Vehicle: 2004 Lincoln LS-V8 Ultimate with rear heated seats and safety & parking pkg
Price as tested: CDN$60030

Performance: LS is motivated by 1 of 2 engines. A Duratec-based 232hp 3.0L V6 and the one in our tester, 3.9L V8 DOHC 32-valver that gives out 280hp and 286 lb/ft of torque. While the numbers look “powerful” given its maximum torque arrives at 4k rpm, LS’s performance is rather underwhelming. It doesn’t have the seat-of-the-pants feel you expect from a Detroit V8. The throttle response is better than average but the whole car feels sluggish when pushed. While this engine works well in Jag S-Type, its chassis silibing, it doesn’t seem to execute well in Lincoln formula. The 5-speed Selectshift manumatic is lazy to up and downshifts. Its also doesn’t allow you to rev pass redline before upshifting. In terms of refinement, this engine is better than average as it has low NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness).

Handling: Given LS shares the same platform as S-Type, it got enough chassis stiffness. However, I have detected some chassis flex that is unfound in the last S-Type I drove. The steering feels plain but got adequate feedback. Its responsive enough to attack curves. The AdvanceTrac stability control is an acceptable system as it intervens quite aggressive when pushed through corners, even before the car shows its ugly head. There are quite an amount of body rolls. There is a certain understeer but you won’t see any oversteer because of the instrusive stability control.

Brakes: Pedal feel is better than average even with standard 4-wheel discs and ABS. Although its nothing spectacular but, at least, it got the job done.

Interior: LS’s interior is good for the most parts. As it has clear analog gauges, easy to use stereo and climate control. The heated seat buttons are easy to use and find. Leather seats are comfortable and supportive, although slippery through corners. However, there are enough hard plastic to make you forgot its in a premium luxury car. Most of the panels that covered the dashboard and center console are covered in cheap and hard plastic that feel more at home in a Taurus than a Lincoln. The leather feels more like vinyl than many so-called leatherette. Other than that, you got all the necessary power items like locks, mirrors, windows and seats.

In terms of back seat, it got adequate leg and headrooms. As for cargo space, the high lift-over with instrusive trunk hinges really limit the carrying ability of the LS.

Conclusion: When LS first introduced back in Y2K, Ford had high hopes that it brings sporty dynamics and performance into one package to attract younger audience than typical Lincoln buyers. As times goes by, LS has standstill while the rest of the class provide better performance, better dynamics and better interior at only a slight premium. While LS was above the bar in Y2K in medium-upper luxury segment, its below the bar as of today.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2004 LINCOLN LS-V8
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Performance: 2/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive:2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2.25/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 2/5