They may be politically incorrect, but neither that or gas prices have slowed sales any, so if you’re in the market for a big, luxury Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), the updated 2003 Lincoln Navigator has to be on your radar screen.

Lincoln virtually invented the big luxury SUV market back in 1998, but the 2003 offering is a far cry from the blatantly upscale Ford Expedition it started out as. Even though it’s still based on the Expedition platform, this is the largest, most prestigious, and absolutely poshest Navigator yet.

In addition to updated exterior styling, a revised interior, and such niceties as power folding seatbacks, automatically extending and retracting running boards and a power liftgate, there’s also improved steering. Instead of the old truck-style solid rear axle usually found on SUVs, the Navigator utilizes a new automotive-style independent rear suspension that combined with a stiffer frame, delivers a better ride and boosts handling.

The Navigator isn’t cheap. Prices for the base model Luxury version start at slightly over $48,000, and the higher-line Premium and Ultimate versions go up from there. However, even the most inexpensive versions are well equipped, and are offered with rear-wheel drive or a four-wheel-drive system Lincoln says can control the Navigator even if three wheels are on ice.

The Navigator’s main competition boils down to the Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX 470 and in some minds, the Hummer H2. The Range Rover also falls into this class of luxury, but is seriously more expensive, starting at a hefty $71,200 plus a $665 destination charge.

One thing the Escalade does have over the Navigator is its 6-liter V8. Even though it’s an old-style pushrod unit, it still delivers 345 horses. While the Navigator’s 5.4-liter dual-overhead-cam V-8 is more sophisticated, it’s smaller and produces just 300 horses with less torque.

Now 300 horses is certainly nothing to sneeze at — especially when coupled to a smooth, responsive 4-speed automatic transmission. But I still have to wonder why Lincoln didn’t saddle up more horses for the Navigator. It gives the Escalade a serious run for its money everywhere except under the hood.

With its 4.7-liter 230-horsepower V-8, the LX 470 is no ball of fire but is reasonably fast and silky smooth. While the Navigator’s powerplant isn’t as smooth as the LX 470’s, it’s still pretty quick, doing the 0-60 drill in a respectable 9.7 seconds. The Navigator also loafs effortlessly at 75 mph turning a stingy 1900-rpm.

All big, luxurious SUV are guzzlers, and the Navigator is no exception. It weighs in at 5,760 to 5,994 pounds, so estimated mileage is 12 in the city and 17 on highway with rear-drive and 11 and 16 with four-wheel drive. On the other hand, if gas mileage is a consideration, you should be looking at Toyotas.

Inside, the interior has a flashy retro look featuring satin nickel finishes reminiscent of the 1961 Lincoln Continental — only much more luxurious with more attention to detail. There’s a classy analog clock illuminated at night by white light from its chrome trim ring, as well as genuine walnut trim used on the steering wheel, dashboard, and interior door panels. Also standard are leather upholstery and power-adjustable pedals. And all occupants should enjoy the new Navigator’s revised, meditation-quiet interior.

There are two very supportive and comfortable bucket seats up front that are heated in the Premium and Ultimate versions, with that as an option on the Luxury trim. All trim levels offer middle-row seatbacks that fold forward. They’re offered in a two-bucket seat configuration or a three-person bench seat for the middle.
Second-row occupants also get their own controls for the audio and climate control systems. And there’s an optional $1,295 headliner-mounted DVD system for rear occupants. However, the fold-down screen seriously impedes the driver’s rear vision when it’s in use.

The aforementioned independent rear suspension not only improves the ride — it also adds room to the third-row seating area. Power folding seatbacks for the third-row seats are standard in the Ultimate version, but not offered on any others. The seatbacks lay flat to provide a large cargo area.

Although all Navigators have the same big liftgate that can be raised or lowered in about 10 seconds with the power option, the manual split/folding third-row seatbacks require climbing into the cargo area to pull them back up from behind.

The Navigator also boasts power running boards that slide out from the rocker panels when a door is opened. They automatically retract upon closing. This seemed gimmicky at first, but it allows easier entry and exit from this high vehicle — especially for a woman in a skirt.

The large exterior mirrors necessary for such a big vehicle are power-adjustable with a power-fold feature to prevent parking lot or off-road damage. They are also heated and have a reverse tilt feature, along with built-in approach lamps and turn signals.

The new rack-and-pinion steering is very precise and the ride and handling more agile — a welcome change from the Navigator’s former land yacht feel. The independent rear suspension and new, fully boxed hydroformed frame have measurably improved the handling for such a tall, heavy vehicle. Air springs on all wheels also allow a constant ride height.

The AdvanceTrac stability control system enhances roadability and is standard on the Premium and Ultimate versions. It’s a $655 option for the Luxury trim. Braking distances are impressively short, thanks to such items as an anti-lock system and electronic brake force distribution.

The bumper beam has been dropped two inches to improve crash compatibility while other safety items include side-impact and rollover protection airbags for first- and second-row occupants.

Whines: Some light conditions make it hard to read the intricately detailed speedometer and tachometer. That’s inexcusable in a vehicle in this price range. The Navigator is underpowered in comparison to the Escalade and seriously needs more horses.

Bottom Line: Although Escalade has become the trendiest big luxury SUV — embraced mainly by rap singers and pro basketball players — the Navigator exudes a style and type of class that group can’t buy for any amount of money.

The Navigator outscores the Escalade and other rivals with such nice touches as the power running boards. Overall, the new Navigator has come a long way from being an upscale version of the Ford Expedition. It’s spacious, seriously comfortable, quiet, and luxurious. It just could be the very best Navigator ever.