The Lincoln Navigator has been a sales phenomenon since its 1998 model year introduction. In the beginning, doubters questioned whether Lincoln’s tradition as a luxury car builder would lead itself to the rough and tumble sport utility vehicle marketplace. Those naysayers were soon silenced as the orders poured in. To company officials, one of the more satisfying is the fact that 70 percent of Navigator customers had never owned a Lincoln before. This fresh blood has helped the brand expand beyond its customary full size luxury car age demographic. The Navigator is either 2 or 4 wheel drive configuration is aimed squarely at the buyer who wants the Swiss Army functionally of a full size SUV, but is unwilling to sacrifice one iota of luxury in the pursuit of those utilitarian tasks. Up to 109.9 cu.ft of cargo volume is on top, or as many eight occupation can be ensconced in three rows of leather skinned seating, and an available option can even circulate either heated or cooled air throughout the two front buckets.
Those in the rear can pass the time with an optional VHS based entertainment system centered around retractable 6.8 in LCD color monitor served by wireless headphones. GPS navigation is also available. Although closely related under the skin to the Ford Expedition, the Navigator’s dohc 5.4 liter engine is not shared with the corporate cousin. Calibrated for premium fuel and paired only with 4 speed automatic, this 32 valve generates 300 bhp at 5000 rpm, along with an even more important 355 lb.ft of torque down at 2750 rpm.
