LINCOLN NAVIGATOR

The 'Lincoln Navigator' is a full-size luxury SUV produced by Ford Motor Company for its luxury divison Lincoln. Introduced in 1998, the Navigator was one of the first full-size luxury SUVs. The Lincoln Navigator is the largest luxury SUV made by the Ford Motor Company and is Lincoln's first four-wheel drive vehicle.

Contents

First generation

Second generation

Third generation

External links

First generation

The 1998 Navigator was one of the first luxury SUVs. It introduced the concept of the American luxury SUV, competing at first with only the Cadillac Escalade. Essentially a luxurious Ford Expedition with a more powerful engine, more luxury features and better trimmed interior including higher quality leather, fine wood, and extensive carpeting, its humble truck roots could be easily spotted, however. The Navigator had the same user-friendly dashboard layout as the Expedition and F-150. Competitors from Cadillac and GMC with the Denali Series quickly followed. Much like the Cadillac Escalade, the Navigator found a spot with celebrities and the customized SUV scene.
Upgrades came just one year later with a more powerful DOHC ''InTech'' engine and electrically-adjustable pedals, an "industry first." This new engine produces 300 horsepower and 355 ft·lbf torque. More luxury features appeared in 2000, including a satellite navigation system, cooled/heated front seats and reverse sensing system as well as side impact airbags. No more major changes were made in 2001, and the Navigator was redesigned after 2002.

Second generation

The Navigator was redesigned in 2003. Compared to the previous generation, the interior of the redesigned Navigator has been redesigned so it would feel more comfortable to luxury car buyers. For instance, the Navigator no longer shared the dashboard layout of the Expedition and F-150. It had a higher-class dashboard consisting of faux satin nickel trim and real wood inserts. The optional navigation system was now integrated with the audio system controls to save space. Some ingenious features debuted with this redesign, including power-deployable running boards that deploy when a side door is opened, a power liftgate, and a power folding third row seat. Also included with the ultimate model was HID headlights.
Tire-pressure monitoring was made standard for 2004, with Roll Stability Control an option, and the mid-level ''Premium'' trim line was deleted. Along with a light facelift the powertrain was revised for 2005. The DOHC 5.4 L V8's 4-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a new ZF Friedrichshafen AG-sourced 6-speed automatic transmission. HID headlights went from being standard equipment to optional on the Ultimate model. The stability system was now standard on all models. An ''Elite'' package for the ''Ultimate'' trim includes a voice-activated touch screen DVD based Navigation system, THX audio system, rear-seat entertainment DVD player, and HID headlights for 2006, the last year of this generation.

Years	Trim	Engine	Power	Torque
2003–2004	''Luxury'' ''Premium'' ''Ultimate''	5.4 L ''InTech'' DOHC V8	300 hp (224 kW)	355 ft·lbf (481 N·m)
2005–2006	''Luxury'' ''Ultimate''	5.4 L ''InTech'' DOHC V8	300 hp (224 kW)	365 ft·lbf (495 N·m)

Third generation

In 2007, Lincoln updated the Navigator with a new front and rear fascia, interior, and additional options.
The 2007 Navigator was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2006. It is joined by a long wheelbase 'Navigator L' comparable to the Cadillac Escalade ESV. The L model is 14.7 in (373 mm) longer than the standard Navigator.
The new Navigator sports a large chromed grille and "power dome" hood to emphasize its size and power. An independent suspension debuted in the second generation Navigator. However, the 2007 model has a greatly improved design that will cause the new Navigator to ride even better than the vehicle it replaces. For 2007, the power liftgate motor switched from overhead arms to a side arm to improve headroom for 3rd row occupants. For the first time, a power tilt steering column is offered as well as a THX® II Certified Audio System with six-disc in-dash CD changer and 14 speakers including sub-woofer and 600 watts of peak power. Four corner load-leving air suspension goes from being standard equipment to rear only load-leveling air suspension as an option. The 5.4 L 32-valve InTech engine remains unchanged, however, and is now surpassed in size by the 6.2 L unit in the competing Cadillac Escalade, but with the new "power dome" suggesting the arrival of the upcoming 6.2 L 425 hp Ford Boss engine the Navigator will have 22 horsepower (16 kW) more than its main competitor.
Although Lincoln planned to adopt a three-letter name for 2007, the Navigator, Mark LT, and Town Car names will remain unchanged. Only the Zephyr was changed to MKZ.

Years	Trim	Engine	Power	Torque
2007–	''Luxury'' ''Ultimate''	5.4 L ''InTech'' SOHC V8	300 hp (224 kW)	365 ft·lbf (495 N·m)

External links

★ AutoGuideWiki.com

★ Lincoln Navigator home page

★ Official Lincoln 2007 Lineup Page