likes to shift to neutral when coming to a stop while still in drive!!! at cold startup) Also, the rack and pinion seeps fluid, the alignment is shaky, and the motor misfires horribly. Its not over yet! My door handle wont open the drivers door from the inside. I have to roll my window and open it from the outside. This is not pleasant during the winter... I still owe 12,500 on the darn thing... Im looking to trade it off. Oh and the chrome wheels are peeling terribly near the centercaps. Not to mention the weather stripping is coming loose as well. yours truely, Helpessly suckered in Mogodore

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  good - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By rz - November 7 - 10:00 am

  good vehicle and fun but a little tight interior wise for a big person

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  Finally a good American Car - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By V8 in FL - November 6 - 10:13 pm

  Have put 40000 miles on my LS in 2 years. It is great. Have only had to take it in to have the AC head unit replaced, and then just GTO (gas, tires and oil) for the rest. It still handles great, and i get about 20 MPG driving a mix of city and highway every day. Just a great car.

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  My Dream Car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By suzan - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I just love this car...... I hope it last forever....... I would buy the same one again.....

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  My New LSE Flat Out ROCKS! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Jasen - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Had a few as rentals over the past year and was more than impressed, time and time again. Last time I drove it, decided to turn in the keys of my BWM 535i. More than happy with this car. Ford has done an amazing job in putting this together. Keep finding more and more people features that amaze me and how this car was thought out. Amazing performance as well. Love driving this more than the BMW.