2000 Lincoln Navigator Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Front side airbags keynote standard-equipment additions for 2000, while "climate-controlled" front seats and a navigation system are among new options on Lincoln's luxury version of the Ford Expedition.
Navigator comes with a 300-horsepower edition of the 260-hp 5.4-liter V8 available in Expedition. Automatic transmission, self-leveling shock absorbers, and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Available is rear-wheel drive or Ford's Control Trac 4-wheel drive, which can be left engaged on dry pavement. Standard seating consists of front- and second-row buckets, each with a center console, and a 3-passenger third-row bench. A 3-passenger second-row bench is available at no charge. The standard power-adjustable pedal cluster is linked to the driver-seat memory system.
For 2000, Navigator gets revised door mirrors with built-in turn indicators and an available power-fold mechanism. The previously optional 17-inch wheels replace 16s as standard. New inside is more wood trim, softer leather upholstery, a redesigned center console with more and larger cupholders, and second- and third-row child-seat anchors. An automatic parking brake release and front-seat power-lumbar adjustment are newly standard, too.
New options include a satellite navigation system with an in-dash CD-ROM-based map display screen. New at $495 are "climate-controlled" front seats that include a small internal fan and heat pump. Another new option is an audible warning system that sounds as the vehicle approaches an obstacle while reversing.
Expedition doesn't offer the navigation system or 300-hp engine, but Navigator's performance and accommodations are otherwise comparable to those of the Ford version.

Competition

Though this segment has cooled somewhat with the rise in fuel prices, it's still one of the hottest. Our Best Buy is the Ford Expedition. We love the size, comfort, and power of this big SUV. Hot on its heels are the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. We were very impressed with these vehicles initially, and when we have more time to fully evaluate them we expect them to be Best Buys as well.
For a few more bucks you can get the highly recommended Toyota Land Cruiser. Its high price is the only thing holding back this refined and drivable SUV.

News

Navigator took a 10 percent sales hit in calendar 1999 vs. '98, but is up about the same amount for the first four months of 2000. Current plans call for Lincoln's sport-utility to become visually more distinct from parent Ford Expedition as part of a 2002 makeover that will also include a new independent rear suspension to replace today's solid axle. For further distinction, you can expect Navigator to maintain its full-zoot luxury appointments, as well as getting some exclusive features with an eye on Cadillac's rival Escalade.
More immediately, Navigator spawns a pickup derivative for 2001. Called Blackwood, it's much along the lines of a like-named 1999 concept vehicle, wedding the SUV's passenger cell to a cargo box measuring 56 inches long. The bed comes with a stand lift-up and lockable cover. The Blackwood rides lower than the SUV, and may be not be offered with 4-wheel drive, but it uses the same powertrain and most interior appointments. More details as they become available.

2000 Lincoln Navigator Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Instruments/controls	Entry/exit

Build quality	Maneuverability

Interior materials

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	4.3

Navigator is too big and heavy to drive like a car, but it does have good scoot for a large SUV.

Fuel Economy

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
2	2	1.8

Vices begin with dismal fuel economy: just over 12 mpg in our tests of both 2WD and 4WD models.

Ride Quality

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	5.3

The 4x4 has a jiggly ride; the 4x2 model rides nearly as well as some cars, however. Both are quiet in highway driving.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
3	3	3.3

It also handles with surprising poise on twisty roads, though steering is too light and vague to inspire confidence. Sheer size makes Navigator tricky to navigate in tight spots, and its height, especially with 4WD, may prevent it from fitting in some garages.

Quietness

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.3

Wind and road noise are low.

Controls

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	4	4.7

Though the interior materials are somewhat pedestrian, gauges are clearly marked and most controls are within easy reach. Visibility is good to the front and sides, but is hindered aft by a forest of large headrests.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	7.6

Some of our test drivers find the driver's seat too hard, too low, and lacking in lumbar support. Interior step-in is lofty on 4x2s and worse on the 4x4s, this despite the standard illuminated running boards and an air suspension that lowers the vehicle an inch when the ignition is turned off.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	6.9

Navigator provides every luxury the reasonable hedonist could desire, along with real stretch-out space front and rear. Still, it's difficult to access the third-row seat, which is best left to pre-teens anyway.

Cargo Room

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	8.1

Cargo space is skimpy with the third seat in use, immense with it removed. With two gym-bag sized center consoles, plus bins and pockets galore, Navigator offers unmatched small-items storage. Too bad none of it locks.

Value within Class

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
3	3	2.7

Considering its many standard features, Navigator's price premium over Expedition isn't bad. Those amenities include a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty versus the Ford's 3/36,000, plus special owner treatment like use of a free loaner vehicle while yours is being serviced. Still, if you can do without the Lincoln's extra frills and extra power, Expedition is the better dollar value.

Total Score

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
59	55	50

Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		28
Average Score		50
High Score		63

2000 Lincoln Navigator Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/05/2000

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

4-door wagon, 2WD	$42,660	$37,196	$690

4-door wagon, 4WD	$46,410	$40,383	$690

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

2WD

Powertrain

5.4-liter dohc V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, dual front airbags, front side-airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, variable-assist power steering, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, tilt steering column, cruise control, power-adjustable pedals w/memory, leather upholstery, 7-passenger seating w/quad bucket seats, 6-way power front seats w/power lumbar adjustment, driver seat memory, third row folding bench seat, wood interior trim, front floor console (rear audio controls and headphone jack, rear air conditioning/heater outlet), second row floor console, overhead console (sunglass/garage-door opener holder, trip computer, compass), cupholders, heated power mirrors w/memory and turn signal lights, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, key pad entry, tachometer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights, variable intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights, roof rack, running boards, rear self-leveling suspension.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Trailer Towing Group (7-wire harness, hitch, heavy-duty flasher, engine-oil cooler, auxiliary transmission-oil cooler), full-size spare tire, 275/60R17 white-letter tires, alloy wheels.

4WD adds to 2WD:

Powertrain

Control Trac full-time 4-wheel drive.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Front and rear self-leveling suspension.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Front tow hooks, 255/75R17 all-terrain white-letter tires.

Optional Equipment

Safety	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Reverse Sensing System
2WD, 4WD	$255	$217
Requires rear air conditioning.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2WD, 4WD	$1,995	$1,696


Rear air conditioning
2WD, 4WD	$715	$607


Power sunroof
2WD, 4WD	$1,495	$1,271
Replaces overhead console with mini overhead console. Requires rear air conditioning. NA with navigation system.

Climate control front seats
2WD, 4WD	$595	$506


8-passenger seating
2WD, 4WD	$0	$0
Second row 3-passenger split bench seat.

Alpine AM/FM/cassette
2WD, 4WD	$580	$493


6-disc CD changer
2WD, 4WD	$595	$506


Voice activated cellular telephone
2WD, 4WD	$660	$561
Requires CD changer.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates
4WD	$105	$89


Chrome alloy wheels
2WD, 4WD	$595	$506

2000 Lincoln Navigator Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Lincoln Navigator 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	119.0

Overall Length, in.	204.8

Overall Width, in.	82.5

Overall Height, in.	75.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	5198

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	116.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	30.0

Seating Capacity	8

Front Head Room, in.	39.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	40.9

Rear Head Room, in.	39.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	39.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	5.4 /330

Horsepower @ rpm.	300 @ 5000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	355 @ 2750

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	13/18

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Lincoln Navigator 4-door wagon

Collision	3

Collision (HLDI)	88

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Injury	5

Injury (HLDI)	62

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	1/12,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

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