My Review on 1st Gen VS 2nd

[lincoln_zero]

I have now been driving this newer, Second Gen LS for some time. My 2005 VS my 2002 (not racing, just Daily Driving) and upgrades aside.

Pros for the 2005:
-Seat AC.
-Seat warmers with multi settings.
-MUCH more improved center console.
-Nicer steering wheel.
-Motorized pedal adjuster (for wifeys short legs)
-Keypad entry in case you lock yourself out

CONS: ...
- Electronic accelerator can SUCK MY BALLS. I hate it. Cable > Electronic
- Steering is too fast and easy. I prefer the tension on my 02
- Too much body roll and soft suspension. 02 Sporty and handles quicker.
- Doors are tighter and crappier to install custom speakers inside of.
- Auto opening trunk with no soft open? thing just slams up.. Dumb
- Motorized E break? Very stupid. Can see this failing at high millage.
- Lack of Auto wipers LMAO my 2002 has that. FAIL
- No more wiper heater? My 02 has Wiper heaters and it was helpful in winter


Overall Feel:

2005 LS: Feels like im driving a Town Car with a little extra Sport.
2002 LS: Feels like im driving a mean bad ass machine.

I read on this site, tons of hype that the 2nd Gens are better than 1st Gens. So i bought the Second Gen over another 02 model i was interested in (and spend more for the 05) and im sorta disappointed in how it feels. Nice improvements in some areas, but when it comes down to the raw heart of Sport, the 05 leaves me feeling like my Grandpa... while the 2002 leaves me feeling 17 each day..

Conclusion:
Luxury: 2nd Gen > 1st Gen
Feel and performance: 1st Gen > 2nd Gen

EDIT::

Share your opinions if you disagree/agree I'm just curious to read them!! =)

 

[M4rk]

Buddy, your 2002 has less HP than most Kias.

 

[G-RELL]

Mark dont even waste your time... THIS is trolling at its finest

 

[lincoln_zero]

Mark dont even waste your time... THIS is trolling at its finest

Why do you think im trolling? you have issues.
Im just pointing out my own opinion. I drive both DAILY (unlike you) and have 2 different Gens on my driveway (unlike you) So im not trolling or talking out of my ass. Unlike YOU i actually went out a dropped coin on a second Gen TO be different, just to see what the hypes about. Im not a Troll nor shyt talker. I actually went and spent money to see for myself.

So go suck a bull testicle and sit on a cactus.

 

[Ranchero50]

I disagree with your review on several points but opinions are like...

 

[lincoln_zero]

I disagree with your review on several points but opinions are like...

Well share them!!! i love reading others opinions, thats why i started this thread =)

 

[lamb88ert]

Its not a gen1 vs gen 2 thing with most of ur complaints.

Steering/Body Roll - Never drove a gen 1, but my gen 2 is extremely touchy and sport feeling, faaar from a continental. This is my main concern with buying a newer car, its hard to touch the luxury level and handling of this car
Auto Wipers - My 2003 has rain sensing windshield, works great
Heated wipers - My car also has heated wipers



Not being a smart@$$, but you do realize that there are different packages or versions of this car. Mine is considered the "Ultimate", includes voice nav and rear heated seats, ect.
Sounds to me like you just got a new ls that wasnt as dressed up as your earlier version.
Are you saying you liked the old one better? Or despite your issues do u enjoy the new one more?

 

[joegr]

...CONS: ...
...
- Auto opening trunk with no soft open? thing just slams up.. Dumb
- Motorized E break? Very stupid. Can see this failing at high millage.
...
- No more wiper heater? My 02 has Wiper heaters and it was helpful in winter


...

Okay, I'll bite.

The trunk thing is a matter of adjustment, not gen I or gen II. My 04 pops open, my 06 has to be pulled open. If I cared about it one way or the other, I could adjust either to work either way.

I love the electronic parking brake, and use it every time. It is easy to set, and releases when it should all on its own. The only thing better would be if it set automatically too. Some other cars do this.

