The nice thing about American luxury sedans is the way that they tend to combine ample doses of luxury and style into a single package at a very reasonable price. Ford's Lincoln brand is one good example- and their now-retired LS model was one of their most successful when it came to offering attainable world class entry-level luxury.
The LS was introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model, available with both six or eight cylinder power and an automatic- or as a rarity- a manual transmission. The five-speed stick could only be fitted to the V6 engine, a 3.0 litre DURATEC with 210 or 232 horsepower, depending on the year. The V8, a 3.9 liter unit, developed 252 or 280 horsepower and could only be had with the automatic.
An update for 2003 saw a mild facelift across the LS range, as well as an increase in power for both engines. The LS carried on into 2006, where it existed for a year alongside the Zephyr, which we now call the MKZ. Many folks criticized Lincoln for stopping production of the rear-drive LS in favor of the front-drive Zephyr, which is a badge-engineered Ford Fusion twin.
The LS has a successful life though- selling over 260,000 units and racking up a 'Car of the Year' award from Motor Trend in 2000, as well as a "Best Pick" for safety from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In all, it was a viable alternative to more expensive machinery from Germany and Japan.
When shopping for a used LS, pick as new a model as your budget allows for. In 2003, a slew of improvements were made- including an increase in power and revised, less-noisy suspension. High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting was available later in the LS's life as well, and an optional LSE appearance package was presented optionally to buyers of the V8 powered models.
Look for a full complement of luxury car features inside the LS. You'll find options like a 6-CD changer, THX certified audio system, heated leather seats, dual zone climate control, in-cabin air filter, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power pedals and more.
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| 2000 Lincoln LS |
The LS was introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model, available with both six or eight cylinder power and an automatic- or as a rarity- a manual transmission. The five-speed stick could only be fitted to the V6 engine, a 3.0 litre DURATEC with 210 or 232 horsepower, depending on the year. The V8, a 3.9 liter unit, developed 252 or 280 horsepower and could only be had with the automatic.
An update for 2003 saw a mild facelift across the LS range, as well as an increase in power for both engines. The LS carried on into 2006, where it existed for a year alongside the Zephyr, which we now call the MKZ. Many folks criticized Lincoln for stopping production of the rear-drive LS in favor of the front-drive Zephyr, which is a badge-engineered Ford Fusion twin.
The LS has a successful life though- selling over 260,000 units and racking up a 'Car of the Year' award from Motor Trend in 2000, as well as a "Best Pick" for safety from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In all, it was a viable alternative to more expensive machinery from Germany and Japan.
When shopping for a used LS, pick as new a model as your budget allows for. In 2003, a slew of improvements were made- including an increase in power and revised, less-noisy suspension. High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting was available later in the LS's life as well, and an optional LSE appearance package was presented optionally to buyers of the V8 powered models.
Look for a full complement of luxury car features inside the LS. You'll find options like a 6-CD changer, THX certified audio system, heated leather seats, dual zone climate control, in-cabin air filter, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power pedals and more.
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| 2005-2006 Lincoln LS |