2000 Navigator Impresses, Indulges In Luxury

The Lincoln Navigator adds even more customer-driven innovations in the 2000 model year with full-size sport utility firsts including climate-controlled seats and a sonar parking aid.

Hot or Cold

Climate-controlled seats are just one of the many new features on the 2000 Navigator that are a first for Lincoln and for the full-size SUV market. The climate control system fitted to the seats can be ordered for both driver and front passenger sides and provides both hot and cold air through specially perforated leather seating surfaces. Using a compact heat pump combined with a small fan to circulate the air, the climate- controlled seats are the perfect complement to Navigator's sophisticated automatic climate control system. Power lumbar adjust also is added to the driver and front passenger seats for 2000.

Parking Made Easier

The 2000 Navigator also gives drivers extra help with a reverse sensing system. Using four ultrasonic sensors mounted in the rear bumpers, the system alerts drivers to certain objects in the path of the vehicle when it is backing up.

A series of beeps increase in frequency as the vehicle gets closer to the detected object; a continuous warning tone is activated when Navigator is less than 10 inches from the object. Maneuverability in tight spaces is further helped on 2000 Navigator with the availability of power folding side mirrors, which reduce the width of the vehicle and protect the mirrors in automatic car washes.

"Lincoln and now Navigator are both brands that stand for luxury and refinement. The changes we have made for 2000 build on that image," said Jim Rogers, vice president of marketing for Lincoln. "While listening to our customers, it became clear that they wanted more luxury and more features in their vehicles. With the 2000 Navigator program, we think we have delivered on both fronts."

Safety and Security

In addition to new technology and luxury, safety features also have been added to 2000 Navigator. Side-impact air bags are now available, deploying from the sides of the driver and front passenger seats. Side-impact air bags are designed to inflate when an imminent side impact collision is detected, providing protection against head and chest injuries.

Other changes to 2000 Navigator include an automatic park brake release, left-hand A-pillar mounted grab handle, bright sill plates, front-seat rear map pockets, leather-wrapped rear console cover, revised floor mats and standard Homelinkä messaging system.

Interior Features

New, softer Nudo leather is used on seating surfaces in the first and second rows. Also, the use of wood on the interior has been increased, and the center console has been redesigned to provide more storage and larger, improved cup holders.

"From the onset, Navigator has been a real hit with our customers, bringing them an unrivaled combination of power and luxury in a full-size SUV," said Connie Gutowski, chief program engineer for 2000 Navigator. "With the 2000 program, we wanted to create a vehicle that keeps exceeding our customers' expectations and provides features and function that are beyond what they would expect in an SUV."

Navigator features power adjustable leather seats, genuine burled walnut inserts, Alpine audio system with 6-CD changer, power moon roof, automatic climate control system and power adjustable pedals.

Exterior Features

The 2000 Navigator also features a number of exterior and interior styling changes. On the outside, Navigator features new body-side cladding integrated into new larger running boards, a color-keyed front bumper top cap and new door mirrors with an integrated side indicator lamp. The antenna whip is removed from the front passenger- side fender and integrated into the passenger-side rear quarter glass. Standard 17-inch wheels and tires complete the freshened exterior.

Power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, made available as a running change in the 1999 model year, allow the driver to achieve the optimum driving position for comfort and control. The pedals can be adjusted up to 4 inches horizontally toward the driver, allowing those of smaller stature to maintain distance from the steering wheel and air bag.

Powertrain

Navigator is powered by a four-valve, 300-horsepower 5.4-liter DOHC InTech V-8 engine mated to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission. Available as a 4x2 or 4x4, the Navigator has one of the most advanced four-wheel-drive systems on the market and features low- and high-ratio 4x4 options as well as the sophisticated Control Trac automatic system.

LEV

Navigator is a certified low-emission vehicle (LEV). An SUV certified as an LEV emits only half the smog-forming hydrocarbon emissions produced by comparable vehicles on the road today and far exceeds all legal requirements.