2002 Lincoln LS V-8 Premium

Seeking to broaden the appeal of its decidedly domesticated lineup, Lincoln introduced the Euro-flavored LS to its sedan family for the 2000 model year. Although it shares basic platform architecture with the Jaguar S-Type, the two have no common sheetmetal and little in the way of interchangeable interior trim bits. Aimed squarely at those who relish the basic driving experience rather than those seeking to avoid it, the LS also takes notable steps to distance itself from its own marque-mates, the Continental and Town Car.

Although built on the same platform as the Jaguar S-Type, the LS's unique sheetmetal is notably sportier than that of its Town Car and Continental siblings.

The LS can be had with either of two DOHC engines, a 3.0-liter/220-horsepower V-6 or a 3.9-liter/252-horse V-8. Regardless of motivation, this premium four-door comes packing a mega-roster of standards. Both versions feature leather upholstery, dual power front seats, power tilt/telescoping steering column, dual-zone climate-control system, power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless remote with anti-theft/anti-lockout, cruise control, all-speed traction control, AM/FM/CD with 6-disc in-dash changer and the latest generation of front/front-side airbags.


Step up to the larger engine and the equipment list expands to include an electronic message center, electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, power in place of manual lumbar support on the driver's seat, memory feature on the adjustable steering column, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.


Lincoln's marketing types decided to do a bit of nomenclature changing for the 2002 LS lineup. Former "packages" have been re-designated as models—Base, Convenience, Sport, Premium and top-line LSE. For this encounter, we opted for a V-8 Premium model, currently the best-selling LS variant. Carrying additional features like a Plus-1 wheel/tire upgrade and a power moonroof, it bases at $39,395. Further enhanced with the All-Season Package (Advance Trac stability control and heated seats) and Communications System (voice-activated cell phone plus safety/security services), our test car came in at $42,035, including $610 in destination fees.


While maximizing creature comforts was clearly a prime consideration, optimizing ride and handling prowess played an equally critical role in the development process of the LS. To that end, the engineers started with a solid 1-2 punch that combines a strong, stiff structure with a well-sorted suspension. It's a match-up that endows this midsize Lincoln with a capable, confident feel.