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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  LS V8 - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By nick p - February 3 - 10:30 pm

  I love this car, but it has some problems. The car is very jumpy and has very bad MPG. My transmission went out around 92000 miles my catalytic converter is messing up, the 6 disk cd changer has disk error every time i try to change cds. My driver side back door doesnt lock by its self any more, but other than that the car is great. Its fun to drive has very good get up, very good sound system.

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  A Satisfying Experience - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By DvorakDelta - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2001 Lincoln LS8 as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. I received an excellent price and an exceptional car. Though my friends say it does not compare to their Lexus ES and GS sedans, I beg to differ. Handling and cabin noise-level are especially impressive, considering the fact that my 8-cylinder engine produces much more horsepower and torque than their Lexus’ engines. All of the luxury features I desired were present, including moisture-sensitive windshield wipers, dual-zone climate control, STANDARD leather seating surfaces, and steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control buttons.

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  I waited too long - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By crawldaaad - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Power and handling great. All the toys and whistles even better.Watch out BMW.

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  I love my LS - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Stan - January 22 - 9:33 pm

  Ive had this car since it was brand new, and I still enjoy driving it. It has a perfect weight distribution (50% front and 50% rear) and so it has an amazing amount of stability and road gripping ability. Admittedly, I baby it quite a bit ( I always keep it in the garage, always service on time, and dont put on a lot of miles), but Ive had very little trouble with this car in almost seven years of driving it. My daughter will be starting to drive soon, and she is begging me to give her the car. She loves it, but Im not sure that I want to give it up!

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  wdavis - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By daviswj - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Terrible gas mileage. Exterior temperatur gauge and compass do not work properly and cannot be corrected. Autmatic wipers do not always work with rain on the windshield. Same for the "seat that remembers".

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  LS - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By ajames - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely reliable, elegant vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Happy LS owner - December 23 - 12:50 pm

  im on my second LS and consider it one of the best all-around cars ive owned which include BMWs and do not hesitate recommending it to others. ive had only minor defects on the two ive owned both not requiring special trips into dealership. highly recommend both as new or buying as used.

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  Makes Driving Fun Again - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By ver2us - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Lincoln product I have ever purchased. (wont be the last) It is so much fun to drive, I find myself looking for excuses to do so. The car is absolutely beautiful, I have had lots of admiring looks. Nice, quiet interior, comfy seats. I feel very safe in this car. Oh, and did I mention it is fun to drive?

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  Great car - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Charles-Martin - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2001 LS as a used former Hertz rental car. It is by far the best car I have ever owned. Faster and more powerful than a BMW, styled like a Mercedes, comfort like a Lincoln! I love it.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By LawRev - December 22 - 10:00 am

  The Lincoln LS is an excellent alternative to the foreign sport sedan models. The car has an excellent value quotient, both new and used. The vehicle I own has been quite reliable and the dealer takes care of it as needed.