Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2003-2006 Lincoln LS Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Lincoln LS. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Lincoln LS.
2003-2006 Lincoln LS Review
More powerful engines, newly available features, revised styling, and additional sound-deadening measures updated Lincoln's near-luxury sedan for 2003. The LS sedan shared its platform with the British-built Jaguar S-Type, but differed in styling and equipment. Jaguar was a Ford subsidiary. The Ford V6 engine added 12 horsepower for 2003, while the Jaguar-designed V8 gained 28 horsepower. Both engines came with a five-speed automatic transmission. The manual transmission, formerly offered with the V6 engine, was dropped. Front side airbags, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, and traction control were standard. An antiskid system was optional. Later in the year came optional curtain side airbags. Other new options included cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a navigation system, and xenon high-intensity headlights. Power-adjustable pedals and one-touch power front windows were newly standard. Ford claimed that noise levels were reduced, due to more effective sound insulation. Styling changes included a new grille surround and front fascia, new taillights and rear decklid, and restyled wheels. Interior appointments also were updated. Lincoln's LS competed against the Acura TL, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Lexus ES 300/330.
Year to Year Changes
2004 Lincoln LS: Minor suspension revisions and available satellite radio highlighted the 2004 changes. V6 models rode on 16-inch wheels, while V8s got 17-inch wheels and sport suspension. Head-protecting curtain side airbags were optional. Heated and cooled front seats were available on all but the base V6 model. Satellite radio was a new dealer-installed option. Lincoln said suspension revisions for 2004 reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. Later in the model year, an LSE appearance package became available, including unique front and rear styling, chrome wheels, a spoiler, and special interior cues.
2005 Lincoln LS: Little changed on Lincoln's near-luxury sedan for the 2005 model year. Once again, an LSE Appearance Package was available, for the V8 Sport model.
2006 Lincoln LS: There are no significant changes for the LS in 2006.
2003-2006 Lincoln LS Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (V8) Automatic-transmission performance
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Performance depends upon the engine. A test V8 LS accelerated to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is competitive for the class. Lincoln's V6 models are adequate in undemanding driving, but considerably slower than V8s. Both engines provide good power in the crucial 30-50 mph range, but the transmission's indecisive gear selection annoys in light-throttle cruising and its tardy downshifts hamper passing response. Test V8 models have averaged 17.7 to 19 mpg, versus 20.3 mpg for a V6 sedan. Lincoln recommends premium fuel for both engines. Although its ride is less composed overall than European rivals, the LS is comfortable enough over most bumps. Minor impacts from tar strips and expansion joints are fairly well-masked. Ride quality differs little with the V8's larger tires and tauter sport suspension. Operating with good grip and steering feel, the LS offers reasonably well-checked body lean. Lincoln's sedan is capable and balanced in twists and turns. The V8's sport suspension and larger tires enhance response. For an added measure of safety, look for an LS with the antiskid system, to combat skids in turns. Brakes offer strong stopping power. Engines are subdued at cruise, but the V6 sounds gruff during aggressive acceleration. Wind noise is muted, though minor tire roar occurs on coarse pavement. Clear gauges are a bonus. The climate system is mounted low, with a small display, but is easy to use. Lincoln's navigation touch-screen absorbs most audio functions, but with less complexity than most. Most interior materials fall slightly below the class standard, though the Premium and Ultimate models' wood trim is stately. Firm, comfortable front seats deliver ample leg room, but the sunroof cuts into head clearance. Heating and cooling is a pleasant feature, which can be preset to maintain the same temperature as the automatic climate system. Large door mirrors offset visibility lost to thick rear roof pillars. Rear passengers have no surplus of foot space or knee clearance, but the seat is set back enough to accommodate most adults, though two is the practical limit. Tall passengers may find their heads brushing against the sloping roof. Only small suitcases can stand upright in the shallow trunk. Fore/aft length is limited, and bulky lid hinges can crunch cargo. A center-console switch controls the parking brake, freeing space for console storage and a large armrest.
Value for the Money
Lincoln's LS offers a reasonable array of features, capable road manners, and the least-costly V8 in the premium midsize class. Sales have been slow, reflecting the car's unexceptional interior decor and relative lack of cachet compared to similarly-priced rivals. Of course, that could be good news for used-car shoppers, because resale values are somewhat on the low side.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
V8 Ultimate w/navigation system Rating
Performance 7
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 7
Steering/Handling/Braking 7
Quietness 7
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 6
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 4
Total: 58
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
2003-2006 Lincoln LS Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Brake lights: Water can get into the backup lights through the license plate housing which must then be replaced. (2003-04)
Check-engine light: The check engine light and the wrench icon may light up because of a failure of the throttle position sensor. (2003-04)
Interior trim: The headliner may droop in the rear because the Velcro fastener comes off. (2003-04)
Seat: The climate controlled seats may stop working because the seat cushion crushes or the ducts may come loose. (2003-04)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $850
Alternator $540
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $2,550
Brakes $870
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $0
Constant Velocity Joints $1,950
Exhaust System $765
Radiator $780
Shocks and/or Struts $2,990
Timing Chain or Belt $1,340
NHTSA Recall History
2005: Fuel tank may crack because of localized thin wall section, creating potential for fuel leakage and odor.
2003-2006 Lincoln LS Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
2003
LS V6 $12,000-13,000 $10,800-11,700 $6,700-7,300
LS V8 $14,200-15,500 $12,900-14,100 $8,700-9,500
2004
LS V6 $13,500-14,700 $12,300-13,400 $8,000-8,700
LS V8 $16,000-17,500 $14,600-15,900 $10,200-11,200
2005
LS V6 $15,200-16,500 $13,800-15,000 $9,600-10,400
LS V8 $18,000-19,500 $16,600-17,900 $11,500-12,500
2006
LS V8 Sport $22,000-24,000 $20,200-22,100 $14,300-15,600
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
2003-2006 Lincoln LS Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification 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. 3681
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.
Powertrain Options and Availability
Two engines have been available under LS hoods: a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 232 horsepower, and a 3.9-liter V8 that makes 280 horsepower. Both engines mate only with a five-speed automatic.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
dohc V6 3.0 / 181 232 220 5-speed automatic: 20/17 5-speed automatic: 20.3
dohc V8 3.9 / 240 280 286 5-speed automatic: 18/25 5-speed automatic: 17.7
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test 2004 LS
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 4
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%.
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Car Buying Resources

Trade-In Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth

Trade-In Calculator



Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer
Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.



What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn things



Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance



Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers
Sell Your Car
    Find a Used Car
Price Range:
to
 Radius:
    Vehicle History Report

FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before you buy.