2000 Lincoln Navigator: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.