2001LincolnLSLincoln LS2001 Lincoln LS V6 ManualSedanSedanRWDUSANow in its second year, the Lincoln LS receives minor changes. V6 models now come with standard traction control and optional AdvanceTrac. All models receive a glow-in-the-dark manual trunk release and child safety-seat anchor points. The sport package has a new 17-inch chrome wheel design and a mini spare tire and wheel instead of the previous 16-inch non-matching aluminum wheel (both late availability). Inside, there is an additional power point, a revised cupholder design, an optional six-disc in-dash CD changer and an optional mirror-mounted compass. In terms of content, Lincoln's RESCU vehicle emergency system couldn't rescue itself from being discontinued for 2001, and the height adjustable rear-seat head restraints have been deleted from V8 automatics. Lastly, Lincoln now offers complimentary maintenance at no additional charge for the first 3 years/36,000 miles in service.Confident steering and handling, choice of either a V6 or V8 engine, comfortable and roomy interior, clean exterior design.Acute lack of interior storage space, V8's transmission isn't as good as expected, questionable build quality.Is it possible to create a car that melds American luxury with European driving dynamics? Sure. Witness the Cadillac Catera. But how about one that's actually good? Fortunately, the Lincoln LS can answer the call. Now one year old, the LS is one of our favorite entry-level luxury sedans. It is Lincoln's most advanced vehicle in terms of technology, and it is attracting a much younger clientele than Lincoln dealerships are used to seeing. While many entry-luxury sedans are just warmed-over versions of lower-level cars (like the Infiniti I30 and Nissan Maxima, for instance), 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 and, specifically, BMW market. The LS' front end calls attention to this with its tight quad headlights, swooping central grille and clean hood lines. 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 foot-pounds 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 V6 LS is somewhat underpowered (given the car's sporting intentions), so Lincoln also offers a V8. This DOHC, 32-valve, 3.9-liter V8 generates 252 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 267 foot-pounds of torque at 4,300 rpm. Power delivery is smooth and linear. Zero-to-60 acceleration with the V8 is a quick 7.5 seconds. The engine is hobbled, however, by the five-speed automatic. It is often befuddled, and shifts made using the Sportshift mode (available with the sport package) lag noticeably. 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 has also added an optional six-disc in-dash CD changer for this year. GPS navigation, however, is still MIA. Oh, and can we have more interior storage space and better build quality, please? Minor points aside, the LS is an impressive car. Plunk down $30,000 to $40,000, and you basically get a European sedan with an American nameplate and interior space. If every American carmaker that tried to take on the Europeans succeeded to the extent the LS does, the world would be a far better place. Acura TL-SeriesAudi A4BMW 3-SeriesInfiniti I30450,000450,000450,0005Unlimited7.8 sec.128 ft.0.8463 litersV6210 hp @ 6500 rpm205 ft-lbs. @ 4750 rpm193.9 in.73.2 in.56.1 in.3598 lbs.114.5 in.40.4 in.37.5 in.57.7 in.57 in.53 in.54.4 in.42.8 in.37.4 in.13.5 cu.ft.StandardStandardNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableStandardOptionalRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested18 gal.18 mpg / 25 mpg324 mi. / 450 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$30,986$33,4457.35%$610N/A2% of the Total MSRPV6 AUTO (5A): 3L V6 DOHC SMPI 24-valve engine; 5-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up converter; battery with rundown protection; 110-amp alternator; rear-wheel drive, traction control, 3.58 axle ratio; dual stainless steel exhaust; front independent suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, gas-pressurized front shocks, rear independent short & long arm suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks; rack-and-pinion power steering with vehicle-speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel antilock braking system; 18 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; class I towing capability; front and rear body-colored bumpers with chrome bumper insert; body-colored bodyside molding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen fully automatic headlamps with delay-off feature; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored heated outside mirrors; 16" x 7"polished alloy with P215/60HR16 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; dual-zone front air conditioning with climate control, air filter, rear heat ducts; premium AM/FM stereo w/clock, seek-scan feature, cassette player, 4 speakers, window grid diversity antenna, radio steering wheel controls; cruise control with steering wheel controls; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, child safety rear door locks, power remote hatch/trunk release, power remote fuel release; cell phone pre-wiring, 3 power accessory outlets, front lighter element, driver's foot rest, retained accessory power, smokers' package; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, exterior temp, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, water temp, battery, low oil level, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, bulb failure, door ajar, trunk ajar, turn signal on; driver's and passenger's front airbags, driver's and front passenger'sseat-mounted side airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm, security system; tinted windows, power front and rear windows with driver's 1-touch down function; heated variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's seat includes 8-way power seat and lumbar support, front passenger's seat includes 6-way power seat, 8-way direction control and lumbar support; 60/40 folding rear bench seat with fixed headrests, rear center armrest; height- adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners; leather seats, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, simulated wood dashboard insert, wood gearshift knob, simulated wood door panel insert, simulated wood console insert, chrome interior accents; interior lights include dome light with fade, front and rear reading lights, door curb lights, illuminated entry;leather/genuine wood steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins, rear door bins; carpeted cargo floor, carpeted trunk lid, cargo light; chrome grille, chrome side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and body-colored door handles.
V6 MANUAL (5M) (in addition to or instead of V6 AUTO (5A) equipment): 5-speed manual transmission; engine oil cooler; 3.07 axle ratio; sport ride suspension, body-colored bumper insert; 17" x 7" silver alloy wheels with P235/50VR17 BSW A/S peformance tires; full-size alloy spare wheel; 6-disc CD changer, 6 premium speakers, amplifier.
V8 AUTO (5A) (in addition to or instead of V6 MANUAL (5M) equipment): 3.9L V8 DOHC SMPI 32-valve engine; 5-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up converter; 3.31 axle ratio; garage door opener; instrumentation display includes compass, systems monitor, trip computer; warning indicators include service interval, brake fluid; rain-detecting wipers; driver's dual-setting seat-memory feature includes settings for exterior mirrors and steering wheel; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror.