2003 Lincoln LS: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.