2004 Lincoln Navigator Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

A standard tire-pressure monitor and midyear availability of anti-rollover technology highlight 2004 updates to this luxury version of the Ford Expedition. Navigator comes in Luxury and Ultimate models, both with a 300-hp V8 and 4-speed automatic transmission. Offered are rear-wheel drive or Ford's ControlTrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. ABS, self-leveling air suspension, and 18-inch wheels are standard. So are head-protecting curtain side airbags for the 1st and 2nd seating rows. Second-row seating is a choice of two buckets with a center console or a 3-passenger split folding bench. The 3rd row is a 60/40 split folding bench; Ultimate features a power-folding feature for each section. It also includes a power liftgate and offers power running boards that automatically extend when a side door opens. Antiskid/traction control and heated and cooled front seats are standard on Ultimate, optional on Luxury. Power-adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, and heated power-folding door mirrors are standard on both. Optional on Luxury and standard on Ultimate is an antiskid system updated midyear to include Lincoln's Roll Stability Control. This system is designed to detect an impending tip and activate the antiskid system to reduce chances of a rollover. A navigation system is optional on Ultimate. Rear DVD entertainment is available for both models.

News

Sources see a major freshening for the 2007 Navigator and its Ford Expedition parent. That probably means a mild restyle, suspension and powertrain tweaks, and some new features. Ford will add an extended-body Expedition, but Lincoln apparently won't get a "stretch" Navigator to counter Cadillac's Escalade ESV. Instead, Lincoln will take another shot at a luxury pickup, previewed by the recent LT concept. Like the ill-starred Blackwood of a few years ago, it's based on the Ford F-Series SuperCrew--the new-for-'04 design--but will offer optional 4WD and more practical hauling and towing ability than Blackwood. The LT, which may get a different name, is expected to start sale in early 2005, initially in Texas and other strong big-truck markets. Look for a standard 5.4-liter V8 and either a 5- or 6-speed automatic transmission.

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

Luxury 4WD	Ultimate 4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
56	55	50.4

Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		23
Average Score		50
High Score		63

2004 Lincoln Navigator Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/11/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Luxury 4-door wagon, 2WD	$48,965	$42,980	$795

Luxury 4-door wagon, 4WD	$52,515	$46,033	$795

Ultimate 4-door wagon, 2WD	$52,590	$46,098	$795

Ultimate 4-door wagon, 4WD	$56,140	$49,151	$795

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

Luxury

Powertrain

5.4-liter dohc V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, dual front airbags, front and 2nd-row curtain airbags, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/front and rear automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 7-passenger seating w/quad bucket seats, 8-way power front seats w/power lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, pedals, mirrors), front floor console, cupholders, 2nd-row floor console, 3rd-row stowable split folding bench seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn-signal lights and tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, overhead console, conversation mirror, automatic day/night rearview mirror, AM/FM/radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear audio controls and headphone jacks, analog clock, tachometer, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage-door opener, 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, front tow hooks.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Class III trailer hitch, 4-pin connector, front and rear self-leveling suspension, full-size spare tire, 255/70R18 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

Ultimate adds to Luxury:

Powertrain

Traction control.

Safety

Antiskid system, roll-stability control.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power sunroof, front-seat heating and cooling, 3rd-row power-stowable split folding seat, power liftgate.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Xenon headlights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Appearance Option Pkg.
Luxury	$2,810	$2,416
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system, front-seat heating and cooling, monochrome exterior trim.

Monochrome Appearance Pkg.
Ultimate	$995	$876
Black chrome body cladding and running boards, chrome alloy wheels.

Trailer Tow Pkg.
Luxury, Ultimate	$350	$313
4- and 7-pin connector, heavy-duty flasher, wiring harness.

Powertrain
Roll-stability control
Luxury	$855	$735
Includes traction control, antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Ultimate	$2,995	$2,576
Includes THX sound system.

Rear Entertainment System
Luxury, Ultimate	$1,415	$1,239
Fold-down LCD screen, DVD player, two wireless headphones, remote control.

AM/FM/cassette/CD player
Luxury	$0	$0
Deletes in-dash CD changer.

Power sunroof
Luxury	$1,595	$1,383


Front-seat heating and cooling
Luxury	$895	$786


8-passenger seating
Luxury, Ultimate	$0	$0
2nd-row 3-passenger split bench seat. NA w/power-deployable running boards.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Power-deployable running boards
Ultimate	$1,095	$956


Special paint
Luxury, Ultimate	$495	$426


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome alloy wheels
2WD Ultimate	$695	$604
4WD Ultimate	$895	$777
4WD includes 275/65R18 tires.

2004 Lincoln Navigator Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Lincoln Navigator 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	118.8

Overall Length, in.	206.0

Overall Width, in.	80.2

Overall Height, in.	77.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	5969

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	104.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	1456

Fuel Capacity, gals.	28.0

Seating Capacity	8

Front Head Room, in.	39.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.1

Rear Head Room, in.	39.7

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.7

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	13/18

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

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	1/12,000	--

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

< 2004 Lincoln Navigator Photos

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