2002 Lincoln Navigator Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2002 Lincoln Navigator includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Lincoln Navigator from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Lincoln Navigator, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Lincoln Navigator help you decide if a 2002 Lincoln Navigator is right for you.

2002 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	4.4

Navigator's 300-hp 5.4 pulls more weight, so this SUV isn't much quicker than the 260-hp Ford version.

Fuel Economy

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

A 4WD test model returned a sobering 12.0 mpg, similar to our test Expedition. Lincoln recommends premium fuel for Navigator.

Ride Quality

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	4.9

Rear-drive models have a stable, relatively soft ride. 4x4s are stiffer and jiggle more, but aren't jarring.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
3	3	2.8

Not agile, but easy enough to drive for their size. Body lean is modest as long as cornering speeds are. Brakes provide adequate but unexceptional stopping power.

Quietness

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.1

Wind and road noise well muffled, as is engine thrash except in hard acceleration.

Controls

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	4	4.6

Navigator has fancier equipment, but suffers a few ergonomic gaffes. Most test examples have had impressively solid build quality, but our last test Navigator suffered ill-fitting interior trim.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	7.4

Plenty of stretch-out room for even the largest occupants, but these tall SUVs have a higher step-in than full-size General Motors rivals.

Room/Comfort (rear)

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

Wide enough for comfortable three-across adult seating, and a nearly flat floor means no one straddles a hump. The 3rd-row seat is cramped for adults.

Cargo Room

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	7.7

Cavernous with the 3rd-row seat down, skimpy with it up. Both 2nd- and 3rd-row seats can be removed, though not easily. Heavy liftgate also a chore. Cabin storage space plentiful.

Value within Class

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

Between the Lincoln and the Ford, Expedition is now our Recommended choice, dethroned by Chevrolet's newer Tahoe and Suburban as itself class Best Buys. Navigator offers some luxury options not available on Expedition, but we don't think it's worth the extra money.

Total Score