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Lincoln Owners: Meet the Members

Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
edited March 2014 in Lincoln
Please introduce yourself!

My name is Karen and I'll be your host in the Lincoln LS Club. Let me know what discussions you would like to have included in this folder. Perhaps take a look at the already established Owner's Clubs for ideas? Anyone care to be a representative/Community Leader for the club? Let me know!

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

KarenS
Owner's Club Host
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Comments

  • jnowskijnowski Member Posts: 96
    And add one more title for you: LS Abassador exraordinaire.

    OK, I'm officially here.

    Joe N.
  • ezaircon4jcezaircon4jc Member Posts: 793
    I say "aye"! Great, one more site to add to my favs :-)
  • drolds1drolds1 Member Posts: 247
    Brian gets my vote any day of the week.
  • sclark8sclark8 Member Posts: 44
    Dittos on Brian our founder and leader.
  • tom12253tom12253 Member Posts: 110
    Brian LS Gowing - Founder/LS Evangelist - Representative/Community Leader - LS Ambassador exraordinaire - The man who walks talks and breaths LS has my vote.
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    But since he drives an automatic, do we need a sub-king as a rep for the Manual owners? Will the King be fair to us Manual people? After all,we are the minority wierdos.
  • ls1bmw0ls1bmw0 Member Posts: 782
    stanny1: Since I used to drive manuals exclusively I don't think it will make much difference to me whether the car has an automatic or a manual. The only reason I currently own an automatic is due to the fact that driving in SoCal traffic 110 miles roundtrip every day would get old really fast in a manual transmission car. If not for this and the fact that Lincoln didn't see fit to put a manual in the LS-8 I would have bought a manual. And, hey, I'm just as weird as the rest of you! :)

    reneleblanc: For a minute I thought you were giving us a southern greeting! :> Edmunds has been after this discussion board and from the looks of it several others to move over to the Owners Clubs section of Town Hall. The biggest difference between now and then was that before we wouldn't have stayed on the main Sedan topic list. Now we are in both places. I talked to Melissa Adams from Edmunds yesterday as soon as I saw we had been moved. Edmunds goal is to provide additional functionality for groups like ours, such as getting the OEMs more involved(which Lincoln already is), allowing creation of sub-topics (look at the Cougar Support Group), and possibly weekly chats(I know LLSOC already does that). The way it relates to the soon to be trademarked Lincoln LS Owners Club (LLSOC) is that I will be able to put the club logo on this board so people can link to the official LLSOC web site.

    I wish they had told us they were doing this before they did it and ask our opinion first. But they decided to do it the same way that they did the software move. So all we can do is make the best of it and use it to best advantage.

    Brian
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    I know that we Manual Owners are not ignored. It's just that we don't have any problems to discuss,like tranny programming,axle and tappet noise,etc. I still want you to be the leader. I don't know anyone with as much energy and enthusiasm as you anyway. Thanks for the newsletter. Just tell me when to send the $30.00!
  • ls1bmw0ls1bmw0 Member Posts: 782
    I'm Brian Gowing and I am the founder of the Lincoln LS Owners Club, LLSOC for short. I have been involved in this forum since Part III. I own a 2000 LS-8, vibrant white, with a build date of 6/1999.

    My real job is Director of Information Services for St. John Knits, a high-end ladies clothing manufacturer in Irvine CA. I have a very understanding wife and a precocious little boy.

    I have been a Ford man since the first car I owned, which was a 1965 Ford Mustang 289 2 with a four-speed on the floor. Paid $100 for it with Pontiac Firebird bucket seats and a rusted out back floor. Since then I've owned:
    1968 Pontiac Ram Air 400 Firebird
    1979 Mercury Turbo Capri RS
    1985 Mustang GT
    1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
    1989 Mustang LX 5.0
    1991 Ford Bronco
    1998 Ford Mustang GT
    2000 Lincoln LS-8

    Raced the Turbo Capri in Solo II Autocross competition in NJ. Always loved cars, even more so now with the LS.
  • joelincolnjoelincoln Member Posts: 100
    I'm Joe Milano and have been involved on this board since last May (part V I think). Bought my 2001 LS8 in October 2000.

    I can't imagine anyone better to lead this chat than Brian.

    My real job is as an Electrical/Manufacturing Engineer and Project Manager for a major military avionics company. I live in Northern NJ. Although I consider myself a car enthusiast, I have never raced, built, or restored one. I've been a Ford man since I started driving...
    - Several of my father's Crown Vics
    - 1987 Mark VII LSC
    - 1992 Mark VII LSC
    - 2001 LS V8 Sport

    I feel that Lincoln has designed the LS just for me since I've been waiting for this type of Lincoln for the past 20 years.
  • tom12253tom12253 Member Posts: 110
    My name is Tom Chernowetz (TOM12253). I came across Edmunds at the end of 1999 while researching my new car purchase. Edmunds and the Town Hall sites became a valuable resource in helping to choose the LS as ultimate selection. I took delivery April 2000 and although I have had more than my share of problems as I have posted in the past I love the LS for its unsurpassed performance, handling, overall comfort and styling.

