2002 Lincoln Navigator Trims and Specs

The 2002 Lincoln Navigator shared the platform of America's best-selling truck, the Ford F-150. That said, it's obviously a tough customer - although that is not the side of this SUV that is emphasized.

That side would be its luxurious one, as the Navigator's raison d'etre is to provide plush transportation for up to eight people on trips of all lengths. Its three rows of leather-surfaced seating are appointed with their own climate controls, and the second row gets its own audio controls. The third row is a bench seat that can seat three, and the second row is by default a pair of captain's chairs with an ample center console, but Lincoln also let buyers order a bench seat instead at no extra cost.

The 2002 Navigator 2WD was an obvious choice for the well-to-do SUV-buyer with something to tow, be it a large camper or boat. With a towing capacity of 8,900 pounds and payload max of 1576, it is ready and able to meet any recreational demands.

The power source is a 5.4-liter V8 paired with a four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission with overdrive; its pertinent stats are a yield of 300 horses and 360 lb.-ft. of torque. This is sufficient, but some critics professional and amateur alike expected more from an SUV of this size. A trailer-towing prep set-up with tow hook came standard.

Exterior amenities on the '02 'Gator were highlighted by roof rails, step rails (with an option for power-retraction), power heated side mirrors finised in body color, and a full-sized spare. Inside the list featured the aforementioned leather seating and individual climate control, plus high-quality dash and interior door finish, a leather-wrapped wood steering wheel with auxiliary controls mounted on it, a cabin air filter, and a generally upscale aura of plushness.

The 2002 Lincoln Navigator 4WD was built for the active SUV-buyer who wants it all. In addition to the versatility of a 4x4 he gets power for towing, amenities for top comfort, and a whole lot of good old American heft.

This finely crafted specimen is as handsome as it is imposing, with a proud and immense chrome grille preceding it all. You probably won't see one out crawling over rocks on the trails, but the point for many of its purchasers is that it could go there if they wanted it to.

But the theme of this SUV is luxurious comfort, much more so than off-road ability. Still, the 4x4 trim by its very nature has to sacrifice a bit of that, the result being a stiffer ride than the two-wheel-drive trim affords.

Like its cousin the Ford Expedition, the Navigator features Ford's Control Trac 4WD system, which employs a switch on the dash for the driver to select from among 2WD, automatic 4WD, 4WD High, and 4WD Low. This makes for a notably versatile 4x4 system.

The powerplant is a 5.4-liter SOHC V8, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. It delivers 300 horsepower and 355 lb.-ft. of torque at 2750 rpm - numbers that disappointed a considerable segment who expected more from such a behemoth. Still, it's enough to tow 8,000 pounds, and anyway, a full-sized SUV does not need to be peeling away from stoplights.

The 2002 'Gator's list of standard equipment was long, leaving just a few things (moonroof, cooled and heated seats, navigation system, and CD changer) that could be opted for. Some of the standout exterior features were oversized heated body-color side mirrors, roof rails, step rails, fog lights, swing-out rear windows, and a full-sized spare carried under the body. Drivers of various stature could surely appreciate the height-adjustable pedals and seat-position memory.

Mechanical features included limited slip differential, stability and traction control, and a wishbone front suspension and beam rear suspension with stabilizer bar. The suspension also came with an automatic leveling function that also kneeled down one inch for passengers' entry and exit.

Top compliments went to appearance, spaciousness, and comfort, although several pro and am reviewers complained that the seats, though nicely contoured, were on the hard side. Top complaints went to fuel consumption (and to make it worse, this one only has a taste for 91 octane), which was a concession most Navigator buyers were okay with.