2003 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.
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.