2003 Lincoln LS: Road Test
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2003 Lincoln LS ▼
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- MSRP: $31,860 -$43,520
- Invoice: $29,324 -$39,818
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Our road test for the 2003 Lincoln LS includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Lincoln LS from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Lincoln LS, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Lincoln LS help you decide if a 2003 Lincoln LS is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| V6 Premium | V8 Premium Sport w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 6.5 |
Test V8 LS did 6.8 sec 0-60 mph, a half-second quicker than 2002 version. V6 LSs are adequate in undemanding driving, but considerably slower than V8s. Both engines provide good power in the 30-50-mph range, but the transmission's indecisive gear selection can annoy in light-throttle cruising and its tardy downshifts can hamper passing response.
FUEL ECONOMY
| V6 Premium | V8 Premium Sport w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4.5 |
Test V8 models averaged 17.7-19.0 mpg; V6s should do slightly better. Lincoln recommends premium fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| V6 Premium | V8 Premium Sport w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
Never as composed as European rivals, but comfortable enough over most bumps. Minor impacts from tar strips and expansion joints fairly well masked. Little difference in ride quality with V8's larger tires, tauter sport suspension.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| V6 Premium | V8 Premium Sport w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6.7 |
With good grip and steering feel, reasonably well-checked body lean, LS is capable and balanced in twists and turns. V8's sport suspension, larger tires enhance response. We recommend antiskid system to combat skids in turns. Brakes feel strong, good pedal modulation.
QUIETNESS
| V6 Premium | V8 Premium Sport w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Wind noise muted. Minor tire roar on coarse pavement. Engines fairly subdued in aggressive acceleration.
CONTROLS
| V6 Premium | V8 Premium Sport w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6.6 |
Clear gauges. Climate system mounted low with small display, but easy to use. Navigation touch-screen absorbs most audio functions, but with less complication than most. Most interior materials just make near-luxury grade, though Premium models' wood trim is stately.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| V6 Premium | V8 Premium Sport w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
Firm, comfortable seats; heating and cooling a nice feature and can be preset to maintain same temperature as automatic climate system. Ample leg room, but sunroof cuts into head clearance. Power-adjusting pedals help shorter drivers sit farther from steering-wheel airbag. Large door mirrors offset visibility lost to thick rear roof pillars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| V6 Premium | V8 Premium Sport w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
No excess foot space or knee clearance, but seat is set back enough to accommodate most adults, though two is the practical limit. Tall passengers find their heads brushing against sloping roof.
CARGO ROOM
| V6 Premium | V8 Premium Sport w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Only small suitcases stand upright in shallow trunk. Fore/aft length limited, and bulky lid hinges can crunch cargo. Parking brake controlled by center-console switch, freeing space for console storage and large armrest.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| V6 Premium | V8 Premium Sport w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 5.7 |
LS offers a reasonable array of features, capable road manners, and one of the few V8s in the near-luxury class. But sales are slow, reflecting its unexceptional interior decor and relative lack of cachet compared to like-priced rivals.
Total Score
| V6 Premium | V8 Premium Sport w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | 58 | 60.5 |
Total Score: 57
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