Lincoln Navigator - Photo Gallery, Sports Car, Motor Show, Reviews

Saturday, November 7, 2009

The Lincoln Navigator serves as Lincoln's full-sized luxury SUV. The Navigator shares the same platform with the lesser Ford Expedition full-size SUV. Introduced in 1998, the Navigator has proven extremely popular, comprising 40% of the American luxury SUV market in 2001. It is the larger of the two truck-based SUVs produced by Lincoln in the early 2000s, the smaller being the Aviator (which becomes the MKX for 2007). While the current 2006 Lincoln Navigator ranges in price from roughly $50,140 to $67,645, the new 2007 Lincoln Navigator will feature a price range of $52,990 to $66,545. If customized, the Lincoln Navigator's price can range to well over $100,000.

The 1998 Navigator introduced the concept of the American luxury SUV, competing at first with only the Land Rover Range Rover. It was trimmed with leather, wood, and fine carpeting, but its humble pickup truck roots could be easily spotted. This didn't slow sales, though, upon introduction of the Lincoln Navigator for the 1998 model year waiting lines for the Navigator formed. 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 truck scene.

Upgrades came just one year later with a more powerful DOHC InTech engine and power-operated pedals. More luxury features appeared in 2000, including a satellite navigation system 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.