1999 Lincoln Navigator Review (continued)
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Walkaround

Though based on the popular Ford Expedition, the Navigator has its own distinct identity. Few exterior panels are shared between the two, with the Lincoln version carrying a unique hood, fenders, bumpers, doors and rear liftgates. Roof panels and window glass are interchangeable.

Navigator's front end incorporates a version of the traditional Lincoln grille into a rounded treatment that emphasizes mass and a kind of beefy elegance. Driving lights are set into the bumper, flanking a smaller undecorated air inlet. From the side, the hefty running boards -- lighted at night -- and large rub strips provide the emphasis. Apart from the grille, plated trim is confined to strips below the side windows, door handles and the rear license plate surround.

A rigid steel frame, suspension pieces and the majority of the mechanical hardware come from the Ford F-150 pickup. Navigator is available with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. All come with a 5.4-liter V8, a single overhead cam engine that produces 260 horsepower. (Look for that engine to be replaced during the year with a double overhead cam version that produces 300 horsepower.) All Navigators come with a four-speed automatic transmission. Except for a short list of extra-cost options and color choices, all Navigators are essentially alike in terms of trim and equipment.

Interior Features

Big on the outside means big on the inside. Even tall drivers can wear a hat while driving the Navigator. Those seated in the front and center seats have ample stretch-out room in all directions. Individual front and center-row seats have the right shape and padding to make their four occupants comfortable. The third-row bench seat, which comes standard, is adequate for three small children or two adults during short runs. It comes with rollers that make it easy to remove it to allow room for cargo. The center seats may be replaced with a three-across folding bench seat.

A curved dashboard houses instruments and controls where they can easily be seen and reached. A large center console offers additional storage space and a place for front-seat occupants to rest their arms; the roof-mounted center console carries switches for the rear power swing-out windows and a trip computer and compass.

All materials used inside the Navigator are first-class, from the leather upholstery to soft-touch coverings applied to practically everything else including dashboard and door panels. The window switches are lighted internally at night, a nice touch that not all vehicles carry.

One new optional feature, shared with the Expedition, is an industry first: At the touch of a dashboard-mounted switch, the pedal cluster can be electrically adjusted fore-and-aft. Though the range of adjustment is small -- only three inches -- this new feature allows shorter drivers to find their most comfortable seat/steering wheel/pedal position with increased ease. The pedal adjustment settings can be captured in the standard memory-seat feature, thus allowing two drivers to change places and get comfortable at the touch of a button.