2003 Lincoln Navigator

I’ve never particularly fancied living back in the old European days of horses and carriages and so forth. Something about no air conditioning or indoor plumbing always ruins the romance for me. But I think now maybe I could get used to having footmen. I came to this realization after driving the 2003 Lincoln Navigator for a week. Every time I opened the door of this luxurious carriage, a big running board slid out automatically so my passengers and I could step right in. Then, it retreated discreetly. The only thing it didn’t do was bow. I decided I could get very used to this.

Automatic foot service is not the only thing royal about this newly redesigned Navigator, however. It is loaded with amenities fit for a queen and more than a few things the king will like, too. Allow me to elaborate.

Good news
Although I have mixed feelings about the current trend to jam as much electronic wizardry into upscale vehicles as possible, I find the electronics on this Navigator really do make things easier – as opposed to just more complicated. Among these commendables are the aforementioned running boards as well as rear seats and a rear hatch that raise and lower electronically, both as options. No more dropping your load as you approach the vehicle. Just push the key fob twice and the hatch opens sesame. Push another button and the 60/40 split rear seat disappears to create a flat floor. Before, if you wanted the maximum load capacity, you had to remove the back bench.

When in place, the third seat is not only accessible for passengers (middle row captain’s chairs fold and flip forward), it’s actually comfortable. A new chassis and independent rear suspension allows for a normal footwell back there instead of having to sit with your knees at eye level. The kids should be elated.

“Utility” is only part of this new 4X4 Navigator’s assets, however. “Sport” and “luxury” get very high marks, too. Especially luxury. Inside, a newly redesigned interior of buttery leather and American walnut accented with tasteful touches of satin and chrome smacks of highest end luxury sedan. Mine was outfitted with four captain’s chairs suitable for my living room, the front two being both heated and air conditioned for posterior pleasure. Rear passengers have their own climate controls and generous, useful storage is everywhere. This is a beautiful, well-designed cabin that makes you want to stay a while.

As for “sport,” some would say the new Navigator’s extra weight coupled with no increase in horsepower keeps it from being all it could be. True, it won’t outrun a Cadillac Escalade. But the 5.4-liter V8 does get a bump in torque to 355, and I find the 300 horses manage this big guy well enough. I never felt underpowered and, in a vehicle this size, drag racing is unlikely anyway.

Where the new Navigator makes greater strides is in handling and overall manageability. The addition of independent suspension, rack and pinion steering, air springs, better braking system, a more advanced traction control system and an increase in stiffness combine to make it feel less like piloting a cruise ship, more like driving a luxury car. Body roll is reduced, steering has a much more centered feel and stopping distances are reduced. Turning radius is surprisingly tight and maneuvering is not the challenge you might suppose looking at its size.

Bad news
My big disappointment with this 2003 Navigator is its exterior design. The Navigator started this whole luxury sport utility craze back in ’98 (could it really be that recently?) and many worthy competitors have followed. This being the Navigator’s first major overhaul since that first generation, I expected a significant style statement. Instead, I got the previous Navigator with a timid brushstroke here and there. I’m stunned.

The front bumper has been lowered to make it more crash-friendly with cars. I’ll give it that. But the overall design, while likeable enough if you found the previous Navigator appealing, does nothing to sell the wonders inside.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 12 mpg city/16 highway. Terrible, but no worse than before.

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $54,950;
Price as tested, $60,040

Is it worth it?
It would be easy to poke fun at this $60,000 rolling penthouse that purports to be a utility vehicle. But, as I see it, this 2003 Navigator does a marvelous job of meeting the demands of its customer -- and then some. It is dreamy to drive, immerses its occupants in luxury, has tremendous room and includes new electronic conveniences that really make the everyday a bit easier.

Besides, if you’ve checked the going rate for footmen these days, $60K looks like a bargain.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.