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2002 Lincoln Blackwood Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
2002 Lincoln Blackwood Review
Lincoln's first pickup truck borrows front-end styling and interior appointments from the Navigator SUV, but gets its own unique cargo bed. Blackwood is basically a Ford F-150 SuperCrew, but seats four instead of five or six. It comes only with a 5.4-liter V8, automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive; 4WD isn't offered. The cab has four full-size front-hinged doors. The 4-ft 8-inch cargo box has two side-opening doors instead of a tailgate. It's capped with a solid, power-lifted, front-hinged, nonremovable cover designed to be watertight. The box also has storage compartments, floor carpeting, stainless-steel sidewall trim, and internal lighting. Also standard: front side airbags, traction control, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, power-adjustable foot pedals, heated and ventilated front seats, and rear-obstacle-warning system. Blackwood comes only in black, and the sole option is a navigation system. Lincoln has announced that the Blackwood will not return for the 2003 model year due to low sales.
Competition
With the advent of crossover vehicles this segment has become less defined. Once the domain of work-related heavy-duty pickups, buyers are now demanding that their full-size trucks do double duty. Our Best Buys remain the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra. These trucks offer a wide range of powertrain combinations, plenty of luxury accommodations, and ample towing power--though the GM twins are the only ones to offer full-time 4WD.

The big-rig-styled Dodge Ram matches the new Ford and GM models feature for feature but can't match their ride comfort or civility. We also like the expensive Toyota Tundra. What it lacks in brute strength, it more than makes up for with refined road manners.
News
Lincoln was first to market a "lux truck," a term some journalists use to describe the likes of Blackwood and Cadillac's new Escalade EXT, which followed by several months. A small victory, then, for Lincoln, but quite unimportant, as Blackwood is a pricey image vehicle appealing to a tiny group of buyers. No wonder Lincoln limits sales to 10,000 a year.

But even that may be optimistic, as we judge Blackwood neither practical pickup nor luxury-car stand-in. It's also at a disadvantage against the EXT, with a higher price, less horsepower, and none of passenger/cargo versatility of the Cadillac's "midgate" SUV/pickup body.

Lincoln may address some of these issues, especially if the EXT takes off. As things stand now, however, Blackwood is slated only for a mild 2004-model update, with some changes borrowed from a revised Navigator SUV parent, which bows for '03.
2002 Lincoln Blackwood Road Test
Pros Cons
Low-speed acceleration Fuel economy
Front-seat room, comfort Ride/handling
Interior storage space Brake-pedal feel
Wind noise
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Base Class Average
5 4.6

Pretty strong off the line--8.7 sec in our 0-60 mph test--but a bit lazier from midrange speeds despite responsive automatic transmission. Towing capacity is 8700 lb.
Fuel Economy

Base Class Average
2 2.1

Test averages were 13.8 mpg including performance tests, and 14.8 in a mix of city/highway driving. Premium fuel required.
Ride Quality

Base Class Average
3 3.5

Blackwood feels jittery on scalloped surfaces and jumpy on sharp bumps, despite its unique air-assisted leaf-spring rear suspension.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Base Class Average
3 3.1

Though body lean is moderate in hard corners, Blackwood feels as ponderous as most big pickups and is clumsy in tight spots, though rear-obstacle-warning system increases confidence when backing up. Simulated panic stops swift and sure, but brake pedal has dull, high-effort action.
Quietness

Base Class Average
5 4.3

Tire noise well checked. Nice-sounding engine noticed only under full throttle. One test model had low wind noise, another suffered intrusive wind howl above 60 mph.
Controls

Base Class Average
6 6.7

Dashboard comes from humble Ford F-150, so uses a fairly inflexible automatic climate system mounted, like the radio controls, a fair reach from driver (though redundant controls are on steering wheel). Optional navigation system's console-mounted screen is too small, too low. Dark-tint real wood trim clashes with run-of-the-mill plastic moldings.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base Class Average
10 8.5

Ample grownup room. Drivers enjoy tilt wheel, power seat, and adjustable pedals, plus 2-position memory to save all the settings. Front seats' internal heating/cooling works well. Entry/exit awkward only for shorter folks. Visibility clear to all quadrants.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Base Class Average
5 4.4

Two adults have sufficient room, but must ride knees-up if front seats are halfway back, have hardly any toe space beneath them. Bucket seats are small and poorly bolstered. Lowish step-in height, but narrow floor-level passageways hinder entry/exit.
Cargo Room

Base Class Average
6 5

The cargo box--a 26.5-cu-ft "trunk," says Lincoln--is long but not very wide or deep and isn't trimmed for dirty work. Nonremovable cover powers up and down without fuss via keyfob or cabin buttons, but precludes tall objects and inhibits side access at its forward end. Rear seats fold in one step, but don't lie flat. Ample small-item storage, but audio and navigation CD units use up most of the big front center console bin.
Value within Class

Base Class Average
1 6.7

As an expensive lifestyle statement, Blackwood is at least exclusive. But it isn't as comfortable or versatile as any full-size SUV, and lacks 4WD security and "real truck" practicality.
Total Score

Base Class Average
46 48.9
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
35
Average Score
48
High Score
61
2002 Lincoln Blackwood Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/12/2002
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base crew cab $51,785 $47,577 $715
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
Base
Powertrain
5.4-liter dohc V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, rear-obstacle-detection system, emergency inside tonneau release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/front and rear automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, 6-way power front bucket seats w/power lumbar support, heated and cooled front seats, power adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), front and rear consoles, cupholders, rear folding bucket seats, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn signal lights, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Alpine AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio/climate controls, digital clock, power sunroof, power tonneau cover, front-hinged rear doors, illuminated visor mirrors, overhead console, trip computer, compass, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic headlights, floormats, cargo mat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer hitch, 7-lead wiring harness, load-leveling rear suspension, full-size spare tire, 275/55R18 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Comfort and Convenience Features
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Navigation system
Base
$1,995
$1,736
2002 Lincoln Blackwood Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Lincoln Blackwood crew cab
Wheelbase, in. 138.5
Overall Length, in. 220.2
Overall Width, in. 78.0
Overall Height, in. 73.6
Curb Weight, lbs. 5700
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 26.5
Standard Payload, lbs. 1200
Fuel Capacity, gals. 25.0
Seating Capacity 4
Front Head Room, in. 38.5
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.0
Rear Head Room, in. 39.2
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 37.4
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 12/17
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 Blackwood crew cab
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 3/36,000 --
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: rear-wheel drive
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