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Driving Impressions
The Navigator is, despite its size, easier to handle than many first-time drivers will expect. It is, in fact, slightly shorter than the Town Car, has superb outward visibility, and its speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering works in the driver's favor by keeping steering effort down to a reasonable level. Brake pedal feel is light, yet precise. Extra care and attention is required when maneuvering in close-quarters, however.The ride quality is good, though it is not as soft as that of a traditional family sedan or wagon. An advantage of the Navigator's long wheelbase is a resistance to pitching over freeway expansion joints and other irregularities. When driven on twisty roads, the Navigator does not lean unduly in corners, nor does the front end dive excessively under hard braking. The Ford Expedition seems to handle a bit better, however; it feels better connected to the road, with more feedback through the steering and the suspension. Though reasonably quiet, the Navigator is not silent on the road. We didn't mind the sounds coming from under the hood, but wind and tire-tread noise were evident. Fortunately, the Navigator was equipped with a new Alpine audio system that automatically adjusts the volume as speed increases. Performance is a Navigator strength. Acceleration is good, even with a full load of passengers on board. Equipped as a two-wheel-drive with 16-inch wheels, the Navigator can pull a trailer weighing up to 8100 pounds. The big Lincoln does have a substantial thirst for fuel. In moderate use, the best an owner can reasonably expect is a 16 mile-per-gallon average. Four-wheel-drive Navigators are equipped with a four-corner load leveling system, which uses compressed air to compensate for varying loads while improving ride quality. Built into the system is a one-inch increase in ride height. When parked, the system can make the Navigator kneel down to lower the step-in height, thus making getting in and out of the vehicle easier. A simpler rear-only system is standard on two-wheel drive models. Off-road driving is not a problem in a Navigator. Length and width do keep it from being quite as handy in the woods than, for example, a Ford Explorer, but if narrow trails and serious rock-climbing are avoided, occasional forays off the beaten path can be undertaken without fear of being left stranded. By simply turning a rotary knob on the dashboard, the driver can choose between part-time four-wheel drive, full-time four-wheel drive and low-range four-wheel drive. The driver can switch between the first two modes at will, but must bring the Navigator to a halt before engaging low range.
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