2002 Lincoln LS Review
2002 Lincoln LS Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+56
Used LS for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Confident steering and handling, choice of either a V6 or V8 engine, comfortable and roomy interior, clean exterior design.
Cons
- Acute lack of interior storage space, V8's transmission isn't as good as expected, questionable build quality.
What’s new
The LS' already handsome appearance can be further enhanced with the LSE appearance package that includes 17-inch two-tone Blade Grey wheels, a unique front fascia, round foglights, modified Blade Grey grille with color-keyed upper trim piece, side rocker panels and rear valance, low profile spoiler, dual stainless-steel exhaust tips and LSE floor mats. Lincoln makes an in-dash CD changer standard for 2002 (with Alpine Audiophile components on Sport models) and restyles the 16-inch alloy wheels on non-Sport V6 and V8 versions. A Vehicle Communication System, which provides a voice-activated Motorola Timeport mobile phone, is optional and includes safety and security services, route guidance and access to weather reports, stock quotes and sports scores. Three new colors replace three old ones.
Edmunds says
Dynamically, Lincoln has nailed the suspension and steering we love in European sport sedans, and with BMW 5 Series size at a 3 Series price, we see why the LS is winning entry-luxury buyers over. But there is work to do, namely with regard to the automatic transmission and weak interior materials.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Lincoln LS 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$299/mo for LS Base
LS Base
vs
$187/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Is it possible to create a car that melds American luxury with European driving dynamics? Sure. Lincoln proves it with the remarkable LS.
One of our favorite entry-level luxury sedans, the LS is Lincoln's most advanced vehicle in terms of technology and engineering, and it is attracting a much younger clientele than Lincoln dealerships are traditionally used to seeing.
While many entry-luxury sedans are just warmed-over versions of lower-level cars (for example, the Infiniti I30's basis is the Nissan Maxima), the rear-drive LS shares its platform with the more upscale Jaguar S-Type.
From the start, Lincoln aimed the LS squarely at the European brands and, specifically, BMW buyers. Total success eludes them, but the LS is closer to the bull's eye than any domestic offering in history.
Buyers can select from one of two engines that both meet LEV standards. The first is a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 210 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 205 pound-feet of torque at 4,750 rpm. It is offered with either a five-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. But with a 3,600-pound curb weight, the LS V6 is somewhat underpowered (given the car's sporting intentions). Fortunately, Lincoln also offers an LS V8.
That car's DOHC 32-valve 3.9-liter eight-cylinder generates 252 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 261 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm. Power delivery is smooth and linear. Zero-to-60 acceleration with the V8 is a quick 7.2 seconds. The standard five-speed automatic hobbles the engine, however. It is often befuddled, and shifts made using the Sportshift automanual mode (available with the Sport package) lag noticeably. Lincoln has been trying to fix this confused five-speed autobox since the LS' introduction, but during our most recent drive of a 2001 LS V8 Sport model, it still wasn't shifting entirely right.
Handling ability is very good, especially when the LS is equipped with the optional Sport package. The steering is quick and communicative. Ride quality can sometimes be harsh, but overall, the Lincoln strikes a nice balance between luxury and performance. Traction control is standard, and the AdvanceTrac stability control system is optional.
Inside, the LS offers a decent selection of luxury features. The usual suspects are all present, from leather seating surfaces and premium sound to dual-zone climate controls and a driver-preference memory system for seats, mirrors and the steering wheel. Lincoln also offers a standard six-disc in-dash CD changer. A navigation system is MIA, but for 2002, buyers can opt for a new Vehicle Communication System (VCS), which offers route guidance, stock quotes, weather reports and sports scores. VCS also notifies authorities when you need help if you press the overhead "SOS" button, and does so automatically if the airbags deploy.
The Lincoln's looks are derivative of sporty European sedans, which means that it's attractive. This year, opting for the LSE appearance package means modifications to the front fascia and the addition of rocker panels, two-tone wheels, a rear spoiler and dual exhaust pipes.
Primary gripes, other than those associated with the automatic transmission, surround the quality of the materials that go into the construction of the LS and the meager cabin storage space. Minor points aside, the LS is an impressive car. Plunk down $30,000 to $40,000, and you basically get a European sedan with a domestic nameplate and copious interior space. If every American carmaker that tried to take on the Europeans succeeded to the extent the LS does, maybe the Big Three's market share wouldn't be eroding at such an alarming rate.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Lincoln LS.
