2001 Lincoln LS: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

LS shares a platform with Jaguar's S-Type, but differs from the British car in styling and equipment. Both use a Jaguar-designed V8 or a Ford-based V6. The V6 LS uses a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic; the V8 is automatic only. Front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and traction control are standard. An antiskid system is optional. The firmer-suspension Sport Package replaces 16-inch wheels with 17s and high-performance tires. All manual-transmission LSs have the Sport Package; automatic models with that option get a separate shift gate for manual gear changes. Discontinued is Lincoln's RESCU cell phone/satellite assistance system.

COMPETITION

This hotly contested segment has a clear benchmark; it is the Acura TL (and its 2-door cousin Acura CL). The TL succeeds in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. If you are leaning more toward the luxury scale, the Lexus ES 300 might be a more practical purchase.

We also recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored Audi A6, the comfortable Buick Park Avenue, the affordable and fast Infiniti I30.