Background:
Lincoln, the up-market division of Ford Motor Co. was feeling like the forgotten child in the luxury playground during the close of the last millennium.
In the early 1990s, the big three Japanese automakers (Toyota, Honda and Nissan) debuted new upscale divisions here in the states aimed squarely at the same audience American icons Lincoln and Cadillac had catered to for years. With strong ad budgets from their corporate parents, Lexus, Acura and Infiniti created quite a buzz and following, stealing the spotlight from America’s traditional luxury leaders.
Recognizing the threat, Lincoln answered its rivals with an all-new, rear-wheel-drive sedan in 1999. The entry-luxury LS signified a new direction for Lincoln as the division began restocking its lineup. In 2003, Lincoln adds many updates to the mid-size LS, boosting its power output and adding more than 500 updated components.
Gone this year is the five-speed manual transmission, not in high demand during the first three years. Additions include one-touch up and down power windows for both front doors, a keyless entry pad on the driver’s side, redesigned center console and an electronic parking brake activated by pulling a tab. Optional this year is a touch screen navigation system housed in the instrument panel.
Lincoln’s 2003 svelte model line also includes the all-new mid-size Aviator sport utility, full-size Navigator SUV and long-running Town Car sedan. Both the Town Car and Navigator were also completely redesigned in the 2003 model year. Five years ago, the Lincoln lineup looked completely different and consisted of three vehicles: Continental, Mark VIII and Town Car. The LS is hands-down the most exciting vehicle to pilot in the current Lincoln lineup.
The LS shares many traits and an automotive platform with the all-wheel drive premium Jaguar S-Type. Jaguar is also owned and operated by Ford Motor Co. Ford assembles the LS in Wixom, Mich. outside of Detroit.
Engine/trim level:
The Lincoln LS (not to be confused with the premium luxury LS 430 from rival Lexus) is available with the choice of V-6 or V-8 power. This year, both are mated with a five-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower in the 3.0-liter V-6 checks in at 232, 12 more than last year while the 3.8-liter V-8 cranks out 280 horses, up 28 from a year ago. All LS editions hold 18 gallons of 91-octane recommended unleaded fuel. The V-6 engine averages 20 miles per gallon in city travel and 26 m.p.g. highway. The larger engine lists miles per gallon at 18 city and 25 highway.
The V-6-powered LS comes in Base and Premium trim levels while V-8 models come with the choice of sport and sport-premium editions.
Other V-6 vehicles in this class have comparable horsepower. A 2003 V-6 CTS cranks out 220 horses while a 2003 Acura TL V-6 lists horsepower at 225.
Down the road in the 2004 model year, Lincoln introduces a special edition LSE based off the V-8 sport package featuring seventeen-inch seven spoke wheels, all-red tail lamps and special interior nuances. It’s set to arrive this December.
Standard equipment:
As with most luxury and entry-luxury editions, the LS includes many popular features standard. Included in the price of admission are four-wheel independent suspension, five-speed automatic transmission, rear window defogger, power windows, mirrors and locks, speed proportional power steering, cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, dual climate control with air conditioning and AM/FM/cassette/compact disc stereo.
Options include a touch screen navigation system, heated and cooled front bucket seats, one-touch power moonroof, rain sensing front windshield wipers and a wider range rear parking sensor.
Price:
Lincoln supplied the Daily Herald with a green, V-6 Premium LS. Base price checked in at $37,260. After factoring in extras including extended rear park assist ($295) and 16-inch 11-spoke chrome wheels ($695), the bottom line ended up at $39,620 after factoring in a $635 destination charge. A Base V-6 edition checks in at $31,860 while a Sport V-8 lists at $40,220. The most opulent LS, a V-8 Premium Sport checks in at $43,520.
By comparison, a V-6 2003 Cadillac CTS starts at $30,000 while a 2003 V-6 Acura TL sedan checks in at $28,980.
Inside:
The instrument panel consists of two large, centered, half circle analog displays with the tachometer on the left and speedometer to the right. A smaller fuel gauge is to the right while a diminutive temperature indicator flanks the left side.
Headlights activate from a dial on the dashboard’s far left side. On the level below are two push buttons unlocking the fuel door and trunk. The front windshield wiper activates from the turn signal stalk. The ignition cylinder is also on the dash just to the right of the steering column. The steering wheel is home to cruise control functions and secondary sound system buttons.
One area needing tweaking concerns the front bucket seats. While comfortable and supportive, these power seats do not travel back as far as other power seats, limiting front leg room. Headroom throughout is commendable.
Between the front bucket seats are inline beverage holders and the square, electronic parking brake tab. Towards the back is a large, storage bin/arm rest with a rear hinge so the top flips back when gaining access to the storage area.
Power window controls for all four doors and the two outside power mirrors are found at the front of the driver’s door arm rest. Power lock buttons are in front of the chrome handle. The rear view mirror included a digital compass with green illumination tucked inside the upper corner. The dashboard includes dark wood nuances with brushed aluminum enhancements surrounding the sound system in the middle.
Back seat leg room is also a bit tight. Three riders can fit in back but for long journeys, two would be most comfortable. A fold down armrest in back is home to dual beverage holders. The seatback folds down with a 60/40 split. The back rests first must be unlocked via trunk-located pull tabs. The cavernous, long trunk at 13.5 cubic feet features curved inside hinges that could crunch cargo not positioned in the right spot. The CTS offers 12.8 cubic feet of trunk space while the Acura TL offers a bit more room at 14.3 cubic feet.
Outside:
Styling of this four-door sedan remains on the conservative side. The S-Type sister vehicle from Jaguar has a bit more front-end pizzazz. All four strap-like door handles and the side-view mirrors are body colored. The side-view mirrors are the type that fold in when brushed against, a convenient feature not found on some Ford products.
The front grille consists of a series of vertical slates creating a waterfall-type design with the vertical Lincoln logo in the middle. Band-like headlight housing surrounds the center piece. The circular, locking fuel door is on the passenger-side rear fender. Sixteen inch tires and wheel come standard.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 114.5 inches
Overall length: 193.9 inches
Overall width: 73.2 inches
Overall height: 56.1 inches
Curb weight: 3,674 pounds
Warranty:
Lincoln’s basic and powertrain warranties are good for four years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first). Roadside assistance is covered for the same duration. Rust/corrosion coverage is five years with unlimited miles.
Safety features:
Standard features include dual front air bags, side air bags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control, theft deterrent system, child safety rear door locks and keyless remote entry. |