Well, since there are always some musings about the LS as a possible step up from a Contour, I decided to see what all the hubbub was about.
I checked out a 2004 V6 and a 2003 V8. First off, they are no longer offering the LS in a 5 speed manual with either engine, so let's end that myth right now. On with the review...
I have to say that I was very impressed. The car had a sophisticated and agressive ride.
The seats were very comfortable and supportive, although a little more side bolstering would have been nice. The rear seat was OK, not huge, but noticably bigger than the CSVT, and noticably smaller than an A6. The leather seemed like a very high quality and the perforated seats on the climate controlled V8 were very nice. The center console between the seats was a bit disapointing. The console pocket was set too far back to make it easy to use on the road and the dual cup holders were an odd shape to hold anything but....well...cups. Overall the materials were pretty good and the feel of the knobs and switches was better than normal for Ford. There was a wobbly seam/gap between the dash materials covering the gauge cluster, but the imperfections were not really noticable unless you looked cloesly behind the steering wheel.
The V8 had the THX surround navigation system. That was very cool to play with but hard to see with a lot of glare on a sunny day. And the sounds was decent.
The V6 was OK in the power department. 230HP with variable valve timing, mated to a 5 speed auto. It would be adequate for most people but definitely was not exciting enough for me, especially without a stick. Seeing that I wasn't truly satisfied, the dealer pulled out the fully optioned 2003 leftover. Sticker was $47k. I have to say that the V8 is WELL WORTH the extra money. Much more power. Much more confident feel. Much quieter at idle. Much more pull on the highway. I was up around 100MPH in no time coming off an exit ramp.
And the 5-speed Auto-Stick tranny was probably the best one I have driven yet. The downshifts were actually crisp! And the upshifts were seemless with the right amount of overrev before clicking into the next gear. And the tranny will let you stay in gear regardless of your speed. It will only automatically switch you to 1st or 2nd if you are in 4th or 5th and approaching a complete stop. (Audi won't let you do that. It anticipates your gear and will switch for you when you don't want it to.)
Overall, I think this car would be a good option for someone shopping around. It's not too big, not too small. It has classy lines and a nice growl at WOT with the V8. And the options help pull it closer to the G35, 525/530, and C320.
The best part was this dealer was willing to part with the fully schtoncked-out 2003 V8 for about $11k below sticker. If I had the cash ready, I would have taken it because I like the looks better than the G35 and that V8 has a lot of potential. Besides the salesman was great. He gave me a tour of their new building and showed me around the shop, which was very clean. Much more attentive than ANY other F/L/M experience I have ever had.
So, for $35k-38k, try and grab one of these 2003 left overs while they last. They are pretty nice for the price.
That's all for now!
Last edited by baco99; 11/16/03 05:27 AM.
