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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  An undiscovered gem. - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Dapper - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Own a 2004 sport V8. Previous Lincolns (3) were Continentals. This car is as different as night and day. I liked my Continentals but this car is much more FUN to drive. I think that Lincoln should be pushing this car more than it does. I think it could hold its own against any family car on the road.You dont have to be young to enjoy this car I am over 60.

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  Bound to be a Classic - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By rwd - January 31 - 3:40 am

  When it comes to collectability, a vehicles: styling, quality, performance, and enjoyability are paramount. Lincolns LS, which had a relatively short production life, certainly is stylish inside and out, and is extremely reliable. Reliability alone can make owning a car enjoyable, but ones appreciation for the LS is found in its sporty ride and excellent handling.

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  Solid performer, no gimmicks - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By LS_lover - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Flawless handling, excellent thrust, solid braking, decent ride. Rigid, composed chasis. Drove it back to back against a 5 series, E-class, expecting not to be impressed. But found a more assured chassis than M-B, handling as aggressive as the BMW, and less road noise than either. This is a stealth premium car. Everything a BMW 5 series or an E-class has in terms of engineering and competence with none of their BS fake prestige, psuedo- snobbery, and overpriced pretense.

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  Nice Car - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By mrmhouston - January 26 - 4:06 pm

  This has been the best car weve owned. Relatively few problems. It is fun to drive, looks great and is reliable. My only wish is that Lincoln would get on board and come up with better gas mileage. That would be the only thing that could keep me from buying another one. Ill be crossing my fingers.

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  Build more like this, Ford! ... - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By baltobernie - January 20 - 4:46 pm

  ... and you wouldnt be in such terrible financial shape! This vehicle replaces a 1992 STS, and has every option. At $47k, Id rather have a Lexus, but at $35k, there was nothing on the market comparable. Average fuel consumption is 22 mpg in suburban driving. An outstanding package in an understated, yet elegant product.

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  Not Your Fathers Lincoln! - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Jim G. Verges - January 15 - 5:53 am

  I have ridden in Lincolns before; my father currently owns a 2004 Lincoln Town Car, and it is an excellent car which does what it is designed to do- transport its occupants in luxury with every conceivable convenience at your finger tips. The vehicle is solid, well-built auto with a velvet-smooth ride. The only draw back is that it does not exude the image of a performace sedan. So when I had the opportunity to rent a Lincoln LS a few months ago, I was pleasantly surprised by a Lincoln that is not only luxurious, but also a pleasure to drive. The acceleration is brisk, yet refined enough to not spill your passengerschampange. The build quality is excellent, and the design is very sexy.

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  I love this car. - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By A.L. Johnson - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I am so pleased with everything about this car. It is quite, fast, smooth. Even though the V8 premium sport seemed a bit pricy I now feel it was worth every penny for the upgrade for all of the little nice features.

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  The American Import - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By cdphillips - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all. Styling, performance, etc. The new 280 HP V8 is great. The Advance Trac has been improved. The heated & cooled seats have been very useful so far. Adjustable pedals add to an already great interior. The cabin is so unbelievably quiet. The ride is smooth and yet responsive. Gas mileage has been improved. I could go on and on but Im sure you get the picture.

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  No Problems - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By TennesseeLS - January 8 - 12:16 pm

  I waited for the second year (2001) to buy my V-8 model, and it has zero problems. My wife likes the attactive body and interior while I like the power and handling. I systematically test drove competing cars over the same test loop (yes, I am an engineer) and the LS was far superior to all but the much more expensive BMW 5-series in power and handling. America can compete.

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By marogy - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This car reminds me of when I was a teenager. The car has great acceleration and corners like a sports car. Along with being quick it has all the luxury you would want. The only change I would like to see is an updated more euro styled dash.