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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  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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  Problems with Tire Vibration - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Problems01 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had problems with tire vibration since I have had the vehicle. The original tires were replaced, but the problem still exists at highway speeds. This will probably be my first and last Lincoln. I have had more problems with this vehicle than all of my previous vehicles combined.

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  fair - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By jack2468 - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I found this car to have major shifting problems similar to bucking when pressing on the gas. It drives good on the highway but when i stop and go the vehicle throws me, Also, my transmission was replaced in the first 7 months but the problem still exists as far as i am concerned drive it for your self to see if you experiencesomething different i am not completely happy but see for yourself

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  Fasle Expectations - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Mark - January 8 - 9:36 pm

  This car rode great for the first year of ownership, after that, things started falling apart. Took it to the dealer twice for transmission problems. I have replaced the tires twice to reduce road noise and interior noise from the engine is bad. Scheduled maintenance on this car is expensive, interior materials like imitation wood trim and vinyl are of the lowest quality and I cant wait to get out of it. I expected better quality from Lincoln.

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  2005 LS V6 - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By 2005ls1 - October 11 - 11:34 pm

  Im the not so proud owner of a 05 LS V6. This car has been a royal pain since I bought it. Its got 130K kms on it now. I cant keep coils or catalytic converters on it to save my a_ _. I contacted Ford 3 times and all I got was lip service from there complaint desk. Ive been stranded so many times and spent so much money on this piece of garbage in repairs its ridiculous. I was planning on buying a MKS but after all this pain its not going to happen.

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  Taken for a Ride - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By madman - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car new with the V-8 sports package and it turned into a nightmare. Car became very difficult to start after it was driven and shutdown for 2 hrs. Took car in for warranty repair 11 times w/out success. Ford had engineers and executive office involved, and no repair worked. Took them to arbitration to get a refund on the vehicle because they said they could not repair the car, and would not replace it.Other problems included a noisy air conditioner, a defective chrome wheel, seat backs that fell off, and random system fail alarms.

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  Beware - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By 2005ls2 - July 12 - 7:33 am

  I purchased my 2005ls in 2006 with 20,000 miles on it. Now has 60,000. Nice body style but... Buyer beware! I have had a lot of trouble with this car and its in the shop again today. Always a problem with coils, the engine and other things. Reliability is very poor. I believe there should be recalls for these problems. Can any one help?

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  nightmare experience with car and dealer - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By clp5285 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought car new in June of 2001. Has been in the shop 8 times. whining noise in engine,transmission slips, stalls, Engine revs, only likes to be driven in warm weather.Stereo has been replaced and the car paasenger side window fell into the door they let mechanic take my car home for the weekend I was called by the local police to be informed that the mechanic was out in my car at 9pm doing 60 in a 40 and that he had been drinking. When I got my car back on monday 457 miles had been put on it. Owner of dealership refused my phone calls. Another dealership finally stepped in and Ford has just agreed to take my car back on the lemon law.

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  Dont be scammed - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By volley6 - December 31 - 8:36 pm

  I bought my Lincoln a year and a half ago. In this time, I have replaced 3 going on 4 window motors (around $200 each), a new ball joint ($400), different valves ($200) along with scheduled maintenance. Although the mechanic said that it was Fords lack of grease that cost me $400, Ford refused to reimburse me. The best part is that my car had been "checked" for that EXACT recall prior to my purchase. A little to ironic for me. I have had nothing but problems with my car and would not recommend it to those without extra money to blow. This has made my first car buying experience a truly memorable one.

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  Most Unreliable Car I ever Owned - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Joe - June 20 - 7:13 am

  I regret the purchase. Lincoln does not stand for quality or luxury. Its just a Ford with a different emblem. Its eaten two batteries in less than 9 months. Ford & the dealer are not standing behind this flawed product. The thing is assembled in Mexico where Ford has quality control issues. The interior finishings are sub-par for a "luxury" car, but fine if it was Ford branded. The touted 1 year maintenance plan is actually a downgrade from a 3 year plan that use to be inclusive. The only good thing about the car is the smooth ride. But that is because it has a Jaguar suspension. But it also has Jaguar electrical systems which are chronically flawed, hence its taste for batteries.