2003-2006 Lincoln LS: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Acceleration (V8)
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 58 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2003-2006 Lincoln LS includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2003-2006 Lincoln LS and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2003-2006 Lincoln LS is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 58 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| 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 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2006 | |||
| LS V8 Sport | $17,500-19,500 | $16,100-17,900 | $11,200-12,500 |
| 2005 | |||
| LS V6 | $11,800-13,200 | $10,600-11,900 | $6,600-7,400 |
| LS V8 | $14,000-15,500 | $12,700-14,100 | $8,500-9,500 |
| 2004 | |||
| LS V6 | $10,300-11,500 | $9,300-10,400 | $5,500-6,100 |
| LS V8 | $12,300-13,700 | $11,100-12,300 | $7,000-7,800 |
| 2003 | |||
| LS V6 | $9,000-10,000 | $8,100-9,000 | $4,700-5,200 |
| LS V8 | $10,500-11,700 | $9,500-10,500 | $5,600-6,200 |
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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 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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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%. Sideimpact 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%.








