2003 Lincoln LS Review

The LS sedan has lured a decent number of new and younger buyers to Lincoln, which sorely needs them. Improvements to the 2003 version may draw more such customers, although the LS still lacks the pizzazz of a BMW or Jaguar.

The new LS has more power for its V-6 and V-8 engines, revised styling, redone interior, improved handling and braking--besides more useful standard features, such as power-adjustable pedals.

The LS arrived in 1999 as a 2000 model as a fighter of foreign sports sedans, with a rear-drive layout and the same basic platform as the Jaguar S-Type. Handling was sharp, but the car's V-6 was underpowered, styling was forgettable and the interior was functional but plain.

Because rivals such as BMW offered one, the LS was the first Lincoln since 1951 to offer a manual transmission. But the LS hasn't really been considered a BMW rival. One of its problems has been Lincoln's "elderly person'' image, with the average age of the automaker's best-selling Town Car being 70.

The average LS buyer is 51. But sales fell from 51,039 cars in 2000 to 39,787 in 2001 and totaled about the same last year.

Sales this year could improve. Lincoln says more than 500 LS parts are new or redesigned for better performance, improved refinement and greater comfort and convenience.

But the slick manual transmission has been dropped because hardly any LS buyers wanted it--an indication that most considered the LS to be more "American'' than "European.'' Although it shares a chassis with the Jaguar S-Type, the LS still has a definite American-car feel.

The LS now comes only with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift feature.

The old 220-horsepower V-6 needed the manual for decent acceleration, but horsepower of that 3-liter engine has been increased to 232 and it has more torque. Horsepower of the 3.9-liter V-8, which provided much stronger acceleration, has jumped from 252 to 280. And it also has more torque.

I tested the new LS with both dual-overhead-camshaft engines. The V-6 provides much livelier acceleration than its predecessor, and the V-8 delivers much stronger performance. Electronic throttle control and variable valve timing provide smoother and more accurate power delivery.

Fuel economy with the V-6 is an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. It's 18 and 25 with the V-8.

Both engines mate to a responsive five-speed automatic transmission.

The LS always has had above-average handling, thanks partly to its nearly 50-50 weight distribution. The 2003 model does better with new speed-sensitive steering, larger shock absorbers and retuned suspension components. An anti-skid system does a good job of providing added car control in emergency situations. It's standard on the Premium Sport, and a $735 option for the other versions.

Steering is quick, but has the rather artificial feel that characterizes many speed-sensitive units. However, the brake pedal has the right amount of firmness and a nice progressive action. Electronic brake force distribution and brake assist help maintain control during emergency stops.

Most LS buyers order the V-8. But the lighter V-6 version--preferred by many women--feels a little more nimble and costs less.

The LS V-6 comes in $31,860 base trim and $37,420 Premium trim, with such things as a wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel. The V-8 is sold in $40,220 Sport trim and as a $43,520 Premium Sport sedan.

Even the base LS V-6 has virtually all the comfort and convenience equipment expected in a sports-luxury sedan, and it includes those power adjustable pedals. Many potential LS buyers should be happy with it if they don't mind the absence of such things as the wood/leather wheel, which has a wood surface that feels slippery when turning.

The V-8 Sport adds a sport suspension and slightly larger wheels and tires for better handling without affecting the comfortable ride much. The Premium Sport adds the anti-skid system, power sunroof, wood interior trim and chrome alloy wheels. These items are optional for the other versions.

Other options include a $2,995 navigation system and $400 heated rear seats and a $295 rear-obstacle detection system.

Safety features include front side air bags, anti-lock brakes and optional side curtain air bags.

The LS still looks much like its predecessor, and the revised styling doesn't really make the car stand out. There's a new grille, fascia and headlights for a more distinctive "face.'' The trunk lid, taillights and rear fascia look cleaner. Wheels are new, and all models now have dual chrome exhaust tips.

The interior has been spruced up, with available burl walnut and satin nickel trim. However, some materials are lower grade than in some $30,000-plus rivals.

The power front bucket seats are supportive when zipping through curves, and they're offered in heated and cooled form. Gauges are easy to read quickly.

As with Jaguar models, a small parking brake release lever in the console replaces the traditional hand brake lever. It frees console space for a fairly deep storage bin and sliding center armrest--besides room for two good-sized cup holders.

The ignition switch is conveniently put on the dashboard, and climate system controls are large. But sound system controls are only moderately sized and there is no radio-tuning knob.

Oversized door handles allow easy entry to the interior, and four 6-footers easily fit. The cockpit is quiet, but wind noise can be noticeable at highway speeds.

The trunk is long with a low opening, but only small suitcases can sit upright, and manual lid hinges eat up some cargo room.

The latest LS is a more enjoyable European-style sports-luxury sedan, but still seems mainly for the buy-American crowd.

LINCOLN LS
Prices:
$31,860-$43,520

Likes:
More power for V-6 and V-8. Better handling. Roomy. Interior upgrades.

Dislikes:
No head-turner. Long but shallow trunk. Manual transmission has been dropped.