2003 Lincoln Navigator Road Test2003 Lincoln Navigator - Fully Equipped and Then Some
I can't say I loved the previous generation 1998 through 2002 Lincoln Navigator. While attractively styled, accommodating and reasonably luxurious its interior showed off its pickup truck roots too openly while its ride was also truck-like firm. But that model is old news. For 2003 Ford's premium domestic brand is boasting a completely redesigned, reengineered full-size SUV, and what a difference a model year can make!Don't expect to be bowled over with a modern, new-edge exterior styling statement, as Lincoln has usually been slightly more conservative than arch rival Cadillac. Rather than radical, the updated Navigator wears refined sheetmetal, subtly altered just enough to cause those with older versions to yearn for something younger, but still not modified enough to disenfranchise the brand's loyal guard. 
Following this evolutionary theme the Navigator's composite hood looks as if transferred over unchanged, but the truck's taller and wider grille displays a thicker band of chrome across its top. Likewise a new set of larger, multi-reflector halogen headlamp clusters sparkle a richness the old lenses lacked, while the changes to the lower front fascia appear barely noticeable. The same has to be said for the SUV's side profile, probably due to the fact that the front doors are identical to last year's model - the roof is the only other carryover body panel. That said the Navigator now integrates larger wraparound taillamps, flusher rear quarter glass and the slickest feature of all, a set of optional power running boards that tuck in under the sill to smooth out the appearance and reduce overall wind resistance - I can't tell you how many onlookers I wowed with this feature.It's difficult not to compare the Navigator to the Cadillac Escalade, mostly because they have traditionally (if you can use that term for 5-year old vehicles) are targeted at the same demographic. Where some will be enthralled or otherwise offended by the Cadillac's avant-garde exterior design, all will be seduced by the Lincoln's gorgeous new interior. Light years beyond the Escalade in both style and execution, the Navigator's cabin is a feast for bored and jaded eyes. Its symmetrical instrument panel was inspired by the design of the 1961 Lincoln Continental, one of my favorite cars. Available in two palettes, a two-tone light parchment and espresso finish or monochromatic black, it's as warm and inviting as SUV interiors get.Part of this ambience has to be attributed to the burled walnut accents, but then as much could be due to its rich low luster satin nickel metallic finishes. Just below a classic-faced analog clock a large NAVIGATOR scripted door opens to a stellar sounding audio system and optional navigation monitor and controls. The instruments are easy to read, backlit by cold cathode technology while most interior switches are backlit in white. "We developed white lighting for the new Lincoln Navigator because it looks clean and modern," says Mike Arbaugh, Navigator chief designer. "It's the perfect complement to the soft luster of the satin nickel surface treatments." The satin nickel finish also covers each automatic climate control switch and button, giving the interface the look and feel of a high-end home audio system. The seats are covered in soft leather with a milled pebble finish, similar to the look of the dash panels. The Lincoln's carpeting looks rich under the feet while above, its headliner and A-pillars are overlaid with a new textured "prismatic" weave cloth.What about features? Standard dual-zone electronic climate control and an auxiliary climate control system for second and third row passengers are nice touches while heated and cooled, driver and front seat passenger seats offer more direct temperature control. The power adjustable, folding side view mirrors include built in approach lamps while the one on the passenger side tilts down when placing the transmission in reverse. The Navigator's AM/FM audio system includes a 6-disc dash-mounted CD changer while secondary controls are mounted on the steering wheel. Like all premium vehicles, and many more modestly priced, the Lincoln comes with remote keyless entry, but just in case you've forgotten your keys on the way to the carport and want to get inside, an entry keypad is situated just below the side window on the outside of the driver's door. Such a feature has been a Lincoln mainstay since before remote keyless fobs were even imagined. What's not to like? Well there were a few substandard plastic pieces but nothing to be too concerned about. The 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support is comfortable but better suited to a wider girth than mine, and in order to reach the power adjustment buttons I had to open up the door, as my skinny wrists wouldn't fit between the lower cushion and the door panel. Fortunately Lincoln includes a seat memory system that also adjusts the side mirrors and power-adjustable pedals so you'll only need to do this once. All its luxuries would be wasted if the new truck had a rough ride, but this is not a concern. The Navigator not only is softer over speed bumps and road surface irregularities