    I've worked as a service technician for Sears Home central for the past 28 years. Before that I worked as a mechanic at a Chevy dealership.

    I have owned a wide variety of vehicles and a few motorcycles the latest being a Goldwing. Since getting married and having two children in the 80's I had to put the idea of owning my dream car on the back burner. Till now!

    1959 Chevy Impala
    1963 Buick Riviera
    1967 VW Beetle
    1973 VW Super Beetle
    1974 Fiat 124 Spider
    1976 Old Cutlass Supreme
    1978 VW Scirroco
    1984 Ford F150 pickup
    1990 Toyota Camry
    2000 Lincoln LS Sport

    I would like to thank all the LS owners and Lincoln staff who post here for their helpful Knowledge support and camaraderie
  • mkovalskmkovalsk Member Posts: 114
    My name is Mark Kovalsky. I've been here almost since the start.

    My job is supervisor, Car Calibration Section, 5R55 Transmission Systems, Ford Motor Company. The 5R55N is the automatic transmission used in the Lincoln LS.

    My group is responsible for the calibration of the transmission. The calibration is the software the tells the transmission when to shift, and how that shift is executed.

    I don't have a personal LS, but my group has about a dozen, so I drive them very often. We have a few of each flavor, V6 and V8, Sport and non-Sport.

    I have learned many things from this group that we have used in our calibrations. I use this as a means of finding out what our customers think of our products. To that end I really appreciate candid feedback. If you like something about the transmission I want to hear about it. Even more importantly if you DON'T like something about the transmission I NEED to hear about it.
    Any relevant post is copied and e-mailed to my group.

    Mark
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Special Event Chat with Ed Hellwig

    Tues., Jan. 30th, 5-6pm PT/8-9pm ET


    Ed Hellwig - Associate Editor, Edmunds.com.

    Associate editor Ed Hellwig came to Edmunds with a diverse automotive background that included stints as a gas station grease monkey, automotive spy photographer, and ice rink Zamboni driver. Ed spent five years making sure he hated cold weather at the University of Colorado in Boulder where he somehow earned a degree in American history between beer runs and football games. Upon returning, he proclaimed "snow sucks" and forever pledged his allegiance to the Southern California sunshine. Prior to joining Edmunds, Ed toiled under the iron fist of Tom Lindamood at A&M Specialists, a press vehicle logistics company, as a road-tester and delivery driver. While tooling around in Bentleys and Porsches was less than grueling, Ed just couldn't shake the editorial urge and jumped at the chance to join the Edmunds team. He's now responsible for writing road tests, editing our "Future Telling" column, and assisting in performance testing.

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Club

  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    Isn't he the guy that said he probably wouldn't buy an LS in the October or November 2000 Long Term Road Test? Well, Guys, we need to chat with Ed about the tranny reflash and make sure he's going to get it. I think that would help alot. And he did have a rough time with having to get his tranny replaced. Extreme! I'd like him to test the Manual since it is one of only three manual RWD cars of similar size available in the marketplace. So,Ed, why not a comparison - BMW 5 Series,LS,C240, all Manuals,all sixes ? No one has done that one yet! Too bad you couldn't have made LS Mania in Irvine.
  • sawmillsawmill Member Posts: 81
    I'm Rick Albert. I've participated on the edmunds forum almost as long as Mark, since II.

    I own a dark green LS-8.

    In real life I am a lawyer practicing in business practices & litigation, particular in the fields of intellectual property and all facets of entertainment law. I have also produced six motion pictures.

    I've owned mostly foreign cars, from Rolls Royce to Jensen to Aston Martin (DB-6), with a Saab and a few VW's in there. The only american car I've owned, besides the LS (which I loved) was a 94 Taurus (which would have made a great snow-plow, if we had snow in Los Angeles).

    For performance/comfort/handling/refinement, I like my 2000 LS the best.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    I'm Allen Kirby and I've also been here since the beginning (7/99). I live near Atlanta and work as a IT consultant for a major telecommunications company.

    I started out driving Hondas and Acuras after college but soon switched to Ford trucks (ranger, explorer, expedition). Got tired of the Ranger and decided to reward myself for my latest promotion by getting something fun to drive. Was dead set on a Laser Red Mustang GT convertible. Even tried to buy one but the options I wanted were not in stock. Changed my mind and ordered a 2000 Autumn Red LS8 Sport with everything except Advance Trak and cell phone and I haven't regretted it one bit. The mustang would have been fun but definitely not the same type of car. The only down side is before (when I drove the Ranger) the Expedition felt downright luxurious and rode great. Now when I switch from the LS to the Expy it feels like the Queen Mary. Had to get new tires and shocks to even tolerate it. Which just goes to show that everything's relative!

