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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  Impressive - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Riggity - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I Drive top end cars every day. I have found the Lincoln Ls to be one of the nicest and best handling sports sedans on the market. The Ls with the V8 and advance trac seams to give the driver a piece of mind while take country roads at speeds over 75. This all in a car not priced over 50,000.

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  2002 v8 sport - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By larryd187 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We really enjoy this car. It has everything we wanted. It handles well in corners and cruises down the open road at ease. Its real easy to be going 80MPH before you relize it. The stereo is outstanding, except for the over powering sub-woofers in the rear. The www.llsoc.com website (Lincoln LS owners club) was very helpful and continues to be, with all the little quirks that happen from time to time. Would I buy another LS again...I dont think so, a BMW will be next for me.

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  Nothing Could Be Finer - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By byebyels - July 30 - 12:26 pm

  People see me in their rearview mirror & say bye bye LS. My Sport leaves em in the dust

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  Great 6 cylinder car - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Don Erickson - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2003 base model this spring and think its the best sports sedan Ive ever owned. The handling is best of class . Lots of room for a car of its size. Only issue I have is that the engine noise on heavy acceleration is more than I would expect. Ive driven it 3K with no quality issues at all.Plenty of room for taller persons

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  Best Bang For the Buck - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Iamdtm28 - July 28 - 3:46 am

  This car gives you the best bang for the buck. For the Price you cant beat it. Size of a BMW 7, Performance of a BMW 5, at a price of a BMW 3.

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  The Best - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By RPB - July 24 - 8:20 pm

  I have been driving 55 years and I can say this is the best driving car I have ever owned. [have owned 33 cars]

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  The Last of the LS? Too Bad!! - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By kpie - July 17 - 3:16 pm

  Dollar for dollar this is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Good looks, style, comfort, very tight handling and quiet as a tomb. Performance and economy are more than adequate. Fit and finish are fine. Now at 55K+ miles it is as good as the day I bought it. I only wish I could buy another one that is brand new. However, these are rare and the prices are much greater than what I had paid for my car. But, Id buy a new one if I could find one with even a reasonable price.

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  Best Car Ever - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By goodyrl - July 16 - 9:00 am

  This car rocks ! Service great! Like the looks of Beemer Drivers that have paid thousands more and got less!

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  Poor Mans BMW - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By John - July 14 - 1:06 am

  We were looking for a performance car with 4 doors and a V-8 to replace our aging Grand Marquis. We settled on the LS after our first test drive. The LS delivers when it comes to power and acceleration and gets decent gas mileage on the highway (24 MPG) and has all the creature comforts you would expect to find on a luxury sport sedan. I would compare it to a BMW 7 series in styling and performance for about half the price. There have been no problems since we had it and the bumper to bumper warranty with free maintenance has made the LS a worry free purchase. The 6 speed transmission shifts flawlessly under full power and the sound from under the hood tells you that this car is a beast!

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  Good car. Wish part quality was better - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By LSSport 01 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I have only owned my LS Sport for four months, but so far, it has proved to be a reliable, fun-to-drive, comfortable car that competes well with foreign makes. I do have a few complaints, however. Mainly, materials are inferior to similarly-priced imports. This car has its share of shortcomings, but could be outstanding if some of them are addressed.