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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  2002 v8 sport - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By larryd187 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We really enjoy this car. It has everything we wanted. It handles well in corners and cruises down the open road at ease. Its real easy to be going 80MPH before you relize it. The stereo is outstanding, except for the over powering sub-woofers in the rear. The www.llsoc.com website (Lincoln LS owners club) was very helpful and continues to be, with all the little quirks that happen from time to time. Would I buy another LS again...I dont think so, a BMW will be next for me.

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  Nothing Could Be Finer - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By byebyels - July 30 - 12:26 pm

  People see me in their rearview mirror & say bye bye LS. My Sport leaves em in the dust

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  Great 6 cylinder car - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Don Erickson - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2003 base model this spring and think its the best sports sedan Ive ever owned. The handling is best of class . Lots of room for a car of its size. Only issue I have is that the engine noise on heavy acceleration is more than I would expect. Ive driven it 3K with no quality issues at all.Plenty of room for taller persons

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  Best Bang For the Buck - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Iamdtm28 - July 28 - 3:46 am

  This car gives you the best bang for the buck. For the Price you cant beat it. Size of a BMW 7, Performance of a BMW 5, at a price of a BMW 3.

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  The Best - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By RPB - July 24 - 8:20 pm

  I have been driving 55 years and I can say this is the best driving car I have ever owned. [have owned 33 cars]

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  Best Car Ever - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By goodyrl - July 16 - 9:00 am

  This car rocks ! Service great! Like the looks of Beemer Drivers that have paid thousands more and got less!

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  Poor Mans BMW - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By John - July 14 - 1:06 am

  We were looking for a performance car with 4 doors and a V-8 to replace our aging Grand Marquis. We settled on the LS after our first test drive. The LS delivers when it comes to power and acceleration and gets decent gas mileage on the highway (24 MPG) and has all the creature comforts you would expect to find on a luxury sport sedan. I would compare it to a BMW 7 series in styling and performance for about half the price. There have been no problems since we had it and the bumper to bumper warranty with free maintenance has made the LS a worry free purchase. The 6 speed transmission shifts flawlessly under full power and the sound from under the hood tells you that this car is a beast!

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  Trouble-free LS - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By jerry2281 - June 27 - 11:40 am

  I special ordered and leased a 2001 LS Sport V-8 in December, 2001. It has been trouble free. It is the best value for the money for a near-luxury sport sedan. Gas mileage-27 mpg @ 79+ highway. Comfortable with many nice interior touches. Race-derived suspension and power to spare. It will be replaced at lease-end with another LS.

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  Im a HAPPY guy - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By oldn0tded - June 25 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car. I have driven mine 15000 miles and the car is better than I had hoped. I have the Sport Package and dont believe I have ever driven a better handling 4 door, period. The reliability has been as good as any car I have ever owned. The dealer has been very supportive even though I bought mine used. I have had minor things, ie. the license tag lights have had to be replaced, under warranty. I agree with the owner that stated Lincoln/Mercury is not marketing the car properly. Its an American made BMW. Contrary to the magazine comments, I love the styling. I really cant relate to Cadillacs new direction or what Chris Bangle has done to BMW .

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  Youll Love This Car! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Tim R. - June 23 - 12:10 am

  Purchased a used (18,000 mi.) 2004 V8 with the LSE package in Oct. 2006. Had absolutely no problems so far (42k mi.) Very well "built" luxury sports sedan. Handles great--plenty of power--decent mileage* for a V8 with this power. Highly recommend this car because of value, quality and performance. If your seeking a nice used luxury sports sedan at an "affordable" price, then this car should be on your "list". The car runs fine on 89 octane (mid) gasoline, although 91 octane suggested by factory.