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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  Never AGAIN!!!! - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Rocky - July 23 - 6:26 pm

  Big disappointment. 2 major transmission failures in 17,000 miles. Power rear windows work when they want to. Horrible gas mileage.

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  Never Ending Problems - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By VegasRob - June 29 - 2:33 am

  I wish This car was more reliable because it was comfortable and fun to drive. It got about 16 mpg, the headlights always fogged up, and the computer message center malfunctioned quite often. I had this car less than a year and it was in the shop for repairs four times and for a total of a month and a half. My extended warranty took care of my collasped driver side window, and my reconstructed transmission, but I forked over around $800 each for faulty t-stat and cracked radiator fluid tank, and shorted MAF sensor which fried my computer system in the car. The car was stolen about a week ago and the cops havent found it yet. Maybe its a blessing in disguise. Who knows.....

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  LS Review - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Robert User - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Have had a number of anoyances with electrical system. The transmisson had to be repaired the first month. Service has been poor.

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  Lincoln - Never Again - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By lincoln owner - June 15 - 3:16 pm

  I will NEVER own another Lincoln/Ford vehicle. I have had constant problems with it. Valves rattle CONSTANTLY with regular unleaded gas. Door handle broke off. Door/windshield leaked when it rained. AC has been a NIGHTMARE. One air vent will blow out cold air, and the other one will blow out hot. Ive spent MANY dollars on the AC, but it hasnt resolved the problem. Radio/clock display lights went off (probably a fuse). Poor gas mileage. I bought the car bc I loved how it looked. But believe me, thats the only thing it had going for it. I will never buy another Lincoln/Ford.

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  2002 LS - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By SRW - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2002 LS. I haven t had any major problems. One of the headlights hold condensation constantly. The dealership would not replace it cause Lincoln is trying to perfect the part. It has been this way for over a year. Very annoying. The tires make loud noises on different road surfaces. I was told that is normal LS noises. I should have bought an SUV. A Yukon XL does not make those noises.

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  I think my next car is German - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Craig VonStraten - October 22 - 8:23 am

  I love this car to tell you the truth, but Im going to be forced to buy a German vehicle next (maybe Audi or MB). Its overpriced, there are more features on a M-Benz C230 Sport Sedan than on this vehicle. Not so impressed with leather. Pretty nice handling. Ive also noticed that D Waters is right! My LS Doesnt only blow dust in from the back rows, but from the front rows as well. It might attract more business if its called a V6, cause no one really wants a very weak V8, they want a Powerful V6. Luxury options are too pricy, and I might say the exterior is, well, ugly. However, the Interior is pretty nice. On an overall, I would recommend a BMW 330i or a MB C280 or Audi A4.

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  Might have been good when new. - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By David E - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my LS in June of 2009 for $7,000. I am going to give it to the local vo-tech because it has almost no trade in value and I cant imagine what private individual this car would be good for. Almost every month I have owned this car, I have had to repair something electronic. There are more $500 - $1000 gizmos on this thing than you can imagine. I had hoped that I was getting them all repaired and wouldnt have any more problems but I am starting to replace some things a second time. This car is extremely complex. Some of the parts are designed by Jaguar. When luxury features fail, you dont just lose the feature, you lose basic functions.

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  Nothing but problems - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By michelle - July 5 - 5:53 am

  This vehicle has been nothing but huge problems, electrical short blows out the tail lights, pieces of the interior just fall off (face plates, heater/ac vents), horn does not work, back fires from the manifold, doesnt start after the first am start, takes five cranks to get this thing running. This car should have been recalled it is a LEMON, nice to look at but not dependable at all! Poor job on this year/model Lincoln. Do not recommend unless you want to be nickel and dimed to death. Gas mileage was not even a concern it is just the odd mechanical problems this car has.

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  Unreliable piece.... - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By 2ndbest - July 3 - 4:06 am

  This was a nice ride, flashy & a sharp looking car. But thats all it has going for it. First the front lower ball joints needed replaced, they were recalled but the company wouldnt pay for mine. Then the alternator and battery needed replaced. Int and Ext lights went off outta nowhere! It overheats also. It continues to leak water from the windshield when it rains. One window regulator was replaced. The airbag light is stuck on. The sway bar still has a clunking noise. Drives terribly in the snow, get stuck every year. Love the style, just not dependable. Never again will I buy a lincoln/ford auto.

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  "Warning" Prospective Lincoln Owner - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Rosie - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a Lincoln new. 3 months after the manufacturers warranty expired and only 46,500 miles driven, I started experiencing problems; first the ignition coils($600 aftermarket), the air conditioner($400), parking brakes, brake rotors, pvc tube, etc. I wrote Ford-Lincoln numerous times, but they have refused to take responsibility. Dont be deceived, after more research, Others have experienced the same problems. These are common problems with the Lincoln models, I dont understand why there have not been a recall?