MSRP Range: $38,000 to $54,500
Invoice Range: $42,000 to $48,000
Price Quote
MSRP As Tested: $54,380
Versions: Luxury, Premium, Ultimate
Vehicle Category: Full-Size Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle
Engine Location: Front Engine
Drive Wheels: Rear-Wheel Drive Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive
Engine As Tested: 5.4-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, V-8 cylinder, 300-horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 355 lb-ft torque at 2,750 rpm
Transmission As Tested: 4-Speed Automatic
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 2-Wheel Drive - 12/17. Four-Wheel Drive - 11/16.
Standard Safety Features: Driver and front passenger, front and side airbags, 2nd row side-curtain airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Rear Obstacle Detection System, Remote Keyless Entry.
Competition: Acura MDX, BMW X5, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, HUMMER H2, Infiniti FX45, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus GX 470, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Toyota Land Cruiser.
Wheeler Springs, California -- In an age when there's a SUV for every pocketbook and interior comforts are more important than off-road sojourns, luxury trucks were bound to happen. Leave it to the American manufacturers to define the high-end full size SUV market and of course that means Cadillac and Lincoln. The Navigator created this market, offering a mass market alternative to the high end Range Rover. Its success shamed Cadillac into placing an entry in the mix and the original Denali based Escalade was a last minute place holder.
Now the 2003 Navigator is a complete redesign from ground up and it sets a new standard for the large luxury SUV class. While Lincoln has mildly restyled the exterior of the 2003 Navigator it has completely redone and refined chassis and added a wealth of neat features.
Originally the Expedition and Navigator were based on F150 light truck components, but that is in the past, and few crossover bits remain. The chassis and drivetrain changes in the Navigator raise the bar in handling and ride comfort for the segment. Lincoln has undertaken a change in engineering philosophy to provide similar 'feel' from model to model in the Lincoln line up. Based on recent drives in the new Navigator and Town Car we can report that steering feel and brake feel are very close to identical in the two vehicles.
Lincoln realizes that the enjoyment of a vehicle largely depends on comfort and convenience, and once again offers features before the competitors. These include climate controlled seats, reclining buckets in the second row, power rear hatch AND power folding third row, either as standard or options. They lead the industry with these features, but as before, many competitors will follow.
Navigator can be ordered with two low-back second row bucket seats or a three-passenger, 40/20/40-split bench that includes a sliding center section. No other full-size luxury sport utility vehicle offers customers a choice of bench seats or buckets and the Navigator's second row headroom and legroom are best-in-class. Navigator's standard third row seat not only offers a natural seating position with best-in-class head and legroom, it also is split 60/40 and folds flat to the floor -- and power folding is optional.
The independent rear suspension (IRS) eliminates the need for a frame and floor pan "kick up" for axle clearance, and is the principal reason why the vehicle's third row seats are so roomy, and cargo capacity so large. Occasional adult passengers don't have to sit with their knees on their chins. (Proven at a 20th college reunion!)
With a 'command view' of the road, the Navigator can accommodate an almost infinite number of driving positions with an eight-way power-adjustable seat with power lumbar support, four-way adjustable head restraints, a height-adjustable shoulder harness, power-adjustable accelerator and brake pedals and a tilt steering column. The passenger seat shares the same power features. Both seats are available with a segment-exclusive heated and cooled feature. The first and second row seats are heated and first row seats are ventilated. The two-passenger second row features reclining low-back bucket seats with adjustable head restraints divided by a large center console.
The optional power rear lift-gate stands out. With a mere press of a button the rear lift-gate raises or lowers. It is very handy when trying to corral an errant child or a recalcitrant grocery cart and particularly useful in inclement conditions. When added to the power reclining third row, even the bulkiest loads are less of a hassle. Lincoln Mercury President Brian Kelley summed up what Lincoln's game plan. "Our strategy for 2003 is to deliver more of everything that made the Navigator successful in the first place," says Kelley. "The new Navigator is more luxurious, more refined and more capable on and off-road than its predecessor."
First, the lovely chrome grill notes a strong family resemblance to other Lincoln models. Secondly, a strong resemblance to the old Navigator was retained, the exterior redesign being evolutionary not revolutionary.
Yet if not instantly recognizable from the exterior, the difference between the new and old Navigator is like night and day. Two elements that should be highlighted to explain those differences involve the drivetrain/suspension and the interior.
The changes include a hydroformed frame, IRS and rack and pinion steering. The new frame adds considerable resistance to flexing allowing for better suspension control. The IRS provides a level of ride comfort and handling unmatched by typical SUV suspensions. The rack and pinion steering improves the "on center" steering feel and increases positive feedback from the front end. It does not "drive as big as it looks", with a ride that is smooth and not at all "truck-like" while still maintaining a "connected to the road" feeling absent from other SUVs. The other aspect that raises the bar for luxury SUVs is the absolutely gorgeous interior of the new Navigator. It starts with a high level of fit and finish. The American walnut burl, premium leather trim, satin nickel finishes, lovely analog clock and white LED lighting create a luxurious and contemporary cabin as expected, but the way it is arranged and presented is uniquely American and hopefully a portent of interiors to come in the rest of the Lincoln lineup.
The climate control, stereo and optional navigation system are housed under a satin nickel panel in the center console. The center console perfectly divides the cabin into two symmetrical pieces. The front center console offers the most storage space in its class and includes an ashtray with cigarette lighter, two cupholders, a large storage bin with a rear-hinged lid and a 12-volt power point. The bin also incorporates a three-slot coin holder and a tissue holder.
