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2003 Lincoln LS Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2003 Lincoln LS Review:
2003 Lincoln LS Review
More power, revised styling, and available curtain side airbags update LS for 2003. Lincoln's near-luxury sedan shares a platform with the British-built Jaguar S-Type, but differs in styling and equipment. It offers a Ford V6 with an extra 12 hp for 2003, and a Jaguar-designed V8 that gains 28. Both engines use a 5-speed automatic transmission; the V6 no longer offers manual transmission. V6 LSs come with 16-inch wheels, V8s with 17s and a sport suspension. Front side airbags, ABS, and traction control are standard. An antiskid system is optional. Optional head-protecting curtain side airbags were added midyear. Also optional for the first time are heated rear seats, navigation system, and xenon headlights. Power-adjustable pedals and one-touch power front windows are newly standard. Heated and cooled front seats are standard on all but the base V6 model. Lincoln says noise levels are reduced with more-effective sound insulation. Styling changes include revisions to nose, tail, and wheels. The cabin gets some bright trim.
Competition
This hotly contested segment has its benchmark in the Lexus ES 300. It blends comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 manages to offer a little more luxury than others in the class.
We Recommend the Acura TL, Audi A4, and new Infiniti G35. All offer comfort, speed, and nimble handling at attractive prices. The sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series is Recommended 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.
We Recommend the Acura TL, Audi A4, and new Infiniti G35. All offer comfort, speed, and nimble handling at attractive prices. The sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series is Recommended 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.
News
A private "tuner" company now sells a sporty supercharged LS, leading some to speculate that Lincoln may offer its own such package in the near future. We think that unlikely, as Ford Motor Company has just begun inching back to profitability and has a long way to go. Still, you never know in the car biz.
Meantime, a redesigned LS on an updated platform is still apparently on track for 2005 or '06. An LS-based sedan/SUV hybrid and a cut-down 4-seat convertible were rumored for 2006, but their current status is unclear. However, sources do expect a high-power sedan to be added for 2007, which may be fueling talk of a factory-built supercharged model.
The LS got off to a respectable sales start, but has since declined, dropping 22 percent year-to-year in calendar 2001 and another 5.5 percent in the first nine months of 2002. It'll be interesting to see whether the revised 2003 models can reverse the trend.
Meantime, a redesigned LS on an updated platform is still apparently on track for 2005 or '06. An LS-based sedan/SUV hybrid and a cut-down 4-seat convertible were rumored for 2006, but their current status is unclear. However, sources do expect a high-power sedan to be added for 2007, which may be fueling talk of a factory-built supercharged model.
The LS got off to a respectable sales start, but has since declined, dropping 22 percent year-to-year in calendar 2001 and another 5.5 percent in the first nine months of 2002. It'll be interesting to see whether the revised 2003 models can reverse the trend.
2003 Lincoln LS Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V8) | Automatic-transmission performance |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
Test V8 models averaged 17.7-19.0 mpg; V6s should do slightly better. Lincoln recommends premium fuel for both engines.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Wind noise muted. Minor tire roar on coarse pavement. Engines fairly subdued in aggressive acceleration.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 60 | |
| High Score | 70 |
2003 Lincoln LS Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/17/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| V6 Base 4-door sedan | $31,860 | $29,324 | $635 |
|
|
|||
| V6 Premium 4-door sedan | $37,420 | $34,328 | $635 |
|
|
|||
| V8 Sport 4-door sedan | $40,220 | $38,848 | $635 |
|
|
|||
| V8 Premium Sport 4-door sedan | $43,520 | $39,818 | $635 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
V6 Base
Powertrain
3.0-liter dohc V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side-airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, front bucket seats w/manual lumbar adjustment, 8-way power driver seat, 6-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, tachometer, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers w/deicer, automatic headlights, remote fuel-door/decklid release, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 225/55VR16 tires, alloy wheels.
V6 Premium adds to V6 Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, front-seat heating and cooling, front-seat power lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, pedals, steering wheel, mirrors), wood interior trim, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview and driver-side mirrors, Alpine AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, compass, universal garage-door opener, rain-sensing wipers.
V8 Sport adds to V6 Premium:
Powertrain
3.9-liter dohc V8 engine, manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: power sunroof, wood interior trim.
Sport suspension, 235/50VR17 tires.
V8 Premium Sport adds to V8 Sport:
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood interior trim.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
High-intensity-discharge headlights, chrome alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Safety |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Curtain side airbags
|
||
|
V6 Base, V6 Premium, V8 Premium Sport, V8 Sport
|
$395
|
$344
|
|
Requires rear-obstacle-detection system.
|
||
|
Antiskid system
|
||
|
Base, Premium, Sport
|
$735
|
$640
|
|
Rear-obstacle-detection system
|
||
|
V6 Base, V6 Premium, V8 Premium Sport, V8 Sport
|
$295
|
$257
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
Premium, Sport, Premium Sport
|
$2,995
|
$2,606
|
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
Sport
|
$1,005
|
$874
|
|
Heated rear seats
|
||
|
Premium, Sport, Premium Sport
|
$400
|
$348
|
|
Wood interior trim
|
||
|
Sport
|
$495
|
$431
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
High-intensity-discharge headlights
|
||
|
Sport
|
$595
|
$518
|
|
Special tri-coat paint
|
||
|
V6 Base, V6 Premium, V8 Premium Sport, V8 Sport
|
$375
|
$327
|
|
Special paint
|
||
|
V6 Base, V6 Premium, V8 Premium Sport, V8 Sport
|
$295
|
$257
|
|
Chrome alloy wheels
|
||
|
Base
|
$405
|
$353
|
|
Premium
|
$695
|
$605
|
|
|
||
2003 Lincoln LS Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Lincoln LS 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 114.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 193.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3674 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.0 /181 | 3.9 /240 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 232 @ 6750 | 280 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 220 @ 4500 | 286 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed automatic | 20/26 | 18/25 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Lincoln LS 4-door sedan |
| Rollover Resistance | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 3/36,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Lincoln LS Review:
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