    I also think it's absolutely phenomenal that mfr reps are so involved with this vehicle. No other vehicle can make that claim.
  • goodyrlgoodyrl Member Posts: 83
    Looked at an LS8 in hopes I could get a better ride for a lot less money. Ended up with LS8 because i was wandering around Edmunds and hit the LS8 site. I have Estate Green and have gotten many compliments. Can't figure out why they discontinued the color grrrrrr

    I figured at 51 I was to young for a Cadillac anyway. Love my LS8
  • medphysmedphys Member Posts: 19
    My name is Howard Couvillon, I live in New Orleans and drive an LS8, built 4/00. It is an Ivory/Parchment Sport with all bells and whistles. I know the dealer personally (taught him to steal and slide in Little League) and got the car he ordered for himself with RESCU, etc. I've added all of the recommendations in Edmunds: Splashguards, K&N filter, bra, Borlas with subtle downturned tips, moonroof wind deflector, Aura 35 tint (more copper than black) and trunk organizer from LM. I LOVE to drive this car and have my Alpine cranked with Roomfull of Blues CD's (try it you'll like it) every day!
    Have seen a few others on the road but mine looks more complete with the mods. I could not be happier to be in a community of LS owners/lovers.

    BTW, I am 52 and a headhunter that recruits medical physicists for radiation oncology depts across the US. My wife drives a 2000 Villager.

    My 1st was a 1951 flathead Ford Victoria
    55 T-Bird (project car)
    '64 Corvair Spyder with Edelbrock High Rise and 4 barrel - LA state champ F/MP
    '68 Hemi Cuda
    '69 Fastback Mustang w/390 (remember Steve McQueens' Bullitt)
    '83 Camaro
    '78 Peugeot (don't ask)
    '89 Bronco II
    '89 Aerostar
    '96 Villager
    '00 Villager
    '00 My LS8

    I am having a blast with this car!
  • ezaircon4jcezaircon4jc Member Posts: 793
    My name is Michael Hall. I am the proud owner of a '00 V6, non-sport, auto (sigh), with the convienence package. It is silverfrost with dark charcoal interior. I fell in love with this car at the San Diego Auto Show a couple of years ago, never dreaming I would be able to own one. My modifications are Polk dX7 speakers in the front doors, Infinity Reference 5753cf speakers in the rear doors, splash guards, extra power outlet in the rear of the center console, added the trunk net, and I removed the front license plate bracket.

    I live in north San Diego county. I'm 44. During the daytime (and a couple of nights), I work as an Air Traffic Controller. What a great job, it's kinda like a video game! The best part is that I get to work Los Angeles traffic and live in San Diego. :)

    My past cars in order are:
    1957 Volvo
    1965 Galaxie 500 LTD
    1965 Mustang 289/4bbl/4spd
    1972 Satellite Sebring
    1977 Plymouth Arrow
    1978 Plymouth Sapporo
    1982 Chrysler Le Baron (AKA K-car)
    1986 Mercury Sable (we became a 2-car family)
    1988 Mercury Sable
    1991 Mercury Sable
    1992 Honda Civic (Le Baron got totalled)
    1996 Mercury Sable (Honda was piece of scrap)
    2000 Lincoln LS (1991 Sable was OLD, etc.)

    This car is the most fun since my Mustang (Brian, we'll have to swap tire smoking Mustang stories!)
  • lolaj42lolaj42 Member Posts: 420
    My name is Chris Noyes. I'm a 38 year old mechanical engineer that has left the aerospace industry after 13 years to move into IT consulting. I worked for 8 years as Project Engineer developing and testing gas turbine engines (mainly used on business jets, although I did work on one high-performance military engine). I left the aerospace industry because I was starting to feel like a migrant worker!

    Due to the birth of my first child, I had to sadly part company with my beloved 1990 Nissan 300ZX. It was a red 5-spd manual that had the only 2 options available -- leather seats and the digital climate control. 222 normally aspirated HP in a 3200 lb car. Low center of gravity, short overhangs made for a real exhilarating ride. Alas, I digress . . . I finally needed a primary ride that had a back seat big enough to accommodate a child safety seat so I could take my 2 best gals with me. I thought I was doomed to having to settle for a FWD box that couldn't get out of it's own way. Boy was I surprised that Lincoln had just the right medicine at the right time. While the LS is not a true sports car, it is a true sports sedan (with luxury to boot!), and I love pushing this car through the mountainous, twisty back roads in the Arizona highlands, and nailing the throttle in the plentiful wide-open spaces. I've hit 130+ mph on several occasions (although not for very long), but haven't been able to detect any speed limiter.

    My previous cars were:
    1978 Honda Accord
    1984 Mazda RX7 (Red of course)
    1986 AMC Jeep Cherokee
    1990 Nissan Axxess (just retired with 205K miles)
    1990 Nissan 300ZX (motor trend car of the year)
    2000 Lincoln LS V8 sport (Silverfrost, light graphite interior, True Audiophile & 6-CD changer in glovebox, Moonroof, AdvanceTrac)
  • joelincolnjoelincoln Member Posts: 100
    Chris,
    You forgot to add "(motor trend car of the year)" to your LS also...

