2003 Lincoln LS Review

Specifications

A True Hot-Rod Lincoln

When Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airman sang about a hot rod Lincoln back in the 70s, they could never have imagined that in 2003 the Lincoln LS would still be “settin the pace”. And according to Lincoln, that pace is quicker than that of a BMW 540i.

Not only is Lincoln claiming pink-slip rights over the German benchmark, the domestic luxury maker is also claiming superior handling to the world renowned Bavarian. With advertising like that, what could a skeptical auto journalist do but book out the LS V8 and go BMW hunting.

Although there was no opportunity to square-off against any Bavarian metal, my ability to give the four-door American icon a good workout wasnt impeded. One stab of the gas pedal confirmed that this is not your fathers Lincoln, nor your uncles or anyone elses that might prefer comfort over performance. This is a purpose-built performance sedan designed for the exec that has outgrown his 5-liter Mustang and now seeks prestige, comfort and get-up-and-go in a four-door package.

Slipping behind the wheel of the LS and cranking the key that breathes life into the 3.9 liter V8 is exhilarating for the first time. My mind raced with anticipation as I awaited the rumble of all eight-cylinders coming to life. But hold everything, this is a Lincoln?! There is no rumble, only the very quiet operation of a well-muted engine and exhaust system. That is, of course, until the tachometer reads 4,000 or better and my foot was glued to the floor. As Commander Cody so eloquently put it, “thats all there is and there aint no more.”

And when there aint no more, the Variable Valve Timing will ensure that every last ounce of horsepower is being squeezed from the 4-valve per cylinder, fuel injected Lincoln power plant. Along with that horsepower comes an ear-pleasing un-Lincoln-like growl.

For 2003, Ford redesigned more than 500 components and systems in the Lincoln LS in an effort to meet or beat the performance thresholds set by the BMW 5 Series. Again, according to Lincoln advertising the 03 LS is faster than the BMW 540i and better handling. After a couple of weeks behind the wheel, it lends credibility to those claims.

Although most of the redesigns applied to engine and suspension components, many applied to interior and exterior changes. For instance, the new model features twice as much stowage, sophisticated new trim materials (including real wood) and optional features such as heated and cooled seats. Depending on the setting, warm or cool air is emitted through the perforated leather seat cushion and seat backs of both front seats. This is a feature that I became rather smitten with in a hurry.

Although air-conditioning can effectively cool a human seated before the vents, cool air enveloping ones backside and thoracic area is the automotive equivalent to a refreshing dip in a cool stream. In fact, the sensation is comparable to that of sitting in a puddle, well so Im told. However when the setting is switched to “heat,” the same perforations emit a warm flow of air that can only be likened to a warm bath, or warm puddle, but lets not go there.

It would take a fairly keen eye to identify the interior design changes for 2003. Overall, the interior design is very functional, sporty and appealing. A comprehensive set of gauges is boldly positioned beneath a half-round hood. They are easy to read at a glance and are nicely illuminated during the evening. A center stack of controls, including a combination audio/navigation screen, flow smoothly downward and blend with the center console.

The center console is substantial in size and houses two large cup holders that securely hold small and large sized cups snuggly in place, which you will see is important when we talk handling. The electronic brake application and release lever is also situated on the center console. This is a nifty little setup that applies and releases the emergency brake at the flick of a finger.

Unfortunately fit and finish in the LS wasnt in keeping with the high-end image Lincoln is hoping to associate with its hot rod. A quick scan of the interior uncovered a roof liner that was detached from a fastener intended to hold it snug against the upper edge of the rear window. Also noticed was a slight misalignment of lower dash panels that resulted in a narrow, imprecise gap. These are definitely minor quibbles, but when the Lincoln nameplate is attached most expect a higher level of refinement.

And in many ways, the Lincoln delivers perfection. The most unique and cleverly designed aspect of the LS interior is the combination audio/navigation screen. Although I am not a fan of multi-function controls, after a few minutes of monkeying about with the touch-screen buttons I managed to master the computer-geek technology.

