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2003 Lincoln Navigator
Date Published: 7/31/08

2003 Lincoln Navigator
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MSRP:
$48,485 - 54,505

Invoice:
$42,592 - 47,769

Class:
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
2003 Lincoln Navigator
Expert Rating Summary
Category Premium 4WD Rating (See All
Ratings)
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle Average Rating
Acceleration 4 4.4
Fuel Economy 2 1.9
Ride Quality 6 5.4
Steering/Handling/Braking 4 3.3
Quietness 6 5.2
Controls 5 5
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 9 7.4
Room/Comfort (rear) 8 6.4
Cargo Room 9 6.9
Value within Class 3 3.4
Total Score: 56 49.3
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR BUYING RESOURCES
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2003 Lincoln Navigator Review
Power running boards and a power liftgate highlight the 2003 redesign of this Ford Expedition luxury spinoff. Dimensions change little from the 1998-2002 edition, but Navigator's styling is revised and a new independent rear suspension lowers the rear floor for more 3rd-row leg room. Luxury, Premium, and top-line Ultimate models are offered, all with a 300-hp 5.4-liter V8 (vs. Expedition's 260-hp 5.4). A 4-speed automatic is the only transmission. Offered are rear-wheel drive or Ford's ControlTrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and 18-inch wheels are standard. A self-leveling air-spring suspension is included with 4WD. Power-adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, walnut interior trim, heated power-fold door mirrors, and a CD changer 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. All Navigators have a 60/40 split folding 3rd-row bench; standard on Ultimate and optional on Premium is a power fold feature for each section. The power running boards automatically extend when a side door opens. Antiskid/traction control and heated and cooled front seats are standard on Premium and Ultimate. Optional on those models is a navigation system and, added midyear, a Monochrome Appearance Package. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a tire-pressure monitor are available for all models.
Competition
Luxury SUVs vary in size and type, including former members of both the Full-size and Midsize SUV classes, along with a few all-new models. All offer higher standards of workmanship, comfort, refinement, and pricing than other SUVs.

Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.

Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.
News
Navigator started out as a big profit-booster for Lincoln, but sales have been declining steadily since 1999, with no upturn in sight. An uncertain national economy hasn't helped. Neither has a relative lack of change in the face of new competition, especially from Cadillac's Escalade, though the '03 redesign may push Navigator sales back to the plus column.

Yet even Ford admits, however reluctantly, that big-SUV demand is softening as baby boomers begin shifting from family life to empty-nest status--and to smaller vehicles generating less per-unit profit. That shift explains why Lincoln now offers the smaller, Explorer-based Aviator. Meantime, sources are mum about Navigator's near-term future, which implies minimal change over the next couple of years.
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