    Joe
  • lolaj42lolaj42 Member Posts: 420
    I assumed that anyone on this board was already well aware of that fact ;-)

    I did forget to mention that my wife decided to replace the Nissan Axxess with a 2000 Mazda MPV. I'm not so sure my forgetfulness of that fact was unintentional . . . I'm not too fond of the gutlessness of the MPV. Also, while minivans have come to be known as the people-mover of choice, I don't find the seating arrangement to be all that convenient for my tastes. I think the MPV will be replaced as soon as the baby Navigator hits the showrooms. Hope you're listening JRogers, et. al.
  • amengualamengual Member Posts: 33
    My name is Hector Amengual and the proud owner (picked it up today) of a 2001 LS V8 Sport. Today is my first day driving it but I can already tell that it handles a lot better than my 1996 Ford Explorer. Acutally I have been driving that brick for the last 4 years and it was time to get a real car. I'm not strong mechanically, but if you need any advice on Oracle products I'm your man. Before Oracle I worked for Lockheed Martin for 12 years installing and maintaining IBM Mainframes. I migrated firs to working on Data Warehouses and then I jumped to Oracle.

    My previous vehicles;

    1971 Super Beetle (in 1977)
    1981 Dodge Ram Van
    1985 Mustang GT 5.0
    1985 Jeep CJ7
    1987 Nissan Pathfinder
    1990 Mazda Pick up
    1994 Nissan Maxima
    1996 Ford Explorer
    1998 Nissan Maxima
    2000 Nissan Maxima

    The mustang was a lot of fun to drive. The 2001 Maxima is not bad but neither compares to the LS. I hope that I can eat up the first 1,000 miles quickly! Now that I have the LS I wont have to fight my wife for the Maxima.

    Hector
  • thomas_lthomas_l Member Posts: 134
    I have really enjoyed seeing all the "car histories" that have been posted here. In taking my own trip down memory lane I can clearly see that car choices have been a reflection on life events and changing priorities. OK so I have weird tastes that change often :-D

    67 Ford Mustang
    73 Toyota Corolla
    80 Chevy Citation X-11
    83 Ford Mustang GT
    --- Dropped out of college, entered school of hard knocks.
    63 Chevy Bel Air
    77 Grand Prix
    --- Got married (x-wife was tough on cars, especially Camaros!)
    81 Ford F-250 Super cab
    78 Pontiac Bonneville ("old reliable" of 8 years - longevity record holder)
    78 Chevy Z-28
    74 Chevy Camaro
    79 Chevy Camaro
    86 Ford Escort GT
    --- Got divorced
    76 Datsun 280Z
    81 Toyota Supra
    --- Resumed college
    77 Mercedes 450SEL
    --- Met future wife
    94 Pontiac Bonneville
    97 Ford Ranger
    --- Finally graduated from college
    97 Mercury Grand Marquis
    00 Lincoln LS8 sport
    --- Married by Elvis (yes we acutally did that!)
    01 Mercedes C240

    Oh yeah - click on my name up there to find out a little more...
  • raymmerraymmer Member Posts: 16
    My name is Raymond Smith. I live in Austell, (Atlanta area). I am a retired Air Force E-6 who currently works as an accountant for the State of a. Teachers Retirement System. I have been reading the board since Dec. 2000 when I got interested in the LS. I took delivery of my Red 2001 V-8 Sport on 2 Jan 01 and have just gone thru breaking

    My previous cars have included:
    1972 Mercury Capri
    1973 Ford ran Torino Sport
    1974 Ford Thunderbird
    1977 Ford Thunderbird
    1980 Pontiac Trans AM
    1982 Olds Cutlass Supreme
    1983 Camaro Z28
    1985 Buick Riviera
    1986 & 88 Mark VII
    1992 Ford Aerostar
    1995 Cadillac Eldorado
    1997 Ford Explorer
    1999 Mercedes E320

    As you can see I have had many different vehicles but I am having as much if no more fun with the LS as I've had with any of my previous vehicles. I have added no mods to it other than a front plate that has the lincoln symbol in the middle in red flanked by the letters L S on either side in gold.
  • gkarggkarg Member Posts: 230
    My name is George Karg (27 yrs.) I work for the Marketing Dept. at a fall protection manufacturer in NW PA. I have been following the LS Forum from the beginning and really enjoy the input from everyone! My owned list is short, but I've racked up a lot of miles in these Fords. I've bought them all myself...no "free rides"!!! (Okay, except for the Torino...)