The premium AM/FM radio features an in-dash six CD changer. The lockable glove box is 16 percent larger. The satin nickel finish is a thin metal deposition on a plastic substrate; it does not have a metallic 'hot or cold' feel to it, which can be of some comfort on those days when temperatures are at their extremes.
The rear passenger doors on the Navigator swing out wide and allow easy access to the interior. An easy flip up of one of the second row seats offers decent access to the third row.
Returning are the Navigator's solid engine and smooth four speed automatic transmission. The Navigator comes with a 5.4 L Overhead Cam V8 and has an 8300 lb. towing capacity. The Navigator can be a bit thirsty but is equipped with a 28 gallon tank.
The Navigator is equipped with four wheel disc brakes that have great feel and provide decent stopping distances. The Navigator comes standard with 18 wheels and Michelin tires, the base tires being 255/70 R 18 and the optional size on chrome aluminum wheels are 275/65 R 18.
The four-wheel drive equipped Navigators come with ControlTrac software that anticipates and prevents wheel slippage in low traction conditions.
When equipped with the AdvanceTrac (standard on Premium and Ultimate versions, optional on the Luxury version), the Navigator adds Electronic Traction Control, which, using the standard ABS and sophisticated software, can deliver more torque to the wheel with traction than traditional limited slip differentials.
The rear 'park assist' sensors make parallel parking safer and care free for a large vehicle.
Passive safety isn't neglected as the Navigator comes equipped with what Lincoln calls the Personal Safety System(tm), which includes dual-stage front air bags, and the Safety Canopy(tm) side curtain air bag system, which provides enhanced occupant protection in side impacts and rollovers. A full-size spare tire mounted to an aluminum wheel is stowed below the load floor.
Navigator Is Sure Footed, On-Highway Or Off
Lincoln engineers made sure that active safety is enhanced with the new chassis, IRS and steering systems. The Navigator handles better than most SUVs, big or small, and will be better able to maneuver itself out of trouble.
On Navigators equipped as 4x4s the front hubs disengage from the drivetrain components to reduce drivetrain friction and increase fuel economy. Shifting between the all wheel drive mode, two-wheel drive or high range four-wheel drive can be done on the fly.
The four-wheel drive Navigator has a number of modes. Of course there is two wheel drive with the aforementioned disconnects of hubs and transfer case to limit wear and increase fuel economy. There is an Active Four Wheel Drive mode that offers the steering transparency of two-wheel drive on pavement and 4WD capabilities in slippery or off-road situations. There are 4H and 4L modes that lock the transfer case for those situations were it is warranted.
The 2003 Navigator's optional ControlTracT four-wheel drive system, which is ordered by more than 60 percent of customers, offers four electronically selectable drive modes:
Two-wheel "high" (2H): In this mode, 100 percent of engine torque is directed to the rear wheels. To reduce friction losses and improve fuel economy, the front wheels and hub are automatically disconnected from the drivetrain components.
Automatic four-wheel drive (A4WD): In this mode, an electronic controller monitors the front and rear driveshaft speeds and sends up to 100 percent of torque to the front axle via a clutch pack if the rear wheels are slipping. The system also monitors throttle position and can anticipate rear wheel slippage and redirect torque before traction is lost. A4WD can be used on all road surfaces.
Four-wheel "high" (4H): This mode splits torque evenly front to rear and is intended for off-road or low-traction situations such as deep snow. It can be activated while the vehicle is in motion at any speed up to 55 mph.
Four-wheel "low" (4L): This mode functions like 4H but employs a substantial gear reduction to multiply engine torque for very low-speed towing or for maximum engine braking when driving off road. In 4L, the engine intervention component of the traction control system is disabled, so that wheelspin can be used to power the Navigator up slopes or through deep sand or snow.
When ControlTrac is paired with AdvanceTrac, Navigator's optional traction and stability enhancement system, only one wheel needs traction to get underway. AdvanceTrac monitors wheel speed at each corner and uses the anti-lock brakes and engine management to control spin. This allows torque to be directed both fore and aft and side-to-side without heavy locking differentials. AdvanceTrac can be switched off when wheel spin is desired. Vehicles without AdvanceTrac have a limited-slip rear differential.
Pros: One of the rare true luxury vehicles on the market. Excellent passenger and cargo capacity. Fabulously comfortable seating. More than needed towing capacity. Perfect for people who show horses and need to tow multi-animal trailers.
Cons: It's a gas guzzler. It is a GAS GUZZLER. Navigation system is cumbersome.
Ratings (1-10)
Style: 8
Performance: 6
Price: 6
Handling: 7
Ride: 7
Comfort: 8
Quality: 7
Overall: 7
MORE DATA
Where Built: USA
Major Options: Rear-seat DVD Entertainment Center, power-deployable running boards, power-folding third row seat, power liftgate.
Seating: 8
Number of Rows: 3
Crash Test Ratings:
- NHTSA Frontal Impact/Driver Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
- NHTSA Frontal Impact/Passenger Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
- NHTSA Side Impact/Front Seat Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
- NHTSA Side Impact/Rear Seat Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
- NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating: Not Yet Tested
- IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test: Not Yet Tested
Length in Inches: 206.0
Warranties: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/unlimited miles corrosion, 4 years/50,000 miles free Roadside Assistance, 3/36,000 free Scheduled Maintenance.
Weight in Pounds: 5,994
Maximum Payload in Pounds: 2-Wheel Drive - 1,456. 4-Wheel Drive - 1,540.
Towing Capacity in Pounds: 2-Wheel Drive - 8,500. 4-Wheel Drive - 8,300.
Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 28.0
Destination Charge: $740
