2004 Lincoln Navigator Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2004 Lincoln Navigator includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Lincoln Navigator from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Lincoln Navigator, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Lincoln Navigator help you decide if a 2004 Lincoln Navigator is right for you.

2004 Lincoln Navigator Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Trailer-towing capability	Entry/exit

	Navigation-system controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Luxury 4WD	Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	4.6

Competitive with most rivals: 9.7 sec 0-60 mph for test 4WD Ultimate. Lighter 260-hp Expedition about as quick, and AWD Cadillac Escalade feels stronger, with 345 hp for similar weight.

Fuel Economy

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

Extended-use-test 4WD Ultimate averaged 13.0 mpg over its 21,084-mi. test. Test 4WD Luxury averaged just 12.2 mpg, including gas-eating performance runs. Lincoln recommends premium fuel.

Ride Quality

Luxury 4WD	Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.4

Steady, solid highway cruiser. 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

Luxury 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. Antiskid with Roll Stability Control important SUV technology; we recommend it. 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

Luxury 4WD	Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.3

Wind rush noticed above 50 mph, but tire thrum is moderate. Engine sounds throaty, even a little strained in brisk takeoffs, midrange passing sprints, but otherwise subdued.

Controls

Luxury 4WD	Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5

Interior ambience benefits from rich-looking leather and woodgrain, plus stylish dashboard. But "brushed metal" panels are painted plastic, and, like some switchgear, feel cheap. Minor controls mostly handy, intuitive, but many markings are too small. No transmission-gear-selection indicator in main instrument panel. Power-window controls placed on center console. Power-seat switches difficult to reach with doors closed. Navigation system easy to read and reasonably easy to use with familiarization.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Luxury 4WD	Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	7.6

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 when selecting Reverse. Ultimate's optional power side steps help ease high step-in.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Luxury 4WD	Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	7	6.4

Available 2nd-row bench fits three adults, but all positions are 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

Luxury 4WD	Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	7.4

Skimpy behind 3rd-row, 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 against 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, but extended-use-test example's slowed as the miles piled up.

Value within Class

Luxury 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