One of the last cars that gave Cadillac a scare was the huge, breathtaking 1956 Lincoln, which let Lincoln nearly double its model year volume from 1955. No doubt the big, revamped
2003 Lincoln Navigator sport-utility vehicle also will make Caddy nervous.
The Navigator got the large luxury truck ball rolling in 1998, and its success forced Caddy and other rivals to introduce big, luxurious sport-utes. It's a sign of the times that the Navigator--not a car model--is the biggest, most prestigious Lincoln sold. Large luxury trucks are hot. As with Lincoln, Cadillac's largest, most prestigious model is its massive Escalade sport-ute.
At 5,760-5,994 pounds, the new Navigator is heavier than the 1956 Lincoln, which weighed up to 4,452 pounds and was the favorite of past celebrities, such as Walt Disney. But, despite its added weight, the Navigator V-8 has 300 horsepower, compared with a 285 rating for the 1956 Lincoln V-8. So both vehicles have lively acceleration. (Figure on 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds, with a good 65-75 mph passing time for the Navigator.) Alas, like that classic Lincoln, the Navigator is fuel-thirsty; it delivers an estimated 12 mpg in the city and 17 on highways with rear-drive and 11 and 16 with four-wheel drive.
I got a few miles more per gallon on the highway with the $54,210 Navigator Ultimate model because its engine was loafing at 1,900 rpm at 70 mph--thanks partly to the smooth four-speed automatic overdrive transmission.
The Navigator has base prices ranging from $48,035 to $54,210 and comes in Luxury, Premium and top-line Ultimate versions. All Navigators are well-equipped and can be had with rear-drive or a four-wheel-drive system, which Lincoln says can propel the Navigator even if three wheels are on ice.
An AdvanceTrack stability control system to enhance roadability is standard on the Premium and Ultimate versions, which also have standard heated and cooled seats. That stability system is a $655 option for the Luxury model.
The new rack-and-pinion steering is precise and a new independent rear suspension and fully boxed hydroformed frame allow decent handling for such a tall, heavy vehicle. Braking is good, thanks to such things as an anti-lock system and electronic brake force distribution.
The ride is supple, with the old "floating'' motions thankfully gone. Air springs at all wheels provide a constant ride height. The 2003 Navigator looks more imposing that its predecessor, because of such items as a more aggressive looking grille.
The new model has virtually all new body work, but still looks much the same as the 2002 model. As with that 1956 Lincoln, chrome is used sparingly, but put in the right places.
The bumper beam has been lowered two inches to improve car-to-truck crash compatibility. Safety items include side-impact and roll-over protection air bags for first- and second-row occupants. The Ultimate model has nifty $925 power running boards--an industry first.
They zip out four inches from the rocker panel each time a door is opened.
They seemed like an excess at first, but work well and allow easy entry and exit with this high vehicle.
Maybe Lincoln heard of legendary designer Dutch Darrin, who styled custom cars without running boards in the 1930s and 1940s for celebrities. Most cars from Darrin's era had wide running boards, which he thought spoiled a car's appearance. Other interesting new items for the redone Navigator include a power liftgate and power-folding third-row rear seatbacks standard on the Ultimate but not offered for the other models.
They lie flat to allow a large cargo area. The other versions also have a big liftgate, but only manual folding third-row seatbacks.
All models have middle-row seatbacks that fold forward; you can get two bucket seats or a third-person bench seat for the middle, with two well-shaped buckets up front. Second-row occupants get their own controls for such things as the audio and climate system. A $1,295 headliner-mounted DVD system for rear occupants should be a hit with kids.
The Navigator's church-quiet interior takes design cues from a 1961 Lincoln Continental.
It's a bit flashy with satin nickel finishes but now is far more luxurious--not as if it's from an upgraded Ford Expedition sport-ute.
Walnut trim on the dashboard, interior door panels and steering wheel is standard, as are leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals and a classy analog clock illuminated at night by white light emanating from the chrome trim ring; such a small touch shows attention to detail. The independent rear suspension also allows the easily reached third-row seat area to be roomier.
Three kids or shorter adults should be comfortable in it, although rear occupants might wish the back side windows rolled all the way down when getting food in drive-through lanes at fast-food restaurants.
However, even the big outside mirrors that are necessary to safely drive such a big vehicle are heated, power-adjustable and power folding with reverse tilt, built-in approach lamps and turn signals.
If a 1956 Lincoln owner felt like the king of the road, the new Navigator surely will make its driver feel the same way.
2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
Prices
$48,035-$54,210
Likes:
Luxurious. Roomy. Fairly quick. Precise steering. Unique power retractable running boards.
Dislikes:
Fuel-thirsty. Rear windows don't lower all the way.