2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2003 Lincoln Blackwood
2003 Lincoln Blackwood
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2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood 

  • Price Range:  $13,200 - $17,000
CG Rating

46

out of 100

About our Road Test

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Front-seat comfort
  • Interior storage space
  • Low-speed acceleration

Cons

  • Ride/handling
  • Brake-pedal feel
  • Fuel economy
  • Wind noise

Vehicle Highlights

Lincoln's first pickup truck borrowed its front-end styling and interior appointments from the company's big Navigator sport-utility vehicle, but got its own unique cargo bed. Basically a full-size Ford F-150 SuperCrew, the Blackwood seated four occupants instead of five or six. Blackwoods came only with a 5.4-liter V8, four-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive was not offered. Towing capacity was 8700 pounds. The cab had four full-size front-hinged doors, while the 4-ft 8-inch cargo box had two side-opening doors, instead of a tailgate. Rather than open, as in conventional pickups, the cargo box was capped with a solid, power-lifted, front-hinged non-removable cover, designed to be watertight. The box also had storage compartments, floor carpeting, stainless-steel sidewall trim, and internal lighting. Every Blackwood had front side airbags, traction control, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, power-adjustable foot pedals, heated and ventilated front seats, and a rear obstacle warning system. Blackwoods came only in black, and a navigation system was the sole option. Rivals included the Chevrolet Avalanche SUV/pickup, plus such conventional pickups as the Ford F-150 SuperCrew and GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Lincoln Blackwood Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 2
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 10
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 6
Value within Class 1
Total Score: 46
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood.

Year to Year Changes


2003 Lincoln Blackwood: 2003 Lincoln Blackwood: Only a few hundred 2003 models, unchanged from 2002, closed out Lincoln's failed attempt at its first pickup truck. Even before the 2002 model year was over, Lincoln announced that it would discontinue the truck due to slow sales. Positioning it as a luxury pickup/SUV crossover, Lincoln had hoped to sell about 18,000 Blackwoods over the 2002-03 model years. Actual sales totaled only 3356 units, according to Automotive News. Among the factors contributing to Blackwood's demise were its high price, lack of four-wheel drive, and limited cargo versatility.

Our road test for the 2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Acceleration is inconsistent: strong off the line, but suffering lazy passing response above 35 mph. A test model accelerated from 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds. Fuel economy wins no prices, either, and premium-grade gasoline is required. A test Blackwood averaged 13.8 mpg including gas-eating performance tests, and 14.8 mpg in a city/highway mix. Expect a jittery ride on scalloped surfaces, turning jumpy over sharp bumps, despite the Blackwood's unique air-assisted leaf-spring rear suspension. Though body lean is moderate in hard corners, a Blackwood feels as ponderous as most big pickups and is clumsy in tight spots--though the rear-obstacle warning system increases confidence when backing up. Simulated panic stops are swift and sure, but the brake pedal has dull, high-effort action. Quietness is a virtue. Tire noise is well checked, and the nice-sounding engine is noticed only under full throttle. One new test model had low wind noise, but another suffered intrusive wind howl above 60 mph. Inside, the cabin's dark-tint real-wood trim clashes with run-of-the-mill plastic. Borrowed from the humble Ford F-150, the dashboard uses fairly inflexible automatic climate system mounted a fair reach from the driver. Radio controls also demand a reach (though redundant controls are on the steering wheel). The optional navigation system's console-mounted screen is too small and too low for easy viewing. Front-seat space is ample. Drivers enjoy a tilt wheel, power seat, adjustable pedals, plus a two-position memory to save all settings. Internal heating/cooling of the front seats works well. Entry/exit is awkward only for shorter folks, and visibility is clear to all corners. In the back seat, adults ride knees-up if front seats are halfway back, and have hardly any toe space beneath them. Bucket seats are small and poorly bolstered. Lowish step-in height is a benefit, but narrow floor-level passageways hinder entry/exit. Lincoln called the cargo box a 26.5 cubic foot "trunk." Though long, it's neither very wide nor deep, and isn't trimmed for dirty work. The non-removable cover powers up and down without fuss, using the keyfob or cabin buttons, but it does not lift high enough to carry tall objects or provide much side access at its forward end. Rear seats fold in one step, but don't lie flat. Small-items storage is ample, but audio and navigation CD units use up most of the big front center console bin.
Value for the Money
Basically, Blackwood was an ill-conceived, overpriced lifestyle statement that deserved its fate. If nothing else, it was exclusive--far more than intended, judging by sales totals. A Blackwood isn't as comfortable or versatile as any full-size SUV, and lacks 4WD security as well as "real truck" practicality. Blackwoods may have slight collectible appeal as a curiosity, almost like the antique Edsel, but their daily-driving virtues are minimal.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Lincoln Blackwood Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 2
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 10
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 6
Value within Class 1
Total Score: 46

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Lincoln Blackwood includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Lincoln Blackwood .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Electrical problem: Whining or buzzing from the speakers is caused by the electric fuel pump in the tank requiring installation of an RFI (radio frequency interference) filter in the circuit. (2002-03)

Trunk latch: The tonneau cover may not stay closed or may reverse when closing due to either a problem with the pinch strip, the "openÓ switch or both. (2002)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $560
Alternator $380
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $3,400
Brakes $435
Exhaust System $950
Radiator $890
Shocks and/or Struts $4,500
Timing Chain or Belt $1,850
Our price chart for this generation Lincoln Blackwood details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2003
Blackwood $17,000-18,500 $15,600-17,000 $10,900-11,800
2002
Blackwood $14,500-16,000 $13,200-14,600 $9,000-9,900
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Lincoln Blackwood include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 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. --
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.


Powertrain Options and Availability

Only one powertrain is available in Blackwoods: a 300-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 engine, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
dohc V8 5.4 / 330 300 355 4-speed automatic: 12/17 4-speed automatic: 14.8

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

Built In:  USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Lincoln Blackwood include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

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%. Sideimpact 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%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2002 Blackwood: Speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
2003 Blackwood vehicles equipped with speed control: The speed control deactivation switch may overheat and possibly cause a fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge.

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