but tracks better at high speed and performs emergency lane changes with an athleticism that belies its massive tonnage - 300 ft skid pad tests result in 0.76gs of lateral acceleration. Even when the road starts to twist and turn the big Lincoln makes the miles seem effortless, unless pushed beyond reasonable limits.Its rigidity comes via a fully boxed, hydroformed frame that is 70% stiffer torsionally and 67% stiffer in vertical bending. Rack and pinion steering, an updated 4-wheel independent air suspension and meaty P255/70R18 Michelin Cross Terrain tires on 7-spoke alloy rims are additional reasons behind its ride and handling improvements - H-speed rated P275/65/HR18 Michelin Pilot LTX tires mounted on 8-spoke chromed aluminum "Euroflange" wheels are optional. To improve handling even more, Lincoln offers an optional stability enhancement and traction control system called AdvanceTrac. The Navigator's ABS equipped 4-wheel disc brakes perform well, even in the wet. A new dual-rate brake booster provides "panic assist" in emergency situations, literally taking over braking if it senses the driver isn't applying the pedal hard enough, necessary to fully engage the ABS system. Also, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) evenly distributes braking force to all wheels with traction, making best use of each tire's contact patch. Larger rotors and improved twin-piston front calipers help the braking system to reduce stopping distance by 14% over last year's Navigator. Its sophisticated 4WD system is said to even grip ice but none was present during my test week. Still there was plenty of rain, and the Lincoln performed flawlessly. My test vehicle was equipped with the ControlTrac four-wheel drive system offering four electronically selectable drive modes, including automatic 4-wheel drive (A4WD), 4-wheel drive "high" (4H), 4-wheel drive "low" (4L) and 2-wheel drive "high" (2H), all self explanatory. When ControlTrac is paired with the AdvanceTrac stability enhancement and traction control system, only one wheel needs traction to get the Navigator underway.With 300-hp and 355 lb-ft of torque on tap a quick dab at the throttle shoots the big SUV forward with authority - it takes only 7.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h. But do this a few too many times and its premium-fuel fed gas tank will siphon its contents off into the atmosphere quicker than you can say Kyoto. To be fair the Navigator is LEV emissions friendly, but its shear consumption increases our country's reliance on foreign oil almost measurably - filling the 106 L (28.0 gal) tank sure depleted my resources. Still as hungry as it is the drivetrain is wonderfully smooth and transmits little vibration to occupants due to hydraulic engine mounts and a natural rubber transmission mount. Almost as cool as the aforementioned power running boards is a new aluminum power liftgate. The handy rear door opens up to equally convenient 60/40 split power folding third row seatbacks that almost fold entirely flat. The cargo area is voluminous to say the least, holding up to 1,724 L (60.9 cu ft) with the third row folded, leaving room enough for four or five adults depending on the second row seating choice - either two reclining low-back bucket seats or a 3-passenger 40/20/40 split bench. If you choose the former seating configuration, Lincoln carries forward a restyled version of the world's largest center consol, a perfect table top for popcorn and drinks when watching a movie on the roof mounted DVD system. Even third row passengers will be equally comfortable while getting a better view of the flip down screen, especially from the middle position. Rear legroom is up 34% to 921 mm (36.3 in). Incidentally that is 44% better than the current Cadillac Escalade, soon to be improved with the addition of the longer wheelbase Escalade ESV.Keeping passengers from harms way in the case of an accident are a bevy of key safety features, including dual stage front airbags, side-impact airbags deployed by a sophisticated 'Safety Canopy', pretensioning seatbelts, and optional tire pressure monitoring. The SUV's new larger crush zone and rigid construction have helped it garner a double five star safety rating - the government's highest - for driver and passenger protection in front impact collisions. While large SUVs aren't exactly the most politically correct vehicles available to today's Kyoto inflamed public, I couldn't help falling for the Navigator. Maybe it's the rebel in me, or perhaps I just appreciate its style, luxurious features, surprisingly able handling and comfortable ride. Not having to say no when the need to haul something large comes up has its advantages too, especially now that my 32-inch TV has gone on the blink and all I've got to transport it are a pair of economy cars parked in the garage - it's not going to happen just yet. No, there's a place for big SUVs just like there is a place for minivans, pickup trucks, two-place sports cars and hybrid-gas electric sedans. Try to tow an Airstream trailer with a Ford Focus and you'll get the drift - literally. All heckling from do-gooders aside, Lincoln can be proud of its new 2003 Navigator.
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