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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  Better than 2000 - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Steve LSE - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2000LS V8 and the 2002LSE V8 is much improved. None of the little mechanical annoyances from the pevious model. The driving experience is why I got another one (Along with the great incentives!) Unfortunately the fit and finish still leave something to be desired. Lincoln does seem to take this stuff seriously and are taking care of all issues no matter how insignificant they may seem anybody but me.

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  10 year track record with LS - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Old Guy - March 28 - 1:53 am

  I am about to sell my LS. It has 246,564 m. Not all perfect, but, it is the best car I owned. 3 transm. The first after 19 miles The second after 79,000. If considering an LS with an original transm and it changes hard, run away. They made a design change because the third transmission is smooth and winds out really nicely. I always used synthetic oil, had typical failures. Believe it or not it has the original spark plugs and muffler. Changed tires to Michlins. First set had 120,000. Current 101,000 m. It is good buy for a sedan with a V8. V8s cost an extra 10 grand today. I have put off buying new because I could not find something I liked as well. May buy MKS w/V6. I love V8s.

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  2001 Lincoln Sport - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Houston resident - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with the Lincoln. It has not had even one problem. The fit and finsh are perfect.

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  One Nagging Problem - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By JOHN - March 19 - 9:53 am

  Great car to drive, and reasonably trouble free except for the coil on plug ignition packs and valve cover gaskets. Ford will only replace the coil as they go bad and Ive replaced 6 or the 8 under the extended warranty at $100 a pop. Ford refuses to fix the leaking gaskets unless the owner specifically complains and even then they will only fix the side where the coil goes bad even if both sides leak. 03 and 04 models have a CSP from Ford extending warranty to 10yr./100000 mi. Owners of the 01 and 02 LSs need to start complaining to Ford. I hear that the V-6 also has this problem.

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  Lincoln LS.. worth a look. - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Kyle b - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car, nothing but positive feelings. Excelent engine, tranny.. i could go on and on, test drive one.

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  2003 Lincoln LS V8 Sport - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By AA1234AA - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Exterior is elegant Doors close solidly. Al hood has a light feel opening. Interior is in good taste, well organized. Front seats are supportive, have plenty of adjustment. Steering wheel & foot pedals are adjustable. Dash is very well laid out & logical. Controls are easily accessible. Interior storage is good. Radio has great sound, 6 speakers & in-dash CD. Ride is smooth & comfortable. Interior noise level is muted. Handling is satisfying & precise. Acceleration is brisk at all speeds. Quick lane changes & sharp turns feel secure. Driving on rough roads feels solid. Turning radius is excellent. Braking is smooth

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  The definition of junk - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By smith.koko - March 4 - 9:00 am

  So Im 20 years old and I had previously owned a 1996 Dodge Ram. I decided to upgrade, well what i thought was an upgrade, I Bought My Lincoln. Ive had nothing but problems. The first week i had it both cadillac converters had to be replaced, car vibrates at 45, poor gas mileage, drivers door broken have to open from outside,car wont start right, you have to turn the engine over 5 or 6 times before it starts. Recently my power steering pump went out and i havent been able to drive it. Im now looking for a new car. Please dont but this car you will regret every penny spent. I bought mine for almost $7000 and the car is only worth $2500. Upside down. Not fun.

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  THE NEW AMERICAN LUXURY CAR - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By ak - March 3 - 3:06 pm

  Ecellent ride/performance. You get your bang for the buck. The only other comparable car is the BMW 540I which sells for 55000.

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  05 LS Sport - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By joe329 - March 3 - 12:55 pm

  I just bought this recently and so far, so far good. Its not great in Winter conditions (Its rear wheel drive, what do you expect), gas mileage is on par around 20-21 mpg, good power, very comfortable, and is overall a good looking car. Ive read up on these cars for a few years trying to learn about its problems, its Pros and Cons, and decided its worth the money if you take care of it just like any other car. My only gripe is you SHOULD feed it premium. I dont care what websites say that you can run 87 in it...In the end, it will just slow ly kill it. Gas is going up again, but I knew this when I bought it and will be willing to make sure it gets what is needed.

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  Excellent - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By direct - February 15 - 10:13 am

  This is my 2nd LS, the first being a 2000. In 5 years, the LS has improved with an even smoother ride, satellite navigation system, heated and cooled front seats and other luxury amenities too numerous to mention. The LS is not only fun to drive as it handles like a sports car, but also very reliable.