Best Car Reviews - 2000 Lincoln LS

Rate this article Choose 1-5 stars.

Introduction

The 2000 Lincoln LS was an all-new midsize luxury sport sedan aimed at buyers who wanted a more driver-focused alternative to traditional large Lincolns. Its rear-wheel-drive layout, premium-fuel 3.0-litre V6 and five-speed automatic gave it an unusually European-influenced character for the brand, combining leather-lined comfort with balanced handling.

Design and Exterior Features

Rather than being a revision of an earlier Lincoln sedan, the LS arrived as a clean-sheet model with a short-deck, four-door profile, a formal grille and restrained luxury-car detailing. At about 193.9 inches long, it was more compact than the Town Car but retained a substantial road presence. Its crisp body sides, integrated fog lamps and alloy wheels made it look more athletic than previous Lincoln sedans.

Rear-wheel-drive sport-sedan proportions.
Four-door body with seating for five.
Standard 16-inch alloy wheels and available Sport Package 17-inch wheels.
Automatic headlights, fog lamps and heated power mirrors.
Understated Lincoln grille and clean, formal exterior styling.

Interior and Comfort

The LS cabin blended traditional Lincoln touches with a more cockpit-like layout. Leather upholstery, wood-and-leather steering-wheel trim, automatic dual-zone climate control and power front seats gave the V6 automatic a genuinely upscale feel for its era. Front-seat comfort is a strong point, while the rear seat and 13.5-cubic-foot trunk are adequate rather than class-leading.

Leather seating surfaces.
Eight-way power driver seat and six-way power passenger seat.
Dual-zone automatic climate control.
Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.
Remote keyless entry, cruise control and split-folding rear seat.

Performance and Handling

This configuration uses a 3.0-litre DOHC V6 producing 210 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Lincoln estimated 0-60 mph in about 8.0 seconds for the V6, which was competitive for a luxury sedan of its day. The independent suspension, direct steering and rear-drive balance make the LS more engaging on winding roads than many contemporary American luxury cars. Period EPA figures for the V6 automatic were 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, equivalent to approximately 13.8 and 9.8 L/100 km; real-world urban use can be higher.

3.0-litre DOHC V6 with 210 horsepower.
Five-speed automatic transmission.
Rear-wheel drive for balanced handling.
Four-wheel independent suspension.
Approximately 13.8 L/100 km city and 9.8 L/100 km highway by period EPA ratings.

Technology and Connectivity

The 2000 LS predates Bluetooth, smartphone integration, touchscreens and modern driver-assistance systems. Its technology was focused on convenience: an AM/FM cassette stereo, steering-wheel audio controls, automatic climate control, an information display and available SelectShift manual gear selection on equipped automatic models. Buyers should judge surviving electronics by condition rather than expect modern connectivity.

AM/FM cassette audio system with steering-wheel controls.
Automatic dual-zone climate control.
Remote keyless entry and theft-deterrent system.
Available SelectShift manual-control automatic transmission.
No factory smartphone integration, navigation display or modern active safety suite.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes and traction control. Stability control was available on certain models and equipment packages. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the 2000 LS Good in its original moderate-overlap frontal test for models built after February 2000; broad modern crash-test categories were not evaluated.

Dual front airbags.
Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags.
Four-wheel disc anti-lock braking system.
Traction control and available AdvanceTrac stability technology.
IIHS Good original moderate-overlap frontal rating for qualifying post-February 2000 production.

Pricing and Variants

The 2000 LS V6 automatic carried an original MSRP of approximately $31,415, excluding destination charges. The range also included a V6 manual with Sport Package and a more powerful 3.9-litre V8 automatic. Against rivals such as the BMW 528i, Lexus ES 300, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Cadillac Catera, the Lincoln offered competitive equipment and rear-wheel-drive dynamics at a comparatively accessible price, though its long-term dependability reputation was weaker than the Lexus.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Rear-wheel-drive layout gives the LS engaging road manners.
Comfortable leather-trimmed front cabin.
Strong standard V6 output for its era.
Distinctive alternative to common import luxury sedans.
Good original IIHS frontal-test result for qualifying cars.

Cons

Age-related repairs can quickly outweigh a low purchase price.
Fuel economy is modest for a V6 sedan.
No modern infotainment or driver-assistance technology.
Rear-seat and trunk space are not class-leading.
Specialized cooling, electrical and suspension repairs require careful diagnosis.

Maintenance and Common Issues

RepairPal estimates average annual repair and maintenance costs across the Lincoln LS range at about $571, but a 2000 example can cost substantially more depending on mileage, service history and local parts prices. Frequently reported concerns include cooling-system overheating related to the hydraulic fan or water-pump impeller, EGR-system faults, power-steering pump or fluid issues, air-conditioning clutch problems, and suspension or rear-axle-bearing wear. Timing-chain and transmission-condition checks are also important before purchase.

Rating

Overall rating: 7.0/10. Design: 7.5/10. Comfort: 7.5/10. Performance: 7.5/10. Technology: 5.0/10. Safety: 7.5/10. The LS earns credit for its chassis and luxury equipment, but ownership risk and outdated technology limit its score today.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly praises the LS for its ride quality, V6 performance, styling and value as an inexpensive used luxury sedan. The same feedback repeatedly stresses that a documented maintenance history is essential, especially for cooling, suspension, electrical and transmission-related work.

Owners often enjoy the rear-wheel-drive handling and stable highway ride.
The leather interior and front-seat comfort remain appealing.
Many consider the V6 a satisfying compromise between performance and operating cost.
Cooling-system maintenance is a recurring ownership concern.
Buyers advise thorough pre-purchase inspections and a repair budget.

Best Cars in This Category

2000 BMW 528i
2000 Lexus ES 300
2000 Mercedes-Benz C280
2000 Infiniti I30
2000 Cadillac Catera

Summary

The 2000 Lincoln LS V6 automatic is best suited to an enthusiast who wants an affordable, distinctive rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan and is prepared to buy on condition rather than price alone. It remains appealing for its comfortable cabin, attractive design and capable chassis, but only a well-maintained example with evidence of cooling, suspension and drivetrain care represents a sensible value.