2002 Lincoln LS V-8 Premium

Specifics of the subframe-mounted underpinnings include a double-wishbone/coil-spring assembly at each wheel, front/rear anti-roll bars, speed-sensitive variable power rack-and-pinion steering and standard 215/60HR16 tires on satin-finish aluminum wheels. On our car, these were replaced by the optional 235/50VR17 rubber wrapped around chrome-plated alloys. Also augmenting its already impressive potential was the optional Advance Trac stability package.


Although the ride tends to be a bit harsher and road noise a tad more audible than one might anticipate in a Lincoln-badged product, the payback easily justifies this modest cost to anyone who demands the driving dynamics of a true sport sedan. Exhibiting a palpably European flavor to its handling dynamic, the LS tracks cleanly and precisely through corners to an impressively high limit. When the inevitable transition to understeer does occur, it takes only a judicious bit of drop-throttle to help bring the tail around and set the nose back on course.

Powerplant choices are a 220-horse 3.0-liter V-6 or this all-aluminum 3.9-liter V-8, which produces 252 horses.

Playing an equally critical role to ensure the LS scores well in the fun-to-drive category is a free-revving V-8. This all-aluminum motivator shares its bottom end with the renowned Jaguar AJ-V8 but is fitted with a bespoke induction system and cylinder heads. Dip into the throttle and it responds with a lusty exhaust note duly accompanied by a brisk spurt of acceleration that helps propel the top-echelon LS from 0-60 mph in just a hair over seven seconds. Unlike the V-6, which can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic, the V-8 comes backed only by the latter gearbox. However, that proved a modest handicap at best. In addition to delivering smooth, positive shifts when left to its own devices, this slick shifter also permits do-it-yourself gear-changing via an auxiliary gate.


Rounding out the LS's packaging recipe is a well-finished and well-proportioned passenger compartment. Swathed in supple leather and a mix of real and faux-wood accent trim, it's a secure, inviting sanctum in which to spend quality driving time. There's decent room for full-fledged adults in both the fore and aft quarters—although occupants of the former realm admittedly have the more desirable perches when it comes to both head and leg room.

Comfortable and classy, the LS's interior includes the requisite doses of supple leather and wood trim (some of which is actually real).

Save for the heating/air-conditioning controls residing a bit low in the dash, all of the main switchgear is fairly well positioned for easy use. Modestly scaled in comparison to some of its rivals, the LS's 13.5 cubic-foot cargo bay still offers plenty of room for a pair of golf bags with overall utility being further enhanced by a 60/40 split-folding rear seatback. One final element of note is the car's premium-grade warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile basic coverage that includes the Lincoln Complementary Maintenance Program and a roadside-assistance package over the same period.