Introduced in June 1999 for the 2000 model year, the LS featured rear-wheel drive and near 50/50 weight distribution[1] and was available with a V8 or V6, the latter initially offered with a manual transmission.

[2] In 1999, the LS debuted as Lincoln's first rear-wheel drive sport luxury sedan for the 2000 model year, under the influence of the newly established Premier Automotive Group.

This redefines the Lincoln brand, but we still had to make sure it was recognizable as a member of the same family as the Town Car, Continental, Mark VIII, and the Navigator.

Available options included a six-disc in-dash CD changer (only accessible through the glove box initially; changed on later models), a power moonroof, and a universal garage door opener.

The DEW98 platform used independent double wishbone (short-long arm; SLA) front and rear suspensions and a 114.5-inch (2,910 mm) wheelbase.

The sport package for an extra $1,000 included a stiffer suspension, 17-inch wheels, and manual shift capability for the automatic transmission.

Ford's 5R55S five-speed automatic transmission with an optional manual shift ability called SelectShift was standard with either engine.

In contrast, a Getrag 221 five-speed manual transmission was available for V6-equipped LS models when equipped with an optional sport package.

For the 2003 model year, first-gear launches were programmed into the transmission, reflecting revised fuel economy regulations.

[5] Due to its upgraded design, the 3.9 L V8 now produced over 87% of its peak torque output at only 2000 rpm, thus cars equipped with the V8 could now accelerate from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in around 6.5 seconds.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has rated the LS as a "Best Pick" with a perfect score in their frontal offset crash test.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the LS almost perfect scores in its front impact, side-impact and rollover tests.