Overview

The LS is not only the least expensive Lincoln, it's also the most youthful, with tailored, modern styling and crisp road manners. It's the most European in temperament of the Lincolns. Like luxury sedans from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar, the Lincoln LS uses rear-wheel drive, giving it that classic driving feel. It rides smoothly, yet feels connected to the road.

The V8 engine delivers strong acceleration performance, while the standard V6 has been revised to deliver more power for 2002. The Lincoln LS compares favorably to luxury sports sedans from Europe and Japan, yet it is priced far below them.

Model Lineup

Two engines are available: a 3.0-liter V6 and a 3.9-liter V8. The engines form the basis for the model line, but for 2002 both come with a range of available trim levels.

The standard V6 model ($33,045) is very well equipped. It comes with leather upholstery, side-impact air bags, automatic air conditioning, a five-speed automatic transmission, eight-way power driver's seat, premium sound with an in-dash six-disc CD player, fog lights, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

A V6 Convenience Package ($1185) adds a memory feature for the driver's seat, automatic dimming rear-view mirror, speed and rain-sensitive wipers, and a universal garage-door opener. Opt for V6 Premium Package ($3290) and you get a 12-speaker Alpine Audiophile stereo, premium Nudo leather, 17-inch chrome wheels with P235/50VR17 all-season tires, carpeted floor mats, a cargo net, and other features.

The V6 Sport Package ($1985) comes with P235/50VR17 tires on special wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cell-phone controls, leather shift knob, and color-keyed bumpers; the Alpine Audiophile stereo can be added at no extra charge.

A Sport V6 model comes with a Getrag five-speed manual transmission and retails for $35,055.

V8 models start at $37,220, and come equipped similarly to the V6 Convenience Package. There's also a V8 Sport Package ($855) and a V8 Premium Package ($2175), both equipped similarly to their V6 analogs, except that the manual transmission is not available with the V8.

New for 2002 is the $735 All-Season package, which combines heated front seats with Advance Trac stability control. The Alpine sound system is offered as a stand-alone option for $575. A power moonroof costs $1005, except on Premium models, where it is a no-cost option.

New for 2002 is a $1295 Vehicle Communication Package. This includes a hands-free, voice-activated, digital/analog, Motorola Timeport phone (a Sprint PCS plan is required), plus voice-activated news, weather, sports, and stock quotes. A Safety and Security Services (SOS) button summons emergency roadside assistance (it activates automatically if the air bags are deployed), and an information button connects owners to route guidance

Walkaround

Lincoln LS presents a classy profile with its long wheelbase and chunky rear end. Its angular lines suggest a cross between a BMW and a Mitsubishi Diamante. It is refined without being flamboyant. The LS shares little in appearance with the rest of the Lincoln family, apart from its Lincoln badge and the trademark waterfall-style grille.

Lincoln LS shares some of its chassis architecture with the more expensive Jaguar S-Type. The two cars do not share bodywork, however, so they look nothing alike.

Interior Features

The interior of the Lincoln LS is understated, in a more European style. The seats feel cushy in the Lincoln tradition. They are comfortable, though not as supportive as seats found in Mercedes and BMW sedans. There are no gaudy trim pieces. Instead the interior is cozy and cockpit-inspired.

A canopy shields the instruments. Sound system and climate controls lie in a large centerpiece, easily accessible by either driver or passenger. Most controls work well, though the switchgear does not feel as refined as that of a Mercedes. Also, the LED indicators are too bright in relation to the analog instrument lighting. The six-disc CD changer can be mounted in the dash or in the glovebox. Storage space in the center console is limited.

Realistic burled walnut trim brightens the doors and the area around the controls. All seats are finished in leather. The driver and front passenger seat offer power adjustments. Opt for a trim level with memory seats, and when the ignition is switched off, the driver's seat automatically moves to the back of its track, which makes getting in and out easier. The memory function also maintains seating positions for two people. The remote key fob can be used to open all windows for quick ventilation on hot days.

Rear-seat passengers are taken care of nicely. The rear seats are slightly raised for a better forward view, yet rear-seat headroom, according to Lincoln, is as good as in any car in this class. Legroom is reasonable as long as the front seats are not pushed too far back.