In the audio mode, the touch-screen enables listeners to easily select an audio medium and contour the sound to what can only be described as awesome. The premium sound system in the LS is the auto industrys first THX Certified Ultra Premium Car Audio System. This is the same sound technology that rattles your fillings in many movie theaters. The optional THX system includes an AM/FM receiver and an in-dash six-disc CD changer. A total of 10 speakers, including four high-sensitivity two-way speakers and two subwoofers, deliver one of the best sound packages of any production automobile, bar none.

And if the sound quality isnt enough to make you say, “shaazam”, the method of loading the CDs will. With the touch of a small button at the base of the screen, servo motors dislodge the screen from the dash and pivot it forward exposing the slot to load and unload CDs. Touching the button again reverses the process and the screen smoothly resumes its position.

As mentioned, this nifty screen also displays the navigation system, which features voice prompt technology. As you motor along your merry way, a pleasant sounding voice (female I believe) gives you verbal directions to assure you arrive safely at your destination. The beauty of this system is that you can ignore the sweet voice without fear of wrath. If you miss a turn, the electronic companion quickly adapts to the diversion and offers up a revised route. Not a word of criticism is ever uttered.

Exterior styling nicely blends the design cues of performance and prestige. To the educated eye, there are plenty of clues to support the performance characteristics of the LS. Take for example the 17-inch wheels and low-profile 235/50VR17 tires, combined with the chrome exhaust tips peeking out from beneath the corners of the rear bumper.

Yes, Lincoln could have thrown on a wild body kit to emphasize the performance image of the 2003 LS, but fortunately they resisted the temptation, and I might say with my full support. If you own an LS you wont need to brag about its performance capabilities, Lincoln advertising will do that for you.

When swooping through tight hairpins and effortlessly ascending the steepest of mountain passes there is something gratifying about knowing that the heart of a wolf beats beneath the conservative, well-refined image of the LS.

“Swooping through hairpins,” in a Lincoln you ask? You bet I confidently reply. The LS was recognized as a superb handling sports sedan from day one. Fast forward to the 2003 LS V8, Sport or Premium Sport model, and youll have seated yourself in the cockpit of a razor-sharp handling sedan that attaches itself to the roadway like the painted center-line.

Acceleration and tenacious handling are the two main attributes to this hot rod Lincoln. The 280-horses generated by the potent V8 come to work early and stay late, meaning the torque is there whenever required. This isnt an engine that only puts out when nearing redline or runs out of breath in the same zone. Its powerband is very flat and linear. Acceleration doesnt peak and valley as it does in many cars that claim lots of horsepower.

Also if not properly transmitted to the wheels through the well spaced gear ratios, the engines power and torque can be severely compromised. Not so in the LS. The engineers have found gear-ratio nirvana, with first arriving and departing in a blur, at which point second gear kicks in and maintains the thrill-ride briefly before third gear takes the reins without missing a beat. As a general observation, I would say the LS gear ratios feel on the low side; when most cars are still winding out first gear, the Lincoln is likely well into second gear and on its way to third. Such gear ratio manipulation is one of the benefits of a five-speed transmission. The extra gear or two enable engineers to maximize acceleration without compromising highway fuel efficiency.

The LS automatic transmission can be shifted manually in the Sequential Sport Shift mode, which functions smoothly and switches gears quickly. I did however note some hesitation when reapplying the gas after stopping or slowing for a tight turn. I couldnt detect whether the engine was letting me down momentarily or the transmission was having a moment of indecisiveness. Either way, this detraction from the overall solid performance of the drivetrain was a minor irritation.

Thankfully there is no indecisiveness in terms of handling. The LS feels hard-wired to your senses. Steering inputs are immediately acted upon without objection or unnecessary tire squeal. The LS remains flat when pushed hard in the corners. Over-steer seems non-existent thanks to a rock-solid chassis and an excellent front to rear weight distribution of 53:47 percent.

Of course, all that handling capability comes with a commensurate sacrifice in ride quality. Its four-wheel independent suspension is tuned toward performance, so expect to feel the majority of road imperfections. Actually, when factoring in that this is not a lowered custom-tuned compact sport model, despite the phat THX audio system, its overly harsh suspension doesnt befit a Lincoln or any luxury sedan for that matter. As a direct comparison to the 540i, that manages comparable performance stats, the LS sport is nowhere near as refined. I believe the engineers at Lincoln need to scratch their heads, sharpen their pencils, and in the end refine the suspension settings in a way that meet the handling expectations without increasing the demand for chiropractic care.

