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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  Trouble-free LS - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By jerry2281 - June 27 - 11:40 am

  I special ordered and leased a 2001 LS Sport V-8 in December, 2001. It has been trouble free. It is the best value for the money for a near-luxury sport sedan. Gas mileage-27 mpg @ 79+ highway. Comfortable with many nice interior touches. Race-derived suspension and power to spare. It will be replaced at lease-end with another LS.

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  Sheep in Wolves Clothing - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By joestephens3 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The Lincoln LS V8 in the sports pacakage is a potent little rocket, disguised as a family sedan. Under closer inspection, the big v8 under the hood shows its true colors. As with most American cars, build quality is of concern, but with the LS, it seems to be higher quality than makes from Chrysler and GM. In fact the interior is very German. The transmission is clunky at slower speeds, on the freeway, its a different story, as this is the place where the LS stands its own. The ability to maintain 80+ mph on mountain grades leaves many heads turned, in fact, 100, 120 would not be a problem for this car.

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  LS has the makings of a Champ. - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By L Smith - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The LS V8 is a very smooth riding car with power to get you out of those bad situations and the style and looks to get you into some good situations. The Alpine in dash 6 disc cd changer is wonderful with a pleasant sound and a climate control system that has dual zones for the front passengers is nice. The leather seats with power controls are comfy. All around it is a great car and I would recommend the purchase of an LS.

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  Im a HAPPY guy - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By oldn0tded - June 25 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car. I have driven mine 15000 miles and the car is better than I had hoped. I have the Sport Package and dont believe I have ever driven a better handling 4 door, period. The reliability has been as good as any car I have ever owned. The dealer has been very supportive even though I bought mine used. I have had minor things, ie. the license tag lights have had to be replaced, under warranty. I agree with the owner that stated Lincoln/Mercury is not marketing the car properly. Its an American made BMW. Contrary to the magazine comments, I love the styling. I really cant relate to Cadillacs new direction or what Chris Bangle has done to BMW .

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  Youll Love This Car! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Tim R. - June 23 - 12:10 am

  Purchased a used (18,000 mi.) 2004 V8 with the LSE package in Oct. 2006. Had absolutely no problems so far (42k mi.) Very well "built" luxury sports sedan. Handles great--plenty of power--decent mileage* for a V8 with this power. Highly recommend this car because of value, quality and performance. If your seeking a nice used luxury sports sedan at an "affordable" price, then this car should be on your "list". The car runs fine on 89 octane (mid) gasoline, although 91 octane suggested by factory.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Vince - June 14 - 8:36 pm

  Im a 20 year old male who went from a 1999 Mercury Sable LS to a 2005 Lincoln LS V6 Luxury. The exterior of the car is just great. Its a very sharp looking car that turns heads. The base audio system puts out a good amount of power. It gives a very comfortable drive in town and on long highway trips. Car really hugs the road on winding and hilly roads. Not up to par with the European industry leaders, but good for what it is.

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  Fun Car - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By gbones - June 11 - 10:00 am

  A Mustang with 4 doors

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  Great car except for transmission shift points - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By fordblueblood1 - June 7 - 6:25 am

  Bought a 2006 LS in Dec of 2011, It had 62K on it and Ive put about 5K on it to date (9/2013). I like the car. I wanted to buy and American RWD sedan and there werent many choices. We already own a V8 Charger and I wanted something different. It was a Pontiac G8 or this. G8 would not accommodate my 15 y.o. in the back seat. More cramped. I did have to replace the heater control valve near the radiator. It was blowing hot air from the A/C. A disappointment on a car with only 67K on it. Ive had no other issues with the car. It runs well and has lots of power and handles very well. It has a nice firm ride. Fun around off ramps. Very nice THX stereo too. If it wasnt for the trans, Id be 5s

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  Love It.. but... - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Bob - June 2 - 12:43 pm

  Great riding car, high comfort level, V6 had more then enough power and acceleration for Interstate driving. Low noise level, handling easy on the driver. Dislikes... The Shadow Red on Black instrument panel hard to read on bright sunny day. "Eyes to road glance." Large trunk, high lift and long reach to load and unload. Trunk hinges take up trunk space. Not a touring car.

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  Not so great - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Pamela Daniel - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought the LS with 48,000 miles on it in 2006. Beautiful car. Within a year, I had to replace both rear window motors. The next year, I had to replace both front window motors. One of which went out during a move to another state during a snow storm. Then I had to replace one of the rear window motors again. Have had to replace the coil packs. The CEL light came on within 2 weeks of purchase and will not stay off after repeated "fixes". On top of what I originally paid for the car, Ive spent approximately $5,000 on repairs not associated with normal maintenance. Still, I love the way the car drives. Now the seat motors are dying. Guess its time to say goodbye.