2003 Lincoln Blackwood: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A few hundred 2003 models unchanged from 2002 close out Lincoln's failed attempt at its first pickup truck. Lincoln introduced the Blackwood for 2002 but announced even before the model year was over 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. But sales totaled fewer than 2500 through September 2002. Among factors contributing to Blackwood's demise were its high price, lack of 4-wheel drive, and limited cargo versatility. Basically a Ford F-150 SuperCrew pickup truck with seating for four, Blackwood borrows its front-end styling and interior appointments from the Lincoln Navigator SUV, then tacks on a unique cargo bed. The 4-ft 8-inch cargo box has two side-opening doors instead of a tailgate. It's capped with a front-hinged, power-lifted, nonremovable solid cover. The box also has storage compartments, floor carpeting, stainless-steel sidewall trim, and internal lighting. The sole powertrain is a 5.4-liter V8, automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. Adjustable foot pedals, heated and ventilated front seats, and a rear-obstacle-warning system are standard. Blackwood comes only in black, and the sole option is a navigation system.

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.