    1974 Ford Gran Torino Elite
    - My bro's... I just took over driving it
    - blew up the original 351 Windsor... threw
    a rod right threw the block...OOPS!
    replaced with a 302 from a '69 Fairlane
    1987 Mercury Topaz
    - great winter car.... and that's about it
    1981 Lincoln Mark VI (Cartier Ed. - LOADED)
    - garage kept until i bought it in 93 for $3K
    - still have the beast, runs great & rattle free
    1994 Lincoln Continental (Sign. Srs.)
    - sold to my parents when the LS arrived,
    beautiful car!
    2000 Lincoln LS (V6 Spt. Auto Autumn Red -loaded)
    - there aren't enough words....
    1992 Lincoln Continental (Exec. Srs.)
    - my winter beater, bought in july for $500
    with engine having bad knock - original plugs
    still in it with 130,500 miles on it!
    replaced with Jasper Reman. - runs like a
    top - will actually keep up with the LS off
    the line...

    The LS is will be taking winters off... Rotten Groundhog (just a few miles down the road) said I'd have to wait even longer to drive the LS!
  • johnnylincjohnnylinc Member Posts: 308
    I'm John Crawford. I'm a computer jockey (programmer/analyst), a native Central Texan, and a lifelong Ford wonk. I worked for Texas Instruments for 18 years in Austin until our site was sold to Solectron in '96. Enough about work. I'm a certified car nut, a music (especially jazz) fan, and a Frank Lloyd Wright buff.

    My rides have been:

    '70 Mustang Mach I, 351C/automatic, calypso coral exterior/vermillion (red) interior. My high school graduation present. It was a year old with 15k miles when I got it. A great car, but mechanically unstable. My dad got tired of the repairs, so I got a...

    '73 Maverick Grabber 2-door, 302/auto, tan & white/tan. Dull, but extremely reliable.

    '76 Mustang Mach I, 302/4-speed, black/red. Neat car, also extremely reliable.

    '79 Mustang Indy Pace Car replica, 302/4-speed, pewter/black & white Recaros. Another neat car.

    '85 Mustang GT, 302/5-speed, black/red. A hot rod. The last Holley 4-barrel.

    '90 Lincoln Mark 7 LSC, 302/auto, regatta blue/blue. My first luxmobile; a beauty.

    '96 Lincoln Mark 8 LSC, 4.6/auto, toreador red/saddle tan. The superb Romeo V8; 4 cams, 32 valves, 290 real horsepower. Great car.

    '01 LS V8 Sport, ivory/parchment, moonroof, AdvanceTrac. My first 4-door. A wonderful car; needs 50 more horsepower and a better stereo, but I think I'll keep it.

    One day I'd like to acquire a '69 or '70 Cougar XR-7 convertible with a 428 powerplant. Maybe if I quit buying Lincolns I'll be able to afford one. :)
  • reneleblancreneleblanc Member Posts: 144
    René LeBlanc
    Born Feb, 1935
    1st motorcycle in 1950: 1948 Harley Davidson 125
    2nd motorcycle in 1952: 1948 Harley davidson 61
    1st car in 1953: 1939 Chevrolet
    2nd car in 1954: 1951 Nash Rambler Convertable
    3rd car in 1955: 1951 Nash Statesman (bathtub)
    4th car in 1963: 1963 VW bug
    3rd motorcycle in 1964: Honda 305 Superhawk
    5th car in 1967: 1967 Pontiac LeMans
    4th motorcycle in 1968: 1968 Honda 405
    6th car in 1970: 1968 Oldsmobile station wagon
    5th motorcycle in 1972: 1972 Honda 750
    7th car in 1974: 1974 Subaru station wagon
    6th motorcycle in 1975: 1975 BMW R90/6
    8th car in 1976: 1976 Saab sedan
    9th car in 1979: 1979 Peugot 504 diesel wagon
    10th car in 1986: 1986 Mercury Sable wagon
    11th car in 1992: 1990 Sable LS sedan
    7th motorcycle in 1992: 1992 BMW R75/RT
    12th car in 1996: 1996 Ford Taurus LX wagon
    8th motorcycle in 1997: 1997 BMW R1100/RTA
    13th car (LUCKY) in 1999: 2000 Lincoln LS V8/sport

    I still have the '96 Taurus wagon for errands and running around town. It is very practical, peppy, and trouble-free at ~50K miles.

    I still have the '97 BMW R1100/RTA. It is also completely reliable at >28K miles, and is the 2-wheel equivalent to our Lincoln LS. Handles fantastically, great range, exciting performance, and a total blast to ride!

    When I retired in 1999 (from my job as a telecommunication engineer (mainly software development)) I realized it was time to do many things I didn't have time for while I was working. One of them is to do a lot more traveling around the country by surface roads. My wife of 35+ years says she is altogether too familiar with the back of my motorcycle helmet, and wants to travel in a more comfortable way. I said we needed a car that is really FUN TO DRIVE, like my BMW! The Lincoln LS is it! This is, with no doubt, the best car I've ever driven!
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    I spoke to Dana/Community Manager and they are trying to get all the Club chats set up on

    Tuesdays: 4-5pmPT/7-8pmET

    -or-

    Thursdays: 5-6pmPT/8-9pmET, 6-7pmPT/9-10ET, 7-8pmPT/10-11pmET (This last time would be kind of late for East coast, but is available if you want it.)

