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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  Nothing but problems... - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By I hate this car - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I hope that I can just save people from wasting their money of this car. It has been nothing but troubles since the beginning. By the second week that I had the car it was in the shop for almost a month. They then gave it back to us, still not working properly, and then went back in for repairs for another 3 weeks. I just cannot tell you all of the aggravation and stress that this car has caused me. It has been the WORST car that I have ever purchased. I cant wait to get rid of it - also, Lincoln has been miserable to deal with and very unhelpful!

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  Last Lincoln - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By scott5 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  We liked the appearance of the new Lincoln LS so after years of repeat Toyota purchases we decided to try the Lincoln. A big mistake. We have the same problems with the headlight that everyone has mentioned in other reviews. The day we brought the car home as a new vehicle the remote door opener did not work. Plus, the windows will not roll down in the back and the power door lock on a back door is stuck so the door will not open.Of course the dealer wants a fortune to fix these defects. I expect better quality for a car of this price. Dont waste your money on this overpriced Ford product. Buy the Lexus or the Avalon.

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  Dont waste your money!!!! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By cgoodwin - November 10 - 9:43 pm

  A headache is all you will get from this car! So far, the transmission, 3 window motors, air conditioning valves, 2 thermostats, water container, and center control console have all been replaced. The chrome around the door handles are peeling off, control buttons are falling off....the car is the most expensive piece of crap Ive ever owned. I had a rental car for the entire 03 summer because they couldnt fix the problem. Ford has terrible customer service!! They do not stand behind there product at all. When the thermostat was replaced 2 months in a row, Ford quickly claimed, "Ford does not warranty the parts. It is preventative maintenance."

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  BOUGHT A LINCOLN GOT A YUGO - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By DISAPOINTED - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I BOUGHT THIS CAR AS A CERTIFIED USED CAR, IT HAS BEEN SHOP 8-9 TIMES IN 8 MONTHS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS CAME ON ALEAST 12 TIMES DURING THAT PERIOD. THEY HAVE REPLACE A CYL. HEAD,COIL PAK,FUEL INJECTOR,SPARK PLUGS,HEGO SENSOR,A/C VENT,DASH BEZEL TO NAME A FEW THINGS.IT ALWAYS SEEMS I HAVE TO WAIT A WEEK TO GET IN FOR REPAIRS. OH BY THE WAY THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW FELL OUT TO [5 DAYS BEFORE THEY COULD FIX IT]. GOT IT BACK AND THE DOOR RATTLED WHEN CLOSING-BACK TO THE SHOP,GOT IT HOME,NEXT DAY CAR WOULD NOT START-TOWED TO SHOP,FAULTY POWER CABLE. THIS CAR STINKS AND SO DOES THE SERVICE

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  I hate my car. Ready to trade in - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By I HATE MY LS - April 29 - 11:13 pm

  I purchased the 02 LS V8 three years ago and have had nothing but problems and costly repairs. It is a nice car to look at but is not worth the hassle.. Every part including tires are pricey. I will never by a Ford/Lincoln again. Gas mileage is bad. If thinking about buying one, do not!