All gen II (and gen I) have heated wiper parks. Gen II doesn't have a light or switch, but they are there and they are fully automatic.

 

[lincoln_zero]

Are you saying you liked the old one better? Or despite your issues do u enjoy the new one more?

Good question. Its hard to chose because the center console REALLY made bonus points for me on the2nd Gen. I HATE that stupid dinky pathetic console on the first. Can barely fit my cell phone + one other item inside =/

But in the end, the Electronic accelerator Kills it for me. So i think im gonna say i like my 2002 LS more..

Gen II doesn't have a light or switch, but they are there and they are fully automatic.

Did not know this... Imm gonna go look when the wife comes home with it. It should be visible under the wipers.

 

[T-Money]

Is your gen II a sport?

I test drove both. I much prefer the performance/ handing of the gen II.
I do have auto wipers,
My trunk does not pop up to full open, just a few inches,
My wipers are heated,
I love the steering. It's so fun and effortless to drive,

 

[lamb88ert]

Is your gen II a sport?

I test drove both. I much prefer the performance/ handing of the gen II.
I do have auto wipers,
My trunk does not pop up to full open, just a few inches,
My wipers are heated,
I love the steering. It's so fun and effortless to drive,

i second the trunk thing as well. Mine just pops up an inch until i lift it manually. Forgot to also touch on the sport aspect. Mine is a sport and handles awesome.

IIRC the LS came equipped with 3 suspension options, sport,regular, and the euros had an even tighter suspension? something along those lines.

 

[05 LS8]

I have now been driving this newer, Second Gen LS for some time. My 2005 VS my 2002 (not racing, just Daily Driving) and upgrades aside.

Pros for the 2005:
-Seat AC.
-Seat warmers with multi settings.
-MUCH more improved center console.
-Nicer steering wheel.
-Motorized pedal adjuster (for wifeys short legs)
-Keypad entry in case you lock yourself out

CONS: ...
- Electronic accelerator can SUCK MY BALLS. I hate it. Cable > Electronic
- Steering is too fast and easy. I prefer the tension on my 02
- Too much body roll and soft suspension. 02 Sporty and handles quicker.
- Doors are tighter and crappier to install custom speakers inside of.
- Auto opening trunk with no soft open? thing just slams up.. Dumb
- Motorized E break? Very stupid. Can see this failing at high millage.
- Lack of Auto wipers LMAO my 2002 has that. FAIL
- No more wiper heater? My 02 has Wiper heaters and it was helpful in winter


Overall Feel:

2005 LS: Feels like im driving a Town Car with a little extra Sport.
2002 LS: Feels like im driving a mean bad ass machine.

I read on this site, tons of hype that the 2nd Gens are better than 1st Gens. So i bought the Second Gen over another 02 model i was interested in (and spend more for the 05) and im sorta disappointed in how it feels. Nice improvements in some areas, but when it comes down to the raw heart of Sport, the 05 leaves me feeling like my Grandpa... while the 2002 leaves me feeling 17 each day..

Conclusion:
Luxury: 2nd Gen > 1st Gen
Feel and performance: 1st Gen > 2nd Gen

EDIT::

Share your opinions if you disagree/agree I'm just curious to read them!! =)

*Steering is easy, because it's speed sensitive.
*You cheaped out and bought the bottom of the line LS, so don't blame the car. Go drive a Sport, that has larger wheels, bigger sway bar and firmer shocks.
*Lincoln didn't build the LS for you to install customer speakers in. They built it for the guy who wears suits to work every day and has people like you wash it.
* E brake is one of the most convenient and space saving technologies an engineer in a white suit could come up with. Since the LS is "based on the XJ" as you had stated, a lot of it got carried over.
*No auto wipers relates to you not paying for the option.

 

[joegr]

...
*No auto wipers relates to you not paying for the option.

Actually, auto wipers were dropped sometime in the 2004 model year. No 2005 or 2006 has them (unless aftermarket or owner added with parts from an earlier year). Late 2004s do not have them either.

