2003 Lincoln Navigator Driving Impressions Review at Automotive.com
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Lincoln
Navigator
2003

2003 Lincoln Navigator Review: Road Test

Below is a full, detailed 2003 Lincoln Navigator review and road test from New Car Test Drive. A full evaluation of price, equipment, the driving experience, and specs are all here in a structured, easy-to-navigate format from journalists with limitless ...     read more
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2003 Lincoln Navigator Review

Grand Touring, SUV-style.
Driving Impressions
Toward the end of a long day, traversing a variety of roads, we were driving along a winding twisty highway that would have been delightful in a sports car. We caught up to a guy in a Honda Civic and followed him for about ten miles. It was only then that we realized we were driving in a spirited manner. We weren't on the limit, the tries were not squealing, the body was not rolling, the two passengers were not complaining Those of us who had been taking turns behind the wheel were actually heard to say "this is fun." Who would ever have dreamt that the day would come when those who enjoy driving in a spirited fashion would say such a thing of a SUV.

More than anything it's the steering that transforms the Navigator's handling dynamics. It is so precise it reminded us more of the new Mini. The vehicle moves almost instantly once the steering wheel starts to turn. The independent rear suspension keeps the wheels firmly on the ground with no axle tramping over bumps or undulations. Anybody who enjoys driving a European car would be happy with the steering on the Navigator. But, dare we say it, we can imagine there might be some drivers more accustomed to the sloppy steering of an older Lincoln having trouble adapting to a steering wheel that reacts to a driver's input with precision.

With such great handling the Navigator's acceleration performance is perhaps a little lacking. The engine sounds nice with a throaty roar under acceleration but it does not accelerate as fast as one might expect. The engine produces 300 horsepower, which is the same as in the old model but some 45 hp less than in the Cadillac Escalade. Most owners will be happy with the Navigator's performance, even when loaded. It has excellent torque, which is really more important for an overall driving experience. It also makes it ideal for towing.

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2003 Lincoln Navigator
  
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