5 star(73%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
135 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Love my car but it is breaking me!
csmorgan, 10/04/2010
2002 Lincoln LS Premium 4dr Sedan (3.9L 8cyl 5A)
Where oh where do I begin? I bought this car in 2008 with 70k miles on it from the Ford dealership. I have replaced 4 coils, 4 plugs, 1 valve cover gasket seal, one headlight assembly due to a bad seal, clock spring due to airbag light (that worked for about a year now the airbag light is back on), front brake pads, and now the power steering pump is leaking fluid somewhere.
3.75 out of 5 stars
2002 Lincoln LS V8 (2nd review)
vkmaxima, 10/31/2013
2002 Lincoln LS Sport 4dr Sedan (3.9L 8cyl 5A)
This is my second review of my LS. I've owned it a little over a year now, and I still like it. The fuel economy is not the best, but then again it is a V8. I average anywhere from 13-15 mpg city, and 17-22 mpg highway on 91 octane fuel. In this past year I've change all four tires, rear brakes and rotors, alternator, air filter, cabin filter, and a few bulbs. Now I have to fix both … front upper control arms,spark and coil plugs,and clock-spring. I purchased this car with 167k miles, so obviously repairs were expected, but I now have 183k. That's 16k miles in one year, I like to drive a lot. I use Pennzoil Synthetic Blend 5W-30 instead of 5W-20, it runs much smoother. Overall a good car.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Great Car
likeusluxury, 07/29/2012
2002 Lincoln LS LSE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
My 2nd LS. I had a 2004 LS. I bought a 2002 LS for my daughter. Bought both used. Highly recommend. My daughter loves her car. Fun to drive. Highly reliable. Safe.
Between the 2 cars have over 100,000 miles with only one issue at all. If you can get one, get it. You will not be sorry.
4.38 out of 5 stars
I love it, but it's cursed
Kristy, 07/09/2010
2002 Lincoln LS 4dr Sedan (3.9L 8cyl 5A)
Keep in mind, I have bought it with 178,000 miles on it at a very good price. Nothing but problems so far. I have barely been able to drive it. The transmission was bad. Replaced rack and pinions, all front control arms, hydraulic fan, hydraulic pump, power steering pump, and driver's side window regulator. I'm hoping after the control arms are replaced I will be able to finally drive … it. Plus, my air bag light is on. Also, my check engine light is on due to a leak in a HVac hose somewhere. All I say is keep up with the maintenance on this car.
2002 LS Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $33,320 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $299/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the LS include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
Related Used 2002 Lincoln LS info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Audi E Tron 2021 Review
- Audi E Tron Sportback 2021 Review
- Audi A8 2020 Review
- Audi A8 2021 Review
- Audi E Tron Sportback 2020 Review
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2024 Ford Transit Wagon
- BMW 2 Series 2023
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- 2023 Ram Pickup 3500
- 2024 BMW 2 Series
- MINI Countryman 2023
- 2024 Boxster
- 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster
- Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van For Sale
- 2024 Macan
Research other models of Lincoln
- 2023 Lincoln MKC
- Lincoln Navigator SUV For Sale
- Lincoln MKC 2023
- 2025 Lincoln Aviator
- Lincoln Corsair
- 2023 Navigator
- Lincoln Aviator
- 2023 Lincoln Nautilus
- 2023 Lincoln Aviator
Research similar vehicles
- 2024 Elantra N
- Lexus Es300
- Audi A7 Audi
- 2024 Chevrolet Camaro
- Acura Il X
- Hyundai Elantra 2023
- 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia
- 2023 Dodge Challenger
- 2024 Toyota Mirai
- Car I4
Other models
- Used Bentley Continental-Gt3-R in Downers Grove, IL
- New BMW X4-M for Sale in Brighton, CO
- New Nissan Sentra for Sale in Niles, MI
- Used Cadillac Cts-Coupe in Woodbridge, VA
- Used Rolls-Royce Wraith in Manor, TX
- Used Lincoln Continental in Manitowoc, WI
- New Subaru BRZ for Sale in Simpsonville, SC
- New GMC Sierra-2500Hd for Sale in Wheaton, IL
- Used Bentley Flying-Spur in Irving, TX
- New BMW X3 for Sale in Caldwell, ID