    The first scheduled chat would be March 6 or 8.

    Let me know what time works for you!

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs
  • jmurdockjmurdock Member Posts: 2
    Howdy! I'm Jim Murdock, a retired Air Force navigator, currently a Certified Financial Planner living in Hebron, KY (greater Cincinnati).
    I have mostly driven imported cars since driving my uncle's 1959 Triumph TR-3a when I was 16. I always said that if Detroit built a good handling, responsive car with four doors, rear wheel drive and a manual transition, I would consider buying one. My LS is a black 2000 manual built in October 1999.
    My previous cars have been:

    1961 MGA
    1969 Datsun 510
    1969 Fiat 124 Spider
    1970 Peugeot 504
    1964 Triumph TR4a
    1971 BMW 2002
    1969 Porsche 911E
    1974 Alfa Romeo GTV
    1974 Audi 100 LS
    1975 Audi Fox (wife's)
    1978 Pontiac Grand Am (wife's, automatic)
    1978 Alfa Romeo Alphetta Sedan
    1980 VW Rabit convertable (wife's)
    1982 Volvo 242 GT
    1982 VW Sciracco (wife's)
    1984 Audi 4000 Quattro
    1985 Mazda RX7 (wife's)
    1988 Audi 80 Quattro (over 210,000 miles when I traded it in)
    1987 Alfa Romeo Milano (wife's)
    1990 VW Passat Wagon (wife's, automatic)
    1995 Mazda Millenia (wife's)
    1995 BMW 525i
    1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee TSI (wife's)
    2000 Lincoln LS manual
    2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (wife's)

    My LS ranks with the Alfa Romeo GTV, both BMWs, and the Audi 80 Quattro as the best cars I've owned and is the best value of any of them. I like it at least as well as my '95 BMW 525i and better than the current BMW 5 series (too soft).
  • luxiluxi Member Posts: 8
    Hi, guys.

    I'm a 33 years old electronics engineer in Southern California. I do not have long list of owned cars and long years of driving experiences like most of your guys here because I had never owned / driven a car before I came from China to this country in 1992. I'll catch up with you soon.

    1987 Mercury Capri ( Bought used in 1992, my first car. 4 speed manual, same as a Ford Mustang, now have 200k happy miles )

    1995 BMW 3 series ( My first new car. 5 speed manual. Loved it. Thought I would be a BMW person for the rest of my life. Attended lots of BMW events. )

    2000 Lincoln LS ( V-6, 5 speed manual. Just when I was shopping for a BMW 5 series, I saw this car, and got hooked. I guess most of the BMW owners think their cars are the best, without knowing what's happening outside their circle. )

    I went to the LS Mania on Jan. 6, but had to leave early to drive to Las Vegas to attend the International Consumer Electronics Show, thus missed the fun driving part.

    So glad to know you all.
  • eric_ls8eric_ls8 Member Posts: 7
    Hello!

    Names Eric and I am 31 year old engineer for a major hardware computer company located here in Boston, MA area.

    Just bought my first AMERICAN sports sedan, sold my '97 Audi A4 Quattro Turbo Sport, what a sweet ride that Audi was.... about a year ago bought a 1989 Ford SHO Taurus and actually liked its basic beginings of american competition over the Germans, found an arcticle from '89 and it being compared to the BMW M5.

    Well I upgraded the SHO to a Black/Charcoal Grey LS Sport V8. If I can swing it the SHO should be seeing the SCCA track sometime soon I hope.

    I want to modify my LS, anyone else who has done any mods. I am interested!

    My car list:

    70's Ford Maverick - I told myself after this car never a Ford product again.... until now...
    '79 VW Scirocco S - fell in love with the high reving engine and sports package
    '74 Triumph TR-6 - junker... but, boy the straigt six sounded good.
    '83 Honda Prelude - Should have kept this one....
    '88 Toyota 4Runner
    '92 Acura Integra LS Sport
    '94 VW Passat VR-6 Sedan - OWNED it 22 Days, totalled it on 128/95 Welcome to Boston!!
    '92 Nissan Maxima SE - Nice power too much weight in front end.
    '97 Audi A4 1.8T quattro - Started modifying car, Chipped it, lots of aftermarket crap!!!

    Own today:

    '89 Taurus SHO 5 speed w/ 16 50's rims and 1200 watt stereo system!
    '00 LS V8 Sport w/ ATS, Moonroof, heated seats!
    '69 VW Karmann Ghia - Pride and Joy, nothing beats a 48HP convertible crusier!
    '93 Ford F150 (wife's) - Tows the trailer
    '01 Ford Explorer Sport Trac (wife's)

    Hope to see you all online, its eric_ls8

    can reach me @ shoquattro@earthlink.net
  • brunobusbrunobus Member Posts: 77
    Hi,

    My name is Bruno Busnardo and I bought my Black/Charcoal LS8 Sport about a year ago. I am 29 years old and run a petroleum service company in Denser.

