2003 Lincoln Navigator: Road Test
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2003 Lincoln Navigator ▼
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- MSRP: $48,485 -$54,505
- Invoice: $42,592 -$47,769
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Our road test for the 2003 Lincoln Navigator includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Lincoln Navigator from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Lincoln Navigator, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Lincoln Navigator help you decide if a 2003 Lincoln Navigator is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Premium 4WD | Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Competitive with most rivals: 9.7 sec 0-60 mph for test 4WD Premium. Lighter 260-hp Expedition is about as quick. AWD Cadillac Escalade feels stronger, with 345 hp for similar weight.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Premium 4WD | Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 1.9 |
Extended-use-test 4WD Ultimate averaging 12.8 mpg over its first 16,867 mi. Test 4WD Premium averaged just 12.2 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. Lincoln recommends premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Premium 4WD | Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Steady, solid highway cruiser. The 4WD Navigators smooth out most pavement pretty well, aided by large tires and independent rear suspension. Still, some body drumming on railroad tracks and other rough stuff. No 2WD version made available for test.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Premium 4WD | Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.3 |
Steering feel and precision almost carlike. Fine straightline stability and relatively tight turning circle. However, all but gentle curves trigger noseplow and body lean that bespeak a big, heavy truck. Little nosedive in simulated 60-mph emergency stops, but test distances a bit long. Test models' brake-pedal action varied from touchy yet spongy to natural and easily modulated.
QUIETNESS
| Premium 4WD | Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Satisfyingly refined. Wind rush noticed above 50 mph, but tire thrum is moderate. Engine sounds strained in brisk takeoffs and midrange passing sprints, but otherwise subdued.
CONTROLS
| Premium 4WD | Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
Interior ambience benefits from rich-looking leather and wood, plus stylish dashboard. But "brushed metal" panels are painted plastic, and, like some switchgear, feel cheap to the touch. Minor controls mostly handy, intuitive, but many markings are too small. No transmission-gear-selection indicator in main instrument panel. Power-window controls inconveniently placed on center console. With navigation system, CD changer is buried in front-passenger footwell. Power-seat switches difficult to reach with doors closed. Navigation easy to read and reasonably easy to use with familiarization.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Premium 4WD | Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 7.4 |
Ample space and support for even the largest occupants, though front-seat armrests would improve long-trip comfort. Tall build prevents driver from seeing much near the vehicle; standard obstacle-warning system partly compensates, as do large door mirrors that tilt down on selecting Reverse. Helping ease high step-in are Ultimate's optional power side steps.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Premium 4WD | Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6.4 |
Available 2nd-row bench fits three adults, but all positions somewhat narrowly defined by seatbelt buckles. Bench's middle section slides forward 11 inches for child-seat access, but there's no center armrest. Second-row buckets more substantially padded than Expedition's, but still no abundance of leg room. Third row offers best-in-class space on chair-height bench, though cushion could be longer and softer. Ultimate's 3rd-row head room compromised somewhat by power-liftgate mechanism.
CARGO ROOM
| Premium 4WD | Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 6.9 |
Skimpy behind 3rd-row seat, ample with it down, cavernous and usefully flat with all rear seats dropped. Second-row seats have high-effort flip-forward releases and lack counterbalancing for their poorly leveraged weight. Manual 3rd-row seat releases are a long stretch from the rear with seat lowered. Power 3rd-row seat raises and lowers conveniently via buttons at the rear and middle of vehicle. Liftgate opens tall enough to clear a 6-footer's head, but is difficult to pull down manually, and not easily reached by short people. Ultimate's power liftgate operates from cabin or keyfob.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Premium 4WD | Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
The related Ford Expedition offers much the same driving experience and utility for less money than Lincoln's version. Still, unique power features and good road manners make Navigator a credible player among high-end SUVs.
Total Score
| Premium 4WD | Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | 55 | 49.3 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
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