2002 Lincoln Navigator Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

This luxury spinoff of the Ford Expedition seats up to eight, offers a rear-seat video entertainment option, and uses a 300-hp version of the Ford's 260-hp 5.4-liter V8. Navigator is available with rear-wheel drive or Control Trac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Standard are automatic transmission, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and power-adjustable pedals. Seating comprises front- and 2nd-row buckets and a 3-passenger 3rd-row bench; a 3-person 2nd-row bench is available at no charge. A monochrome-black exterior trim option includes unique wheels and rear-obstacle detection. Redesigned versions of these Ford/Lincoln SUVs are due as early 2003 models--Expedition in the spring, Navigator in the summer. Navigator's performance and accommodations are similar to Expedition's.

Competition

Though this segment has cooled somewhat with the rise in fuel prices, it's still one of the hottest. Our Best Buys are the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.

Recommended are the Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon. For a few more bucks you can get the Toyota Land Cruiser. Its high price is the only thing holding back this refined and drivable SUV. We love the size, comfort, and power of these big SUVs but wish they got a few more miles per gallon.

News

Navigator bowed five seasons ago and really pumped up Lincoln's image, sales and profits. But the volume has since turned down, with year-to-year sales off 10 percent in calendar '99, another 3 percent in 2000, and a further 18.6 percent in the first nine months of 2001. Several factors account for this, but the main one appears to be the embattled national economy, which has accelerated the general sales decline for most all big SUVs.

A relative lack of change also hasn't helped, but just wait 'til next year. Like sister Ford Expedition, Navigator will be sustantially updated in both appearance and engineering. The big change is an independent rear suspension like that of the latest midsize Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer, which promises a much more car-like ride than today's old-fashioned solid axle can provide. Navigator will also be restyled to stand more clearly apart from Expedition and should offer more exclusive features, including a few borrowed from the related Blackwood "lux truck."

The revised Navigator will appear at about the same time as a second Lincoln SUV based on the latest Explorer/Mountaineer. To be called Aviator, it follows the Navigator formula with Lincolnesque looks and interior, plus more standard horsepower--a rumored 280 minimum from a massaged 4.6-liter V8. Expect a big wheel/tire package (17s or 18s) as standard, plus full-zoot trappings and a price to match. Buyers will have a choice of rear drive or Mountaineer's all-wheel drive.

But why stop there? Ford plans to expand the Lincoln lineup by mid-decade to include as many as eight models, and a luxury spinoff of Ford's compact Escape SUV is a strong prospect. If approved, it's likely to appear for model-year 2004 or '05. Lincoln may also be in for an uptown edition of the new high-body midsize Ford "sport wagon" due as a 2004 model. No word on which of these crossovers Lincoln would get, but we wouldn't surprised to see both.

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

2WD	4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
59	55	48.8

Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		23
Average Score		48
High Score		63

2002 Lincoln Navigator Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 01/22/2002

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

4-door wagon, 2WD	$44,590	$39,233	$740

4-door wagon, 4WD	$48,340	$42,458	$740

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/front and rear automatic climate controls, 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, trip computer, compass, cupholders, heated power mirrors w/memory and turn signal lights, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, automatic day/night rearview mirror, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage-door opener, automatic headlights, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic parking-brake release, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, map lights, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

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

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Class III 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

4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

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

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Limited Edition Pkg.
2WD, 4WD	$685	$589
Rear-obstacle-detection system, unique polished alloy wheels.

Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system
2WD, 4WD	$255	$219


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2WD, 4WD	$1,995	$1,716
Requires 6-disc CD changer.

Rear Entertainment System
2WD, 4WD	$1,280	$1,101
Fold-down LCD screen, videocassette player, two wireless headphones. NA with navigation system, climate control seats. Requires 6-disc CD changer.

Power sunroof
2WD, 4WD	$1,495	$1,286
Replaces overhead console with mini overhead console. NA with navigation system.

Climate control front seats
2WD, 4WD	$595	$521


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

Alpine AM/FM/cassette
2WD, 4WD	$580	$499


6-disc CD changer
2WD, 4WD	$595	$512
ordered w/Alpine AM/FM/cassette	$0	$0


Power folding mirrors
2WD, 4WD	$145	$125


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates
4WD	$115	$99


Chrome alloy wheels
2WD, 4WD	$595	$512

2002 Lincoln Navigator Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Lincoln Navigator 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	119.0

Overall Length, in.	204.8

Overall Width, in.	79.9

Overall Height, in.	76.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	5746

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	109.9

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	30.0

Seating Capacity	8

Front Head Room, in.	39.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.8

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	12/16

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

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	2

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: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2002 Lincoln Navigator Photos

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