    My previous cars have been few, but have all been good cars but one.

    1 - 1971 Pinto - I was 16 and this car just kept taking beating after beating without fail.

    2 - 1984 Renault Encore - Piece of S

    3 - 1989 Ford Escort - Great car. Never broke even once after having 100k on it.

    4 - 1995 Dodge Avenger - Totalled when a guy ran a red light doing about 55. Walked away without a scratch which prompted purchase of #5.

    5 - 1996 Dodge Avenger ES - Black/gray with 5 speed. Great handling car for the money and the first car I fell in love with. Sold it with 100k on it and it never had a problem. Got me from Denver to Venice Beach in 12 hours flat one time.

    6 - 2000 LS - Second love - Has the spirit of the Avenger with twice the power and better handling and ride. After 22k I still love it but am getting a little disappointed in the rattles and squeaks that are starting to show up. Never had one in the Avenger, which cost half the price of the LS when new.

    Wife has a 99 Ford Explorer which has been a good car. I think I may stick with Ford for a while (especially since Jaguar and Land Rover are now part of the mix). My dad always bought Fords(the Pinto and the Escort were his first) and has always been happy.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    The Edmunds.com Drivers' Opinion Panel has just launched. This initiative will further establish Edmunds.com as the voice of the consumer by becoming a key source for automotive market research. Through this initiative Edmunds.com will send traffic to the Opinion Panel promotion and registration area. Members of the panel will participate in key market research studies for Automotive OEMs and related companies on-line as opposed to more traditional market research methods.

    To become a member of the panel, please visit

    Drivers' Opinion Panel

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs
  • seredmonseredmon Member Posts: 1
    I'm a former zcot (z club of texas) member that laid his Z to rest 6 months ago. It was not easy. I work for Ford and get a great discount on their cars. I never really cared much for them, til I saw the LS and took it for a test drive. WOW!

    It's a great first attempt at luxury, performance and style that competes well with Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes. Unlike my Z, it could use a little more horsepower. But I still get the looks and the compliments that I use to get for my Z. I'll rely on you guys to get more horsepower.

    Like to meet new members - Keep it clean!
  • kentskikentski Member Posts: 2
    I've recently acquired an '86 LSC MK VII, what a cruiser!!! Presently have 14 cars and a truck, including a 39 Ford coupe (street rod), 65 Dodge coronet convertible (have a hemi to put in it.) 5 corvairs (if you had one you know why) BMW 530i (I love repairing things.)Dodge colt (have owned for 26 years.it won't die.)wife's explorer and lots of "projects". It only takes money !!!!
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Please take a look at Owner's Club Changes to offer your opinion.


    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs

  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Some of you will notice that your messages from yesterday no longer exist. There was a major hiccup in the system last evening. Edmunds.com apologizes sincerely for the difficulties this situation poses. Please rest assured that every effort is being expended to rectify this matter as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    This week's topic:


    My vehicle is better than yours because....


    Brag about your ride on Tuesday, May 8, 5-6pm PT/8-9pm ET in the new News & Views Weekly Chat

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs

  • msmac1msmac1 Member Posts: 1
    The Lincoln LS V6 Manual lacks adequate horsepower. I love the styling so when my lease runs out, I will get the V8. I am left in the dust by most other new cars and wonder why Ford put such an inadequate engine in such a nice car.

    I bought into the Motor Trend Car of the Year hype, not realizing that this car is pretty slow. Beautiful car but boring to drive.
  • nmandeville1nmandeville1 Member Posts: 7
    I am considering on buying a 2001 lincoln ls special edition,limited to only 200 made for the year.If anyone has purchase this vehicle,I would like to know what you paid for same! Thanks,Nancy
  • ls1bmw0ls1bmw0 Member Posts: 782
    Nancy,

    Someone must be giving you a line of hooey. There is no such thing as a 2001 Special Edition LS. What is this car supposed to have that makes it special?

    Brian
  • nmandeville1nmandeville1 Member Posts: 7
    Brian, Yes there is and already been to a dealer who has one. It is a fully loaded car that only come in black and is limited to only two hundred made for the year and is number on the inside on the dash. Is has ground effect spoiler all around with a speical grill and chrome dual exhust coming thru the spoiler that fitted. It is one sharp sporty looking car and really think I am going to purchase soon while the car is available and incentives are so good. This will be a collector car but that is not the reason for buying! I love the look! Thanks,Nancy
  • joe166joe166 Member Posts: 401
    I bet you a lot of money that this is a dealer or a group of dealers that is trying to figure out a way to part us from our hard earned money. If it is an official Ford product it MIGHT have some extra value. If it is a dealer installed package it will definitely diminish the value of your car. I have seen lots of Eldo "special edition" cars of various degrees of bad taste languishing in used car lots once the new car feel has faded. If you like it, great. Don't count on it being worth anything more than a garden variety LS even if it were a real special edition, which I think we would have heard about by now.
  • ls1bmw0ls1bmw0 Member Posts: 782
    I'll bet dollars to donuts that it is the 2001 Lincoln LSC Special Edition package from Pre-Delivery Services. It consists of a front spoiler, side skirts, rear fascia with dual exhaust cutouts, Borla exhaust system(optional) and a rear spoiler. It has special badging. It is only available through a Lincoln dealer and it is a dealer option.

