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.
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.
- Price Range (MSRP):$69,495 - $77,210
- Body Type: 5-door SUV, ladder frame
- Layout: front engine, 4WD
- Base Engine: 300 hp, 355 lb-ft torque, 5.4-L, 32-valve, DOHC V8
- Transmission: 4-spd auto
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Curb Weight: 2,595 kg (5,721 lb)
- Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 7.8 seconds
- Top Speed: 190 km/h
- Seating Capacity:7 (opt 8)
- Cargo Cap (third row down):1,724 L (60.9 cu ft)
- Ground Clearance:218 mm (8.6 in)
- Towing Capacity:3,810 kg (8,399 lb)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 20.4 / 13.7 L/100 km
- Warranty (mo/km):48/80,000 comprehensive
- Direct Competitors:BMW X5, Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX 470, Mercedes-Benz ML500
- Web Site: www.ford.ca
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