2003 Lincoln LS Driving Impressions Review at Automotive.com
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Lincoln
LS
2003

2003 Lincoln LS Review: Road Test

Below is a full, detailed 2003 Lincoln LS review and road test from New Car Test Drive. A full evaluation of price, equipment, the driving experience, and specs are all here in a structured, easy-to-navigate format from journalists with limitless exp ...     read more
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2003 Lincoln LS Review

Significantly improved for 2003.
Driving Impressions
Driving the Lincoln LS is a joy. The steering is excellent, among the nicest of any car on the road. Steering effort increases smoothly with speed. Rear-wheel drive contributes to the handling of the LS. The LS offers a nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Most cars have a definite weight bias toward the front end. To help achieve this balancing act, Lincoln moved the battery to the trunk and used lightweight aluminum for the hood and front fenders.

The LS rides smoothly but still feels connected to the road. 2003 models come with a stiffer front crossmember and re-tuned shock absorbers and suspension bushings.

For 2003, the V8 and V6 engines feature variable valve timing for improved horsepower and torque. Lincoln claims they run smoother as well. For the V8, output has been raised to 280 horsepower and 286 pounds-feet of torque (from last year's 252 horsepower). The new V6 develops 232 horsepower and 220 pounds-feet of torque (up 12 horsepower from last year). Those figures better BMW's 3.0-liter straight-six, and place the LS among the most powerful V6s you can buy.

Review Sections
• Introduction
• Lineup
• Walkaround
• Interior
• Driving Impressions
• Summary & Specifications
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The automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but is a bit slow to shift at times. V8 models come with SelectShift, which allows the driver to manually change gears by pushing the gearshift lever forward to shift up or by pulling it back to shift down. A computer overrides any human slip-ups that might damage the driveline.

The brakes are excellent, easy to modulate for light or heavy braking. Pedal feel has been improved for 2003. Models equipped with AdvanceTrac stability control also feature Electronic Brake Assist, which can detect sudden braking and shorten stopping distances.

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2003 Lincoln LS