 

[T-Money]

Actually, auto wipers were dropped sometime in the 2004 model year. No 2005 or 2006 has them (unless aftermarket or owner added with parts from an earlier year). Late 2004s do not have them either.

I think I'm getting auto wipers confused? Or someone else is? If my wipers on my 06 are not auto then what are they? I don't have to push the lever every time I want it to clear the windshield.. It goes automatically once I put the lever to the setting I want it at??
Did the ls have rain sensing wipers? And is that what you mean by auto on the 03-04 models that got dropped for the 05/06 models? I'm just a little confused. But I would say my wipers are auto just not rain sensing.

 

[G-RELL]

1st gen had rain sensing wipers..they are awesome.. but I know many member who have had issues... knock on wood

 

[Ranchero50]

Pretty much what the other guys said. I love the handling of my V8 Sport. I chose the '05 for the variable cam timing and better 5r555s transmission. Add in that it doesn't have a sunroof or the unneeded mobile pedals (am 6'8") and I fit in it great. Add in the light grey color scheme, decent window size and it feels light and airy. The handling is spot on compared to just about anything I've played in. If anything I wish there was less road noise (bumps) transmitted to the interior but it is a sport version.

I sat in a couple 1st gen cars in the junk yard and their interior really felt mismatched and oppressive with the extra wood on the center column and the wonky console setup. I already have one 5r555n in the wife's Explorer AWD that sounds like crap as well.

If I am allowed on big complaint on the car, I wish Lincoln had changed the body so that I don't get so much wind noise above 35mph with the windows down. I sit upright and the pillar is right next to my ear. At least it has a great HVAC setup.

 

[05 LS8]

Actually, auto wipers were dropped sometime in the 2004 model year. No 2005 or 2006 has them (unless aftermarket or owner added with parts from an earlier year). Late 2004s do not have them either.

Joe, are you sure?
We used to have a 04 that was loaded to the maximum - rear heated seats, thx etc. It also had the auto wipers.

I know i have some pictures of the car, will try to see if i can find it.

 

[joegr]

I think I'm getting auto wipers confused? Or someone else is? If my wipers on my 06 are not auto then what are they? I don't have to push the lever every time I want it to clear the windshield.. It goes automatically once I put the lever to the setting I want it at??
Did the ls have rain sensing wipers? And is that what you mean by auto on the 03-04 models that got dropped for the 05/06 models? I'm just a little confused. But I would say my wipers are auto just not rain sensing.

You have interval wipers. What we have been calling auto wipers is also called rain sensing wipers. You never have to touch the wiper switch.

 

[joegr]

Joe, are you sure?
We used to have a 04 that was loaded to the maximum - rear heated seats, thx etc. It also had the auto wipers.

I know i have some pictures of the car, will try to see if i can find it.

I did say that some 04s had them, depends on the build date.

 

[jmtiseo]

 

[lincoln_zero]

*Steering is easy, because it's speed sensitive.
*You cheaped out and bought the bottom of the line LS, so don't blame the car. Go drive a Sport, that has larger wheels, bigger sway bar and firmer shocks.
*Lincoln didn't build the LS for you to install customer speakers in. They built it for the guy who wears suits to work every day and has people like you wash it.
* E brake is one of the most convenient and space saving technologies an engineer in a white suit could come up with. Since the LS is "based on the XJ" as you had stated, a lot of it got carried over.
*No auto wipers relates to you not paying for the option.

*Didn't cheap out, and the suspension underneath looks like my 02. Just feels softer, which someone here just pointed out is liekly the shocks. This 05 came with 17" rims and select shift, isn't that the sport model?

*Didn't cheap out again, foolish comment. Auto wiper = Rain sensing. On the knob it says "Auto" on my 02. And as someone else pointed out, they disappeared after 04. FAIL

*Guys like me wear suits too and design your custom high end kitchens. Fail.
I don't give a crap who or what Lincoln does for whom or whatever, I upgrade what i think needs upgrading, and simply pointed out the lack luster space in the doors.

*E brake is motorized yes but i prefer the lever.

