2002 Lincoln LS: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

More V6 power and midyear addition of an aero-package model update Lincoln's near-luxury sedan for 2002. LS shares a platform with the British-built Jaguar S-Type, but differs in styling and features. It offers a Ford V6 and a Jaguar-designed V8. The V6 gains 10 hp this year. Base, Sport, and Premium models were joined midyear by an LSE version with a rear spoiler, special wheels, and "aero" lower-body trim. There's also a V6 Convenience model. V6 Sport and LSE models offer manual or automatic transmission; other models are automatic only. The automatic in Sport, Premium, and LSE models has a manual shift gate. Standard are front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and, for '02, an in-dash CD changer. All but Base and Convenience models have a firmer sport suspension, performance tires, and 17-inch wheels vs. 16s. Lincoln's Vehicle Communications System provides "one-button" assistance and information services; Sprint cell service is required. Preliminary information on the '03 LS has been released (see separate report), though it isn't due to go on sale until the first quarter of 2003.

COMPETITION

This hotly contested segment has two clear benchmarks; the Acura TL and Lexus ES 300. Both succeed in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 offers a little more luxury and TL, with it's Type-S, a bit more sport.

We Recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.