Base price: $48,875; 4wd, $52,425
Vehicle type: front-engine, rear- or 4-wheel-drive; 5-door 7-passenger wagon
Interior volume, F/M/R (cu ft) 59/56/45
Cargo volume, seats up/maximum (cu ft) 18/104
Wheelbase 118.8 in
Length/width/height 206.0/80.2/77.8 in
Turning circle 38.7 ft
Curb weight 5750–6000 lb
EPA city/highway mpg 11–12/16–17
Fuel-tank capacity/range 28.0 gal/308–336 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger front and head airbags, rear head airbags
POWERTRAIN
5.4-liter DOHC pushrod 32-valve V-8, 300 hp; 4-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, unequal-length control arms, air springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, unequal-length control arms, air springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/vented disc
ABS standard
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LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
The Navigator, which was launched as a 1998 model, can be credited to a large extent with having created the domestic, high-end SUV-market. But the competition quickly moved in, especially Cadillac with its Escalade.
To keep up, the Navigator—like the downmarket Ford Expedition from which it is derived—has been substantially redesigned for 2003. Although it closely resembles the original, there are such subtle changes as lower-riding bumpers, which improve crash compatibility with cars, and larger headlights. Dimensionally, there’s barely an inch of variation between the first generation and the second.
Inside, however, the differences are considerable. The cockpit, which takes its cues from the elegant Lincoln Continental sedans of the early ’60s, makes good use of American walnut, supple leather, and a satin nickel finish to provide an atmosphere of unmistakable quality.
The first two rows of buckets are properly supportive, well shaped, equipped with recliners, and each is complemented by a height-adjustable shoulder-belt anchor, a jumbo-size cup holder, a useful door bin, and a humongous central console. The second-row passengers get climate controls, headphone jacks, and audio controls. Optional is a headliner-mounted DVD entertainment system.
Access to the new Nav’s comfortable third-row seat is better than in the previous Navigator or in any of GM’s full-size SUVs. The power-operated seat folds flat at the touch of a button, leaving 55 cubic feet of space.
With the Ultimate package, which includes most of the high-end features, the tailgate is also electronically operated as are retracting running boards which ease entry into the tall cockpit.
A major change for 2003 is a new independent rear suspension that makes the useful third-row seat possible. Air springs all-around provide a constant ride height and greater compliance than did the previous coil springs and torsion bars. New brake calipers, larger rotors, and electronic brake-force distribution improve stopping power. Top-of-the-line models get AdvanceTrac stability control.
Despite a weight increase of 460 pounds over the previous Navigator, the 2003 model gets to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 17.1 at 83 mph, both about half a second quicker than before, thanks to a torque bump of 20 pound-feet (to 355), which the carry-over, 300-hp, 5.4-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8 received in 2000.
This giant machine may not be for everyone but there’s no denying its “king of the road” appeal.
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