2005 Lincoln LS Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Lincoln LS shares a platform with the British-built S-Type from Ford subsidiary Jaguar, but differs in styling and equipment. A 232-hp Ford V6 and a 280-hp Jaguar-designed V8 are the engine choices. Both use a 5-speed automatic transmission. V6s come with 16-inch wheels, V8s with 17s and a sport suspension. Front side airbags, ABS, and traction control are standard. Head-protecting curtain side airbags are optional, as is an antiskid system. Also optional are heated rear seats, navigation system, and xenon headlights. Power-adjustable pedals are optional. Heated and cooled front seats are available on all but the base V6 model. Available for V8 Sport is the LSE Appearance Package that includes unique front and rear styling, chrome wheels, spoiler, and interior cues.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, and the Lexus ES 330.

News

Ford is reportedly close to finalizing replacements for the LS and Lincoln's larger Town Car. The apparent plan is to put both models on the new corporate "D3" platform originated by Ford-owned Volvo. The "new LS" would reportedly bow for 2008, the "new Town Car" as a stretched version in early 2008 for model-year 09. The D3 chassis is basically a front-drive design that can accommodate all-wheel drive. We'd guess AWD will be standard for the new-generation Town Car and optional for the next LS, which may restore the Continental name to Lincoln's lineup. But just to confuse matters, there's talk of the current rear-drive Town Car hanging on into 2009 and perhaps a little beyond.

There's no doubt about the new entry-level Lincoln sedan coming for 2006. Named Zephyr, it will be Lincoln's smallest car ever, essentially a luxury version of the Mazda 6 designed by Ford's Japanese affiliate. Ford and Mercury will sell their own versions with less standard equipment and lower prices. Zephyr reportedly bows with Ford's latest "Duratec 30" 3.0-liter V6, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. Optional AWD and a 3.5-liter "Duratec 35" V6 are expected down the road.

2005 Lincoln LS Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V8)	Automatic-transmission performance

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

V6 Premium	V8 Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	7	6.6

Test V8 LS did 6.8 sec 0-60 mph, competitive for the class. V6 LSs adequate in undemanding driving, but considerably slower than V8s. Both engines provide good power in 30-50-mph range, but transmission's indecisive gear selection annoys in light-throttle cruising and its tardy downshifts hamper passing response.

Fuel Economy

V6 Premium	V8 Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	4	4.6

Test V8 models averaged 17.7-19.0 mpg. Test V6 averaged 20.3. Lincoln recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

V6 Premium	V8 Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6.9

Not as composed overall 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 Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	7	7.1

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 the antiskid system for its added measure of safety. Strong stopping power.

Quietness

V6 Premium	V8 Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6.8

Wind noise muted. Minor tire roar on coarse pavement. Engines subdued at cruise, but V6 sounds gruff in aggressive acceleration.

Controls

V6 Premium	V8 Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6	6.7

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 slightly below class standard, though Premium and Ultimate models' wood trim is stately.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

V6 Premium	V8 Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7.4

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. Large door mirrors offset visibility lost to thick rear roof pillars.

Room/Comfort (rear)

V6 Premium	V8 Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.6

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 Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
3	3	4

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 Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
3	4	5.9

LS offers a reasonable array of features, capable road manners, and the least-expensive V8 in the premium midsize 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 Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
56	58	61.6

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		49
Average Score		61
High Score		72

2005 Lincoln LS Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/06/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

V6 Luxury 4-door sedan	$32,640	$30,071	$660

V6 Appearance 4-door sedan	$36,360	$33,419	$660

V6 Premium 4-door sedan	$36,990	$33,986	$660

V8 Sport 4-door sedan	$40,190	$36,866	$660

V8 Ultimate Sport 4-door sedan	$43,590	$39,926	$660

Price note: V6 Appearance requires Appearance Discount Pkg.

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 Luxury

Powertrain

3.0-liter 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/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, 6-way power passenger seat, 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, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 225/55VR16 tires, alloy wheels.

V6 Appearance adds to V6 Luxury:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Front-seat power lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, steering wheel, mirrors), automatic day/night rearview and driver-side mirrors, compass, Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, universal garage-door opener, polished alloy wheels.

V6 Premium adds to V6 Appearance:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Wood interior trim, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: polished alloy wheels.

Alloy wheels.

V8 Sport adds to V6 Premium:

Powertrain

3.9-liter V8 engine, manual-shift capability.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum interior trim.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood interior trim.

Sport suspension, 235/50VR17 tires.

V8 Ultimate adds to V8 Sport:

Safety

Antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Front-seat heating and cooling, power sunroof, wood interior trim.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Chrome alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Appearance Discount Pkg.
Appearance (credit)	$-885	$-770
Standard equipment.

LSE Appearance Pkg.
Sport	$3,395	$2,954
Unique interior and exterior trim, rear spoiler, chrome alloy wheels.

Safety
Curtain side airbags
V6 Appearance, V6 Luxury, V6 Premium, V8 Sport, V8 Ultimate	$545	$474


Antiskid system
Luxury, Appearance, Premium, Sport	$775	$675


Rear-obstacle-detection system
V6 Appearance, V6 Luxury, V6 Premium, V8 Sport, V8 Ultimate	$295	$257


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Appearance, Premium, Sport, Ultimate	$2,995	$2,606
Includes THX sound system. Requires dealer accessory kit.

Power sunroof
Appearance, Premium, Sport	$1,275	$1,110


Front-seat heating and cooling
Appearance, Premium, Sport	$595	$518


Heated rear seats
Premium, Sport, Ultimate	$405	$352


Power-adjustable pedals
Luxury	$125	$109
Appearance, Premium, Sport, Ultimate	$195	$170
Appearance, Premium, Sport, Ultimate include memory.

Wood interior trim
Sport	$495	$431


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights
Appearance, Premium, Sport, Ultimate	$595	$518


Cashmere tri-coat paint
V6 Appearance, V6 Luxury, V6 Premium, V8 Sport, V8 Ultimate	$595	$518
NA Appearance.

White tri-coat paint
V6 Luxury, V6 Premium, V8 Sport, V8 Ultimate	$395	$344
NA Appearance.

Metallic paint
V6 Appearance, V6 Luxury, V6 Premium, V8 Sport, V8 Ultimate	$295	$257


Chrome alloy wheels
Premium	$695	$605

2005 Lincoln LS Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Lincoln LS 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	114.5

Overall Length, in.	194.3

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.

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	17/24

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

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	5

Side Impact, Driver	4

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	1/12,000	--

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

< 2005 Lincoln LS Photos

Also in the 2005 Lincoln LS Review:

Lincoln LS

Lincoln LS Road Test

Lincoln LS Prices & Equipment

Lincoln LS Specs & Safety

Lincoln LS Photos

Lincoln LS Full Review

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