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Lincoln Navigator packs limousine luxury in a wagon's format
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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TICONDEROGA, N.Y. -- A curvy narrow road stretches northward through Silver Bay and Hague to Ticonderoga along the ragged western shore of Lake George, where in a first flicker of spring green the run-off of melting snow combines with a mist coming off the lake to create a slippery route ideally suited for testing the non-skid traction capability of a luxurious new full-size sport-utility wagon.
This vehicle is well armed to combat any type of terrain and weather, for it contains not only an all-wheel-drive system which distributed power selectively yet automatically to any of four wheels with grip, but also, with the simple flick of a dashboard switch, evenly balanced 4-wheel high or low ranges for venturing off pavement through dirt and mud -- or residual Adirondack ice.
For power, the wagon packs a hunky V8 engine, plus an air-charged suspension system that levels loads and traverses road bumps or off-road lumps without disturbing riders ensconced in an elegant passenger compartment.
Four side doors and three rows of seats provide space for seven people, while a back bay stows luggage.
And those plush appointments: Soft leather and rich burled walnut trimmings, power-everything, and the deluxe option of seven audio speakers to envelop you in soothing stereo sounds.
This, indeed, feels like the cushy way to travel.
Examine the label on this new full-size sport-utility vehicle dipped in luxe and its mission becomes obvious.
Lincoln, it seems, has crafted the ultimate sport-ute.
Dubbed Navigator, this Lincoln aims to sate a narrow niche of the expanding sport-utility market -- that luxury-conscious upper echelon who desire the go-anywhere capability of a vast 4-wheel-drive sport-utility which can tackle the rough-and-tumble off-road world as well as perform the seemingly contradictory duty of a limousine.
My first glimpse of Navigator occurred with its unveiling last December at Ford's headquarters in Dearborn, Mich., where Gary Haas, design director for all of the Ford light trucks, explained that the new Lincoln wagon rides on the chassis of Ford's revamped F-150 pickup truck and is a direct descendant of the new Ford Expedition wagon.
That stunning front face of Navigator looks unique, though, due to its shapely molded composite hood capped by chrome glints of a bold turbine-vaned grille.
More chrome appears in flanking complex reflector headlamps and the twin foglamps mounted in bodycolor front bumpers, which Haas noted were styled to flow smoothly into side sculptured bodyside cladding underlined by etched running boards with indirect lighting.
At the rear, more chrome rings the license plate in a top-hinged door that adds pop-out window glass.
Inside, Navigator contains the conveniences and comforts of one of Lincoln's luxury sedans, and it scores as first in class to pose twin bucket seats in the second row.
It's also a dream to drive, even in Adirondack wilds.
My tests consisted of time behind the wheel in each of two editions that varied primarily in rear-wheel and all-wheel traction mode. Driving conditions ranged from Lake George's rain-slick pavement to dirt trails of an off-road route near Brant Lake, plus citified streets and freeways like I-87 that zips down to Albany.
Through these seat-time experiences spanning multiple days, Navigator with its spacious comforts and athletic personality captured a driver's respect. Despite full-size dimensions with wheelbase extended three yards and an overall length of 17 feet, it performs lively feats and is always easy to maneuver, even in a crowded parking lot.
Driver and riders perch high in Lincoln's form-fitting seats, and with generous expanses of window glass wrapping the cabin the outward visibility looks ideal. Yet the entire package measures only slightly more than six feet tall, so Navigator fits in the standard home garage, unlike some monster-size wagons.
One tester logged more travel time in a second-tier bucket, which has a large console separating it from an adjacent back bucket. Thanks to the long wheelbase, even with a six-foot frame I could cross legs with ease and ride in absolute comfort.
Navigator also provides sure-fire safety equipment -- such as 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, and twin airbags for front seat riders.
Throughout the cabin, car-like details for comfort and practicality may be found -- from cupholders and multiple support handles to hooks and handy levers.
The highly functional dash design integrates easy-to-view and easy-to-reach instruments and controls in a system housing the dual airbags. It mounts through a unique cross-truck beam welded to frame for no-squeak durability.
Navigator's ride quality feels refined for a SUV wagon, due to suspension components with short and 1ong arm arrangement up front and a 5-link rear axle with coil springs and stabilizer bar. On pavement the wagon seems firm like a car, while off-road in the 4x4 through dust and mud alike it's still sure-footed and stable.
The optional Control Trac 4-wheel-drive device, employed for pavement ventures, automatically distributes traction to wheels with good grip. For off-road maneuvers, a 4WD high and low system locks the differential and applies torque evenly to all wheels.
A power mechanism of the steering system relates to vehicular speed so you get more assistance for turning the wheel at low speed, like in a parking lot, while at speed on the road less power is added so the wagon responds for turning with only a slight touch to steering wheel.
In the power department, Navigator delivers.
The 5.4-liter V8 hits 230 hp and musters high torque at relatively low engine speeds, which suits it well for towing a trailer weighing as much as four tons.
Ford's excellent 4-speed automatic transmission mates to Navigator's engine and shifts in unobtrusive manner.
For trimmings, Navigator varies only in traction mode, as both versions stock premium interior features, including leather upholstery. Options have been limited to special stereo sound equipment, a power moonroof, secondary climate control system, second-row 60/40 split bench seat, and larger 17-inch wheels and tires.
The price chart for Navigator begins at $39,950 for a 4x2, or $43,300 for the Control Trac 4-wheel-drive edition.
1998 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1998 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR Specs |
| Description: |
Full-size SUV |
| Model Options: |
Full-size SUV |
| Wheelbase: |
119.0 inches |
| Overall Length: |
204.8 inches
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| Engine Size: |
SOHC 5.4-L V8
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Rear, 4x4 |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
4x2: 14/18 mpg
4x4: 13/17 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 39,950 to $ 46,000 |
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