2
0
Premium midsize car; Built in USA
  • 4-door sedan
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $2,200 – $5,000*


2000 Lincoln LS


2000 Lincoln LS


2000 Lincoln LS interior


2001 Lincoln LS


2001 Lincoln LS

Pros:
  • Acceleration (V8)
  • Ride/handling
  • Seat comfort
Cons:
  • Automatic-transmission performance
  • Climate controls

Highly capable and mannerly on the road, an LS delivers a lot of features for the money. In addition, few near-luxury rivals are available with a V8 engine. Though not perfect, marred by rather ordinary interior furnishings, the LS can easily be compared with cars that cost a lot more.

Overview

Lincoln launched an all-new rear-drive near-luxury sedan for 2000, similar to the Jaguar S-Type. The two cars’ platforms are related, but the LS was built in Michigan rather than Britain, and they differed in styling and equipment. Base engine was a variant of the 3.0-liter V6 used in Ford’s Taurus, but the available 3.9-liter V8 was based on Jaguar’s 4.0-liter engine. Both drove a new five-speed automatic transmission (also used by Jaguar), but the V6 model could be equipped instead with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Standard equipment included front side airbags, all-disc antilock braking, wood/leather interior trim, and a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel. Automatic-transmission models had traction control and the option of an AdvanceTrak antiskid system. Manual-shift models got a firmer-suspension Sport Package with 17-inch high-performance tires (replacing the usual 16-inchers). That package was optional with an automatic transmission, including a separate shift gate that facilitated manually selected gear changes. Options included a power moonroof and Lincoln’s RESCU cell-phone/satellite assistance system.

Yearly Updates

2001 LS
Traction control went into all models for 2001, not just those with automatic. The antiskid system was now optional with either transmission. A 6-disc in-dash CD changer joined the options list, but Lincoln dropped its RESCU system. The addition of a Telematics system including e-mail availability was announced, but delayed.
2002 LS
The V6 gained 10 hp in 2002. Base, Sport, and Premium models were joined midyear by an LSE version with a rear spoiler, special wheels, and “aero” lower-body trim. An in-dash CD changer was newly standard.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

Two distinct engines were offered for the Lincoln LS. The 3.0-liter dual-overhead-cam V6 produced 210 horsepower, working with either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic. Only automatic was available for the 3.9-liter V8, which developed 252 horsepower. The V6 gained 10hp and 10 pound-feet of torque for 2002.

dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.0/181
Engine HP 210-220
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 205-215
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		18/25
18/25 		19.6
dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.9/235
Engine HP 252
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 261-267
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 17/23

 16.3

Road Test

European in flavor, the LS is the dynamic equal of some costly import sedans. Low-speed steering feel could be firmer, but an LS turns crisply, cornering with grippy precision and modest body lean. Highway stability is impressive even in gusty crosswinds. The optional Sport Package controls body motions better than the base suspension, yet the ride remains pleasantly supple.

Acceleration with the V8 feels strong. A test LS reached 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. An automatic-transmission V6 takes 9.3 seconds, according to Lincoln–not outstanding, yet the car feels adequately powered except on steep inclines or when real passing punch is required. Lincoln’s automatic transmission can delay in responding to throttle inputs, though not as much as the S-Type’s, and is slow to kick down for passing. Overall shift smoothness isn’t the best, especially compared with BMW and Audi automatics. Lincoln’s manual gearbox also lags, with notchy shift action and indistinct clutch movement. A V8 LS averaged 16.3 mpg using premium fuel, while a manual-shift V6 got 19.6 mpg. Engine sounds are muted, but tire noise intrudes on some coarse surfaces, which also yields some minor body drumming. Braking is swift and sure, despite indecisive pedal action. Although the interior feels less cramped than the S-Type’s, the practical limit is four adults. Head clearance is so-so, but rear leg space is good even behind tall front occupants. An all-button climate system is not so easy to use. Large mirrors offset visibility lost to thickish rear roof pillars. Inside storage is limited, and only small suitcases stand upright in the trunk, which lacks fore/aft depth and has bulky hinges.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2001 Lincoln LS V8

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 6
60%
Cargo Room - 3
30%

Other

Value - 3
30%

Total: 55

Specifications

4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
114.5 193.9 73.2 57.2
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
13.5 18.1 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.4 37.5 42.6 37.7
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2000 LS 4-door sedan

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision 97
Injury 58
Theft 86

Trouble Spots

Engine misfire
Description: Poor engine performance or a no-start condition may be the result of a loose fuel-hose clamp causing an internal leak. (2000)
Steering problems
Description: Replacement steering wheels (on cars shipped with the wrong wheel) may have been installed without sufficiently tightening the locking nut. (2000)
Vehicle noise
Description: A droning noise at highway speeds while in 5th gear was being corrected by replacing the halfshafts. (2000)
Windows
Description: The rear-window regulator cable may break, making it impossible to open or close the window. (2000-01)

Recall History

2000-01
Description: Front-suspension lower ball joints on some vehicles were not tightened to specifications and could loosen and, ultimately, result in fracture of ball-joint stud.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 20, 2014.
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