For those who enjoy luxury with room to spare, Ford's upmarket Lincoln division has the perfect fit. When it debuted in the summer of 1997, the Lincoln Navigator was one of the largest, luxury-appointed vehicles available. Heck, it was the automotive twin of the Ford Expedition, the largest SUV in the world's second-largest auto company's stockpile. That is until the even bigger Excursion burst on the scene a couple of years later. Navigator had it all; room, luxury, girth, V-8 power and fuel-mileage ratings that encouraged elite members of the Sierra Club to reach for the extra-strength Maalox. Now six model years later, Lincoln introduces the second-generation Navigator. It's still one of the few SUVs with room enough in the third row to handle three full-sized adults. Navigator seats seven or eight riders depending on which second-row configuration is chosen.
This second-generation incarnation is more refined than the first try, which was much closer in nature to the Ford Expedition. It now offers features Expedition does not. Navigator includes several industry firsts, including optional running boards that extend out from the undersides once a side door opens. These boards are approximately a half-inch wider than in 2002; a useful addition because maneuvering into the full-size Navigator from the ground to the seats requires that extra step. Front inside grab handles on the A pillar adjacent to the windows and the B pillar in the middle row are also strategically positioned for easier egress and ingress.
Other new electronic gizmos include a power lift gate (another Navigator exclusive) and third-row back rests that mechanically fold down with either a press of the key fob button or by activating a ceiling switch near the map lights. Power folding third-row backrests are also available in Ford Expedition. Navigator also offers trendy items including an in-dash navigation system and kid-friendly DVD rear entertainment system. Navigator is built on a full-size truck platform with a four-wheel low transfer case enabling the vehicle to run through heavy off-road type mud or tow more than 8,000 pounds of boat, camper, snowmobile or whatever else needs to move from point A to B. Lincoln's product line has changed remarkably since Navigator first went on sale in 1997.
Lincoln introduced the mid-size, rear-wheel drive LS sedan in the 2000 model year (with major updates coming for 2003), but dropped the full-size Continental sedan after the 2002 model year. Lincoln is also getting set to introduce the all-new, mid-size V-8-powered 2003 Aviator sport utility. Aviator will be the size of the Mercury Mountaineer with visual cues closely tied to the new Navigator. The popular four-door Lincoln Town Car also gets re-tweaked in '03. In essence Lincoln has four offerings in 2003, but three have been extensively revamped and the fourth (Aviator) is an all-new offering. Navigator and its sister vehicle, the Ford Expedition, are assembled in Wayne Mich. just outside Detroit. Engine/trim level: Navigator offers three trim levels and a returning powertrain from the 2002 model year. Luxury, Premium and top-level Ultimate trims are all available in rear two wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
The sole drivetrain is a 5.4-liter, dual overhead cam V-8 with four valves per cylinder producing 300 horsepower. The engine is mated to a standard four-speed automatic transmission. Lincoln added several muffling modifications in this second-generation vehicle reducing the amount of engine noise seeping into the driving compartment. Premium, 91-octane fuel is recommended for the large 28 gallon fuel tank. Fuel economy is nothing to write home about; but if you're plunking down $50,000 plus for a full-size SUV, an extra $10 per week in fuel costs is probably not a concern.
Two-wheel drive editions provide an estimated 12 miles per gallon in city driving and 17 m.p.g. on the highway. With four-wheel drive editions, figures drop by one mile in both categories. Since Navigator is built off a full-size truck platform with V-8 power, it's capable of towing hefty loads of up to an impressive 8,529 pounds. Navigator's closest domestic rival, the Cadillac Escalade sport utility, offers two V-8 engine choices. Two-wheel drive editions get the 5.3-liter V-8 pumping out 285 horsepower while four-wheel drive selections receive the 6.0-liter powertrain generating a class-leading 325 horses. Price: Even though this is a luxury model, there still is a $13,000 difference between lower and higher trim level starting price points. A two-wheel drive Luxury model starts at $48,722, with four-wheel drive, the price lists at $51,685. The mid-level two-wheel drive Premium model checks in at $49,385 and $53,935 for the four-wheel drive model.
Lincoln provided the Daily Herald with one of the most posh editions available, a 4 x 4 Ultimate with a $54,210 starting price. After adding in options including the navigation system ($1,995), power moonroof ($1,495), power running boards ($925), chrome aluminum wheels ($675) and rear DVD entertainment system ($1,295), the bottom line ended up at $61,335 with the $740 destination charge. A two-wheel drive Ultimate lists at $50,760. The V-8 powered, 2003 Cadillac Escalade starts at $49,710 for a two-wheel edition and $53,205 for an all-wheel drive model. Escalade was redesigned in 2002 with more unique features further distinguishing itself from its sister vehicle, the GMC Yukon Denali. Toyota's largest SUV offering, the V-8 powered, Indiana-built Sequoia starts at $31,625 for a two-wheel drive SR5 edition and $35,155 for a four-wheel drive version. Standard equipment: As one would expect, the upscale Lincoln includes many items standard in the posh Navigator including: dual zone air conditioning and heating, power heated side mirrors, power locks, power windows, speed-proportional power steering, cruise control, adjustable pedals, intermittent front and rear wipers, rear window defroster, roof rack, in-dash six-unit compact disc player and rear heating ducts.