If riding on a cloud is your idea of a Lincoln, the LS V8 with the Sport Package, a $4065 option, is not the car for you. You may be happier in a regular V8 or for that matter a less powerful V6 version of the LS.

Regardless of suspension choice, all LS buyers will expect their Lincolns to stop quickly and precisely, time after time. Again they wont be disappointed. The four-wheel power assisted vented disc brakes on the LS are big and bountiful. At 11.8-inches up front and 11.3-inches at the rear, repeated stops are relatively fade free, even considering its substantial 1,703 kg (3,768 lb) curb weight. The anti-lock technology, standard on the LS, did an excellent job of modulating braking effort in order to prevent lock-up and a possible loss of control.

During acceleration or in emergency situations, electronic systems such as AdvanceTrac electronic stability and traction control, along with electronic brake force distribution and Brake Assist help maintain control. These are excellent features when the driving gets dicey due to wet or icy roads, which in Canada is often the norm.

Other safety equipment includes an optional side-curtain airbag system in addition to the standard dual front and side-impact airbags. Second generation advanced driver and front passenger airbags are equipped with occupant position, weight and seatbelt usage sensors as part of the Personal Safety System.

It is reassuring that all occupants are protected by the latest in safety technology, but the pleasure of driving the LS goes well beyond safety. My Premium Sport model was equipped with every conceivable option including rain-sensing wipers, rear backup warning sensor, a perimeter lighting package and memory settings for the power seats and pedals.

All models of the LS are so well equipped that regardless of which version is selected, very few options are available. That makes sense to me, as a Lincoln isnt the sort of car that should be sparsely optioned. I hate the snowballing price-tag associated with ticking a bunch of option boxes just to ensure your luxury car is appropriately equipped.

In Canada the 2003 LS V8 arrives in the following versions: Convenience, Sport, Premium and Premium Sport. In the U.S. the LS V8 is only divided into two models, the Sport and Sport Premium for 2003. There is very little difference between these packages. In 2004, the Premium Sport package will be renamed the Ultimate package in both Canada and the U.S.

So is an LS V8 for you? Well, if you crave the performance and driving dynamics of a BMW 540i, but want to save some dough over the cost of Germanic heritage, the associated prestige and higher build quality, the LS V8 may be the perfect compromise. You will save dough and meet or beat the performance thresholds of the 540i, but unfortunately youll have to sacrifice some of the refinement embodied in the Bavarian marque.

If the BMW 540i is the diamond, the LS V8 is the diamond in the rough. I have no doubt that the LS can meet or even beat the 2003 540i in all-out acceleration and handling tests, but it does so with the aforementioned quality issues. Its performance edge most likely will not be relevant when compared to BMWs all-new 2004 model, that includes a more powerful V8 engine.

That being said, dont walk away thinking the LS V8 is anything other than a true hot rod Lincoln that is as thrilling to drive as any other luxury sports sedan in production anywhere in the world. Whats even more impressive is that the Lincoln is set free for a fraction of the ransom demanded by some of its European rivals.

The LS V8 starts at $47,645, with the Sport Package raising the price to $51,710. Add on the Premium Package and the price jumps to $53,675, while the full-load total with the Premium Sport Package is $56,710. Its possible to shoot the price up even higher with the navigation THX audio package, $3,700, and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control for $1,195. As well Lincoln offers its rear parking assist for $410. If you opt for Ceramic White Pearl or Ivory Parchment paint then the price hikes $415 more, maxing out at $62,430. Its not chump change by any means, but a 2003 BMW 540i doesnt even start until $74,400, less discount, hits the dealers palms.

The boys at Fords premium automaker should really be congratulated for the courage it must have taken to emphasize performance over the pillow-like meekness traditionally found in Lincoln cars. I am sure that good old Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen would be ecstatic to sing about Lincolns new hot rod LS V8. Perhaps its time for a reprise of one of my favorite tunes.