by
Jeff
Voth
Please
allow me to start this review with a skill testing question. Though
it may seem a stretch to mention the two vehicles in the same sentence, other
than the obvious items such as a steering wheel, leather seats and speedometer,
what distinctive interior feature do both the current Lincoln Navigator and Audi
TT have in common? Not
sure? I will tell you the answer later in the review. The 2004
Lincoln Navigator is a luxurious SUV, leaving little room to question its claim
as a worthy challenger to the Cadillac Escalade. It should be remembered the Navigator
was the original segment buster in the full-size SUV market. Though previous models
were clumsy and overweight, the latest Navigator is graceful and polished. That
is, of course, if you can allow yourself to call a 17-ft, 6,000 lbs. sport-utility
vehicle graceful. It is safe to say the Lincoln Navigator will never be confused
for anything other than what it is, and that is big. But surprise, surprise, you
may find the ride and drive characteristics capable of justifying the use of the
word "sport" in sport-utility. Powered
by a potent 5.4 liter-Triton V8, the Navigator produces 300 horsepower at 5,000
rpm and 355 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm, with most of the torque available between
1,750-4,800 rpm. While
the current generation Cadillac Escalade is actually quicker and more powerful
at 345 horsepower, the Lincoln Navigator does an equally admirable job of propelling
itself down the road in a hurry. There is also a positive side to having 45 less
horsepower than your main rival. In everyday driving, the Navigator is better
at conserving fuel. A
single-piece platform comprised of hydroformed box rails allows for the unusual
addition of a fully independent front and rear suspension on what is essentially
a truck chassis. The Navigator handles all the curves and bumps you can throw
at it with ease. Steering is power assisted rack and pinion. Brakes
are 4-wheel disc with anti-lock. Lincoln adds computer-controlled brake force
distribution (EBD) and a new brake assist device which supplements the amount
of brake force applied in an emergency stop. It's surprising how fast this big
SUV is brought to a halt when necessary. A
conscious effort to trim down the exterior shape and size has resulted in a very
attractive design. While
there is no mistaking the Navigator as anything other than a Ford built vehicle,
the designers have done a nice job of solidifying the brand identity as Lincoln.
The tabletop
sized hood complete with a large multi-ribbed grille, sharp creases and body lines
provide an instantly recognizable profile to the Navigator.
Side
cladding is kept to a minimum and fold-in mirrors help ease the congestive restraints
of most drive-through entrances and garage door openings.
Side
running boards are standard, with an optional power feature that allows for easier
entrance and exit. Due to my six foot plus frame, I found myself stepping over
the running boards more often than not. But the power feature was most appreciated
by my wife and two teenage daughters.
Inside
the Lincoln Navigator is a showcase for simplistic elegance. Leather seats are
wide and very comfortable. Eight-passenger seating is available, with both middle
and rear bench seats providing space for up to three.
Our
test vehicle was equipped with seven-passenger seating. The centre portion of
the middle row was replaced by a large storage compartment big enough to hold
a small suitcase. A high mounted DVD entertainment system is also available as
an option.
The
front centre console flows away from the dash, while hardwood and satin finish
metal add warmth. As is the case in the Audi TT, (the answer to my trivia teaser
at the start) the Lincoln Navigator provides a flip down cover for the central
stereo controls in a satin metal finish.
Front
seats offer not only heat settings from 1-5, but air conditioning as well. Power
window controls and seats are easily adjusted, along with the mirrors, HVAC switches
and wipers.
The
same cannot be said for the steering wheel mounted controls. In this case, the
Lincoln Navigator offers too many features in such a small space. Gauges
are easy to read, but lack the warmth found in the rest of the interior. A round
analog clock adds a touch of class.
Useful
storage space abounds. Large cupholders, a voluminous front center compartment
and wide side door pouches will hold almost anything. Trunk space is positively
decadent. I'm almost convinced that with the back seats folded flat, an Audi TT
could fit inside.
At
the press of a button, the optional power liftgate folds the back seats completely
flat and out of the way. Placing items in the trunk of the Navigator is better
than you might expect for a vehicle this large. To accommodate ease of entrance
and exit, air-controlled suspension lowers the vehicle by a full inch while at
rest.
In
conclusion, having a Lincoln in the driveway instead of a Ford or Chevy still
carries with it the appearance of exclusivity. With so much going for it, the
2004 Lincoln Navigator looks sure to hold its own with the Cadillac Escalade.
Next
up for Lincoln is a luxury pickup truck based on the 2004 Ford F-150? Having introduced
the vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, we may see it soon as
a 2005 model, or later next year as an early 2006.
JUST
THE FACTS
2004
LINCOLN NAVIGATOR |
Description: |
Full-Sized SUV |
Model
options: |
Luxury Sport/Ultimate Sport |
Wheelbase: |
118.8 inches |
Overall
length: |
187.8 inches |
Engine
size: |
DOHC 32-valve V8 |
Transmission: |
4-speed Automatic |
Drive: |
Rear wheel drive, available 4x4 |
Braking: |
Power 4-wheel disc, ABS/EBD |
Air
bags: |
2 (front) 2 (side) |
Fuel
mileage city/hwy: |
13/18 |
MSRP: |
$ 49,375- $56,550 |
Click here for more information on the Lincoln Navigator.
For the Lincoln 2004 Model Guide : Click
Here
|