Inside: Navigator's ambiance gets enhanced by dark walnut trim, silver/chrome accents and leather surfaces. The top quarter of the steering wheel is a wood accent. A circular analog clock (the kind with hands) adorns the center of the dashboard creating a touch of elegance. Our four-wheel drive edition included a dashboard-mounted shift-on-the-fly transfer case. Just a switch of a knob moves the underpinnings from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive high and low. Eight-way power driver and passenger seats come standard. One noticeable change is the location of the automatic transmission gear shift. It's now a floor-mounted variety, not the steering column type found in the first generation. Headlights activate via a dashboard dial on the far left side. The parking brake is foot operated, opening up more room between the front bucket seats.
This area is home to in-line beverage holders and a large, deep storage bin hinged at the back. At the front of the bin are power window controls for all four windows and heated seat controls for the bucket cushions up front. One of the only areas not super-sized is the diminutive glove box. On the ceiling near the rearview mirror is a console with map lights and toggle switches operating the power moonroof and rear hatch door. The steering wheel includes all cruise control functions and secondary radio, temperature and fan speed controls. The instrument panel features a black background with three white side-by-side analog dials. In the right corner is a message center detailing odometer readings, miles-to-empty estimates and a host of other fun facts. Both front and rear windshield wipers monitor from the turn signal stalk. The hazard button is atop the steering column. The rectangular ventilation system is below with toggle switches enabling temperature and fan speed to move up or down when pushed. Several mode buttons direct the air flow. The retracting running boards help when stepping into the first and second rows.
Shoppers have the option of a bench seat in the second row, or two bucket seats with a center console. Our test version had the console with a deep storage bin and two additional cup holders. The third row is accessible by folding down the second-row back rests and then tilting the bucket seat forward. However, be careful of exposed greasy hinges on the under side of the seat when passing by. Outside: Except for the roof and door panels, all of Navigator's exterior sheet metal is updated in 2003. The rear hatch opens two ways; the entire door, hinged at the top, lifts up as one unit or the window itself opens independently via the key fob for quick trips in and out. And remember, the lift-gate is power operated for easy use. It takes about 10 seconds to raise the power tailgate. The non-locking, circular gas tank door is on the left rear fender. In front, Navigator features a large, distinctive chrome grille and a hood that's four-inches higher than the previous model year. Chrome, strap-like handles adorn all four side doors. The large, side-view mirrors are body color.
Not only do these mirrors fold in when brushed against, drivers can mechanically fold both sides in via a button on the driver's door; another Navigator exclusive. Eighteen-inch wheels and tires come standard, the largest in the full-size SUV class. Dimensions: Wheelbase: 118.8 inches Overall length: 206 inches Overall width: 80.2 inches Overall height: 77.8 inches Safety features: Navigator includes additional turn signal indicators on the large side-view mirrors, increasing the chances that other drivers, especially those to the side, know your intention. Sideview mirrors automatically tilt downward when the vehicle is in reverse for a clearer view of what's directly behind the Navigator. Night lights that illuminate when unlocking the vehicle via the key fob are also built into the side view mirrors. This helps to find door handles in the dark and when using the key-pad lock system at night.
Standard are rear sensors that beep with increasing frequency when backing up and approaching obstacles. Also included are dual reduced-force air bags, front head air bags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, rear doors with child-lock protection, remote anti-theft alarm, remote keyless entry and dusk-sensing headlamps. In side impact collisions, a safety canopy deploys from the headliner protecting first and second-row occupants. Another useful device is the optional tire pressure monitoring system that alerts drivers when one or more of the tires, including the under-carriage spare, is severely under-or-over inflated. The Ford family was one of the first to have adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, especially helpful in such a big setting. Keep in mind Navigator also includes Ford's "BeltMinder" system which chimes intermittently for approximately five minutes or until the driver buckles up.
Warranty: Lincoln's warranty program includes a four-year or 50,000-mile (which ever comes first) bumper-to-bumper and four-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. In addition Lincoln adds a three-year, 36,000 complimentary maintenance package covering wear and tear items and 24-hour roadside assistance. The rust/corrosion warranty is good for five years with unlimited mileage. Final thoughts: For such a heavy vehicle, Navigator is remarkably light on its feet…or its 18-inch tires as the case may be. One does not feel as if he or she is maneuvering a 6,000-pound beast thanks to speed-proportional power steering, four-wheel independent suspension and a new frame. This is a noticeable change from the mid-to-late 1990s when these full-sized SUVs first arrived. At that time rides were more bouncy and less precise. Navigator's third row seating is capable of handling three full-sized adults comfortably, a brag not common in most vehicles with three rows. |