1999 Lincoln Navigator...Continued

We Looked At:

Roominess And Comfort: Spacious luxury is the primary reason to buy a Navigator. And it doesn't disappoint, if it is not overloaded with passengers. It is true the big SUV has seating for seven (with bucket middle seats) or eight (with bench in the middle), but trust me, when you want to bathe in ultimate Lincoln luxury, do it with four. The test vehicle tried it both ways. One day, seven adults took a tour of the countryside. Four were comfortable, the three wedged into the rear bench seat were not. Later four adults journeyed out to dinner at a far-off location and enjoyed every minute of the ride. With sumptuous leather seats, perfect climate control, fabulous sound system and luxurious space, all that was missing was the champagne on ice. If desired, there's room for that luxury in the odd-looking (looks a bit like a commode) rear center console that is wide and deep, but unlike a commode, does not have a drain!

Driving Position: The multiple adjustments on the power seat allow precise positioning. The new adjustable pedals quickly take you to confident driving mode. One of the more extravagant features on Navigator is the steering wheel. This elegant wheel is the same steering mechanism offered drivers of the Jaguar XK8 sport luxury coupe, including the handy cruise and audio controls. Illuminated running boards present easy entry and exit for driver and passengers of the Navigator. Needless to say, visibility is excellent in this high riding vehicle. It's easy to see why women are so fond of driving it.

Cargo Space: With the third seat in place, space for bulky items is limited. The huge consoles and ample floor space take easy care of small items, but when it time for the big stuff, the back seat must come out; a much easier task now that the rollers have been added to these seats.

Our Impressions Of The Drive:

Engine Response: Although the test drive did not include an off-road test, no doubt the powerful engine would perform admirably. For normal city and highway driving (few Navigators will ever leave the pavement), the big SUV responds with as much enthusiasm as needed, accelerating from stop lights and scurrying down freeway entrances with assurance. Towing is also a virtue. Lincoln says the Navigator is "best in class" in this category.

Shifting The Gears: The smooth-as-silk automatic slides through the gears appropriately and effectively.