In the world of luxury vehicles, Lincoln's Navigator looms large.
Since the sport brute's arrival last year, erstwhile luxury leader Cadillac has been choking on Lincoln's dust. Startled by Navigator's success, General Motors' luxury division will respond with its first sport utility vehicle called the Escalade later this year.Despite environmentalists' efforts to stigmatize full-size SUVs as gas-guzzling global warming machines, demand seems insatiable. When gasoline becomes expensive again, perhaps we will start seeing upscale versions of the Geo Tracker instead.
Meanwhile, the market prevails and Navigator sales soar.
With a base-price range of $39,310 to $42,860, Navigator costs more than the $34,000 compact Mercedes M-Class SUV. With options, the review version ended up with a price tag of $46,660.
Available in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive, Navigator combines the creature comforts and capacity of a minivan, the traction of an off-road vehicle and the status of a luxury car.
Ford executives say buyers of the full-size SUVs are more likely to go off road than buyers of compact SUVs like the Ford Explorer. The Navigator, an upscale version of the new Ford Expedition, accommodates large families, campers and people who entertain a lot.
With a rooftop 6 feet 4 inches above the ground, Navigator is a vehicle you look up to. Raise the enormous rear lift gate and you've got a broad canopy that could serve as a campground shelter.
About 75 percent of buyers are expected to order the Control Trac four-wheel-drive option that includes a four-corner load leveling air suspension. The system makes entry and exit easier by automatically lowering the vehicle an inch when the key is turned off.
With Control Trac in low range, the suspension raises the vehicle an extra inch above normal for higher ground clearance. The system offers four modes, including 2-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, 4-high or 4-low. The driver makes the selection with a dash-mounted knob.
If you are pulling a trailer full of Clydesdales, you can't beat the Navigator's towing capacity of 7,700 pounds or 8,000 pounds with 2-wheel-drive.
Navigator's 230-horsepower V8 engine puts out 325 foot-pounds of torque and is linked to a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Aside from fluid and filter changes, the engine should not need maintenance until it hits 100,000 miles. A fail-safe cooling system is designed to protect the engine from damage, even if coolant is lost.
Naturally, fuel economy is poor. But, for a vehicle this size, it's surprising it's not worse. With 4-wheel-drive, the Navigator gets 13 city miles per gallon and 17 highway. The rear-drive version burns unleaded at the rate of 14/18 mpg. The tank holds 30 gallons, so you can take a fairly leisurely detour through the woods.
Driving the Navigator takes practice before you head into traffic. Though built to fit in the typical garage, Navigator could use some more elbow room during rush hour. However, parking is not terribly difficult due to speed-sensitive, power steering.
The Navigator I drove got a surprising amount of attention from admirers. The waterfall grille and Lincoln emblem distinguish Navigator from the herd of SUVs. Illuminated running boards ease access for smaller passengers and add a styling flourish.
Inside, Navigator bears all the hallmarks of a luxury vehicle: Wood trim, leather upholstery, a wood-and-leather steering wheel and first-class amenities throughout.
Two seating arrangements are available. With three rows of seats, you can have a bench in the center or a second set of bucket seats.
Navigator is the first SUV to offer bucket seats in the middle row. In that configuration, back seat passengers get a big center storage console between the seats and double cupholders. A set of ventilation and stereo controls with double headphone jacks are great back-seat features for long road trips..
The third set of seats is a small bench that sits higher than the middle row. There's not a lot of head room, so a 6-foot adult has to slouch a bit. Access is gained through a two-step process of releasing one of the bucket seats in the middle and flipping it forward.
Access to the back cargo bay is through either a pop-up rear window or by raising the liftgate. The spare tire, stowed under the back end, frees up 116.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
Drivers enjoy a commanding view of the road, with controls for stereo, ventilation, power windows, mirrors and other switches within easy reach. Designers duplicated the ventilation and stereo switches on the steering hub.
Overhead are a nice set of map lights, switches for the power rear-quarter windows, a receptacle for sunglasses and a storage bin for sunglasses. Fuel economy, miles to empty and compass heading appear on an electronic display.
As Lincoln's first SUV, Navigator's main competition comes from the Lexus LX450 and the Land Rover Range Rover until Cadillac's Escalade arrives. Other luxury SUVs, such as the Infiniti QX4 and the Mercedes M-Class, compete in the smaller compact class.
WHAT'S NEW: Luxury version of Ford Expedition, new for 1998 model year.
PLUSES: Comfort, safety, power, capacity.
MINUSES: Fuel economy, maneuverability, price.
BOTTOM LINE: Navigator ups the ante in the luxury SUV sweepstakes. *****
Additional Information
1998 Lincoln Navigator - some features
TYPE: Full-size, 4-wheel-drive, 4-door, sport utility vehicle.
PRICE: $42,660 base, $46,660 as tested.
POWER: 5.4-liter, SOHC, 230-horsepower V8 with 4-speed automatic transmission.
CHASSIS: Body on frame; independent front suspension with short and long-arm, coil springs; five-link load leveling air spring rear suspension with stabilizer bar; power, variable assist, speed sensitive, re-circulating ball steering.
BRAKES: Power discs, ABS.
CURB WEIGHT: 4,827 pounds.
PAYLOAD: 1,600 pounds.
TOWING CAPACITY: 7,700 pounds.
STANDARD: Air bags, aluminum wheels, AM/FM/cassette stereo, anti-theft system, automatic climate control, automatic headlamps, center console, duplicate steering hub controls for stereo/ventilation, fog lamps, luggage rack, leather upholstery, wood trim, power adjustable front seats, power locks/windows/mirrors, remote keyless entry.