This sedan performs well when driven aggressively. The rear-drive layout means pure steering and balanced, sure-footed handling, helped out by the suspension improvements that were made starting with the 2003 models. Control of noise, vibration and harshness has improved steadily since the LS was introduced, creating a smooth, quiet environment inside.
The V8 engine works great and we prefer it. The increased power improved this Lincoln's credentials as a sports sedan. With 280 horsepower and 286 pounds-feet of torque on tap, the LS V8 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in the low 6-second range. A decade ago that was hot-rod performance and it's still very quick. Moreover, the V8 accelerates quickly at any speed when you jab the gas, whether you do so at 20 mph or 70 mph. Its relatively small displacement compared to other V8s in the class pays dividends, too. Reported at 18 mpg city and 24 highway, the LS V8 has some of the highest EPA mileage ratings among V8-powered luxury cars. The throttle is a bit sensitive at tip-in, so you may need to get used to using a gentle foot when accelerating away from a standstill. Also, there's not much engine braking, so you may find yourself using the brakes a bit more than with European cars.
That said, the LS V6 is no slouch. It has one of the highest specific outputs of any V6 available. That means it delivers more power for its size. With 232 horsepower and 220 pounds-feet of torque, it beats BMW's vaunted 3.0-liter straight-six.
Last year we complained that the five-speed automatic gearbox had a tendency to shift a bit slowly, particularly under hard-throttle downshifts. The LS could still use some improvement here, but refinements to the transmission have smoothed the shifting for 2004. In particular, the improvements are intended to soften the shock when the driver shifts quickly from reverse to drive after backing up.
The Select Shift on the V8 models helps address the shift-speed problem, because it allows the driver to manually change gears by pushing the gearshift lever forward to shift up or by pulling it back to shift down. Yet enthusiast drivers may find a gripe here as well. Similar systems in some other cars will hold the selected gear no matter how high you rev the engine. Run the engine to close to the redline in the LS, and the transmission automatically shifts up whether you want it to or not. On the other hand, that's a savior when you forget you're in the manual mode and forget to shift.
We like the balance between ride comfort and sharp handling the LS delivers. For starters, this sedan has a nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution. To help achieve this balancing act, Lincoln locates the battery in the trunk and uses lightweight aluminum for the hood and front fenders. As a result, it doesn't lean back and lighten the front wheels under hard acceleration (squat), or dive excessively under aggressive braking. We felt some road vibration on the 2003 model we drove and it didn't handle big bumps well, but improvements made to the 2004 model address this. As mentioned, the LS sends its power to the rear wheels rather than the front wheels. While many manufacturers went to front-wheel drive to reduce costs and for packaging reasons, rear-wheel drive is better for high-performance applications and for luxury cars. That's why Formula 1, Indy cars and NASCAR stock cars are rear-wheel drive.
Steering feel is excellent, among the nicest of any car on the road, and steering effort increases smoothly with speed, though sometimes we found we needed to make small corrections at high speeds.
The brakes are excellent and easy to modulate, whether stopping hard or in everyday driving. Models equipped with AdvanceTrac stability control are also equipped with Brake Assist, which can detect emergency braking situations and aid the driver in applying the brakes fully, even if he makes the mistake of relaxing pressure on the brake pedal. Studies have shown that many drivers relax pedal pressure when they feel the anti-lock brakes pulsing; Brake Assist can make the difference between stopping in time to avoid an accident.
Dearborn got this one right. The Lincoln LS benefited from major updates for 2003 and has been refined further for 2004. Trim choices have been simplified, the transmission has been refined and buyers get more color choices inside and out. With improved switchgear, nice leather in all models and high-quality soft plastics, the LS interior meets luxury-grade expectations.
The Lincoln LS remains the sportiest car in Lincoln's line-up, and the one best suited for enthusiast drivers. In any trim level, the LS offers good acceleration and balanced handling, without riding too stiffly. Its rear-wheel-drive layout gives it the feel of a European luxury sedan, and delivers strong value when compared with comparable cars from Europe and Japan. The LS is a solid car irrespective of price; factor in the money left in your pocket rather than the manufacturer's, and it looks even better.