*Cheap out? on a used car that goes the same rate as others? try lack of knowledge when i purchased it. I couldn't exactly ORDER them on this used vehicle now could I have? Derp

 

[Fla02LS]

Buddy, your 2002 has less HP than most Kias.

And his '05 V8 has less hp than base model V6's?? When a Hyundai or some car like that comes with more hp than the LS thats when its time to try to not brag about the LS anymore. The handling is another issue. The LS does have great handling. I am biased, i have moved on, but because of that i see that the LS is way behind in these times. Aside from cooled seats there isnt much more luxury that an LS has than a regular Buick does, or Chevy, or Nissan. I had a Nissan Maxima rental when i totaled my LS for a few days and that car...with a base V6 would smoke your LS's. Was shocked how fast that thing moved. Sure, in '06 the LS had its bragging rights. In 2012....those are gone. I still like the looks, being different, very Beamerish, but the rest of the car is dated. Sorry.

 

[Fla02LS]

1st gen had rain sensing wipers..they are awesome.. but I know many member who have had issues... knock on wood

My MKS has the rain sensing wipers and that is something i dont get. I see the rain and its not that big a deal to turn the little dial. When it stops i turn the dial again. Somewhat lame feature. Kinda like newer Kia commercials that feature auto folding mirrors. Who's gives a sh!t about a folding mirror? Cars have had fixed mirrors for generations, why is it important all of the sudden to have your mirror fold.

 

[Fla02LS]

I have now been driving this newer, Second Gen LS for some time. My 2005 VS my 2002 (not racing, just Daily Driving) and upgrades aside.

Pros for the 2005:
-Seat AC.
-Seat warmers with multi settings.
-MUCH more improved center console.
-Nicer steering wheel.
-Motorized pedal adjuster (for wifeys short legs)
-Keypad entry in case you lock yourself out

CONS: ...
- Electronic accelerator can SUCK MY BALLS. I hate it. Cable > Electronic
- Steering is too fast and easy. I prefer the tension on my 02
- Too much body roll and soft suspension. 02 Sporty and handles quicker.
- Doors are tighter and crappier to install custom speakers inside of.
- Auto opening trunk with no soft open? thing just slams up.. Dumb
- Motorized E break? Very stupid. Can see this failing at high millage.
- Lack of Auto wipers LMAO my 2002 has that. FAIL
- No more wiper heater? My 02 has Wiper heaters and it was helpful in winter


Overall Feel:

2005 LS: Feels like im driving a Town Car with a little extra Sport.
2002 LS: Feels like im driving a mean bad ass machine.

I read on this site, tons of hype that the 2nd Gens are better than 1st Gens. So i bought the Second Gen over another 02 model i was interested in (and spend more for the 05) and im sorta disappointed in how it feels. Nice improvements in some areas, but when it comes down to the raw heart of Sport, the 05 leaves me feeling like my Grandpa... while the 2002 leaves me feeling 17 each day..

Conclusion:
Luxury: 2nd Gen > 1st Gen
Feel and performance: 1st Gen > 2nd Gen

EDIT::

Share your opinions if you disagree/agree I'm just curious to read them!! =)

I myself owned both a '02 and '05 so i understand your points. Unfortunately these cars get hyped up alot on here. What was once an old mans performance luxury car is now a younger kids "big time" car. People buy a used 2nd gen for a couple grand and all the sudden they are ballers adding rims and lowering. Essentially doing things to a car that was never meant to be done. Somewhat embaressing for a Lincoln. My opinion anyway. The older the LS gets the younger the drivers/buyers are gonna get and think they are big time.

 

[mlara1129]

My MKS has the rain sensing wipers and that is something i dont get. I see the rain and its not that big a deal to turn the little dial. When it stops i turn the dial again. Somewhat lame feature. Kinda like newer Kia commercials that feature auto folding mirrors. Who's gives a sh!t about a folding mirror? Cars have had fixed mirrors for generations, why is it important all of the sudden to have your mirror fold.

Hey, go enjoy your MKS and let us live in denial.