    I just got the brochure from Pre-Delivery Services showing the car. Looks pretty good. I don't want to rain on your parade, since it is a nice looking option but just make sure the dealer isn't tacking on more than $2,500 for the option, because that's what it costs from Pre-Delivery Services. The numbered plaque is a nice touch but from what Pre-Delivery Services told me it isn't a limited production run. The dealerships in your region may have gotten together, as Joe said, to advertise this and decided to limit it to 200.

    If you get a chance please email a picture of the car to me at: brian.gowing@llsoc.com and I can confirm if this is what it is.

    Brian
  • alphansteinalphanstein Member Posts: 95
    When I was shopping for my LS back in March, Witt Lincoln/Merc of San Diego had one of these on display. I doubt it is a special edition, just looked like the dealer trying to differentiate the car and get more margin. And they were too, the sticker for it all was $44K, but it did have 20" rims too. The dealer I bought from had done something similar and tricked up an LS for their showroom too. It was stickered at $42K. Net, they were taking on those high margin dealer options waiting for the right buyers to get trapped. You can add this stuff after for a fraction of the cost.
  • alphansteinalphanstein Member Posts: 95
    My name is Jeff and I live in San Diego, born in LA and went to school in both San Luis Obispo for electronics and just finished my MBA at Univ of Phoenix. I am 31 and have worked for a major semiconductor firm since I graduated from SLO. I currently am a channel sales manager covering San Diego and other areas.

    I have not had a long list of cars, but here is mine none the less:
    1970 Datsun 210 (totalled it on the way to a high school party, good thing it was all steel like a cage)
    1980 Chevy Monza (great little 4 banger for getting back and forth from LA to SLO, but the piston rings were shot at 110Kmiles).
    1985 Nissan P/U (still got this one at 247Kmiles and it runs great).
    1986 Yamaha Fazer FXZ700, (still have this too with 47Kmiles on it).
    1979 Nissan 280ZX
    1995 Mazda B2300
    1996 Ford Taurus
    2001 Lincoln LS V8
    I got the V8 non-sport with moonroof, alpine audio with in-dash six disc, and high polished alum wheels. This is my favorite car of all. I used to valet cars in high school and have an oppty to drive all kinds and I think the LS compares quite well in styling and interior. And the performance suits me just fine, so I am content.

    I started reading Edmunds in January when researching new cars. I came across the LS in March and by the end of March, I was in one. I was not intending to purchase a car until the end of the year because I couldn't find something that excited me and I would have just bought another Taurus. Except, the LS excited me and the owners enthusiasm rubbed off on me to the point that I had to do it. Haven't looked back since and of course, my mother is happy to have my old 96 Taurus, which replaced her 1990 98 Oldsmobile.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Folks...today's events are horrendous, and we probably haven't heard the last of it. My prayers for the safety of you, your loved ones, and for us all.

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs
  • rgnmstrrgnmstr Member Posts: 226
    Greetings,
    Name is Mike. I just purchased a 2002 LS Sport, V8, moonroof, all season package and communication package. I was going to buy a 98 MK VIII but decided to go the new car route with the financing that's currently available. I really wanted a 2 door but the LS 4 door looks better than most. Reason for buying the LS: It's a BMW on steriods. I liked the looks, handeling and the fact it's a V8 with rear wheel drive. I think the sports package should have included the appearance package that will be another option later this year.

    Previous cars owned:
    1948 Chevy - it was my first car and really old
    when I bought it. $75
    1952 Chevy - Once again really old when I bought
    it. $50
    1955 Chevy - The one I wanted in the first place.
    1960 Corvette - Wish I still had it.
    1965 Griffith - Worlds fastest accelerating
    production car. 0-60 3.8 seconds.
    Had lots of fun with this car.
    1970s - A couple of full sized Chevys and Fords
    that were my father's ex company cars.
    These were purchased so I wouldn't have to
    drive the Griffith every day.
    1978 Chevy Malibu - First new car. Bought to use
    in an outside sales job.
    1988 Chevy Caprice Wagon - 2nd new car. The
    family truckster. It's been to a lot of
    baseball and lacrose games. Still have
    it. 145K miles. 1 transmission.
    1992 Mercury Grand Marques - Bought used for my
    wife to drive. I've been driving 10
    different company cars for the past 20
    years. The LS is replacing the Grand
    Marq. which has 140K miles. Runs great.
    Wanna buy it?
  • rgnmstrrgnmstr Member Posts: 226
    My 2002 LS, V8, Sport came with Bridgestone Turamza EL 42 tires. These things sell for $185 and the previous Firestone Firehawks sell for $69. Are the Bridgestones that much better?
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