|
2003 Buyer's Guide: Lincoln
|
| New car changes for 2003 |
|
| Updated |
Mar 17, 2005 19:41:50 |
| Rating |
 16 ( -2 -12.5% ) | | Author | Tara Baukus Mello |
|
|
Description:
Buyer's Guide Home
2003 Automaker Guides
Select a make
Acura
Audi
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Saab
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
What's New in 2003
From the A4 Cabriolet to the Nissan 350Z.
2002 vs. 2003
New car...or newer car?
All About Rebates
Understanding rebates is the first step to getting a great deal.
Teen Buying Guide
Figure out the best, and safest, first car purchase.
Shop Smart
From reviews to configurators, everything you need is at your fingertips.
Safety Guide
New cars are getting safer every year.
Car Reviews
Read what the experts and consumer have to say about the newest new cars.
Auto Shows
Check out the latest and greatest, straight from the Auto Shows
E-mail
Have a question? Ask the editor...
While some automakers are putting forth efforts to differentiate each if its products from one another, Lincoln is instead focusing on just the opposite. Over the last few years, its products had grown vastly apart---almost to the point that they no longer seemed like they were related, so Lincoln product planners set about to create a "driving DNA" for the brand. The results begin with the 2003 models, which have been re-engineered to have similar characteristics in ride, handling and drivability that differentiate them from its European and Japanese counterparts.
  Lincoln Aviator
 Â
MSRP Range: $39,255 - $45,125
The mid-size luxury sport-ute is the newest model in Lincoln's 2003 line-up. Echoing the styling of its big brother, Navigator, the Aviator utilizes the signature front fascia---chromed Lincoln grille with dark vanes, clear-lens, quad-beam halogen headlamps and circular fog lamps located within the front bumper. The rear liftgate is designed in two pieces with flip-up rear glass for adding cargo without putting down the tailgate. Inside, Aviator is powered by an all-aluminum 4.6-liter V-8 engine that produces 302 horsepower and 300 ft.-lb. of torque and has a maximum towing capacity of 7,300 pounds. Four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering round out the package.
Inside, Aviator offers seating for up to seven with the standard third-row bench seat and the optional 40/20/40-split bench in the second row. Driver and front passengers receive six-way power seats with power lumbar support and dual memory settings. Dual-zone climate controls allows for separate climate adjustments for the driver and passenger sides, while an auxiliary climate control system is standard for second- and third-row passengers. To ease things on the driver, all Aviators have heated, power side mirrors with built-in approach lamps and turn signals, power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals and a Rear Park Assist system. The Premium trim level adds high-intensity discharge headlamps, heated and cooled seats, an in-dash, six-disc CD changer and 17-inch machined aluminum wheels as standard equipment. Options include a power moonroof, rear-seat DVD entertainment and a Class III towing package. DVD-based navigation, AdvanceTrac traction and stability system, a tire pressure monitoring system and a five-spoke chrome wheel will all be available later in the model year.
Â
  Lincoln Blackwood
 Â
MSRP Range: $51,785 - $51,785
Lincoln has ended production of the Blackwood. There will be no 2003 models.
Â
  Lincoln Continental
 Â
MSRP Range: $38,185 - $39,895
Lincoln has ended production of the Continental. There will be no 2003 models.
Â
  Lincoln LS
 Â
MSRP Range: $33,320 - $40,645
Engineers worked on the engine and chassis of the 2003 LS in an effort to give bring it more in line with the brand's new direction. The base 3.0-liter V-6 engine now produces 232 horsepower and 220 ft.-lb. of torque, an increase of 12 horsepower and five lb.-ft., through the use of variable valve timing, improved variable-length intake runners and electronic throttle control. The 3.9-liter V-8 has been re-engineered in a similar fashion to now produce 280 horsepower and 286 lb.-ft. of torque. Chassis improvements include speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering, multiple suspension changes to provide better handling and a variety of measures to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. New interior options include DVD navigation, THX audio system, heated and cooled front seats and heated rear seats.
Â
  Lincoln Navigator
 Â
MSRP Range: $44,590 - $48,340
The Navigator gets a complete redesign for the 2003 model year, featuring an all-new exterior, interior and chassis. All the body panels except for the roof and front doors are new and includes a new lower bumper beam, designed to improve car-to-truck compatibility in a collision. To ease entry and exit, an air suspension lowers the vehicle one inch when the engine is off and power running boards, which extend from the rocker panel when a door is opened, are optional. An aluminum rear liftgate has a power option, so it can be raised or lowered in about 10 seconds by a button on the front overhead console or on the key fob.
Ride and handling has been significantly improved with extensive chassis work including four-wheel independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and 18-inch wheels. Further increasing the comfort level is a new fully-boxed, hydroformed frame that is 70 percent torsionally stiffer and 67 percent stiffer in vertical bending. The redesigned interior is a luxurious mix of leather, walnut burl trim and satin nickel accents, highlighted with high-tech white LED lighting. With a 60/40-split, the standard third-row seat folds flat to the floor and has an optional power-fold feature activated by a button in the front or rear of the vehicle. Adult passengers will find the seat remarkably comfortable, with 36.3 inches of legroom and 37.8 inches of headroom, and ingress and egress a snap, even with the second-row bench seat.
Â
  Lincoln Town Car
 Â
MSRP Range: $40,170 - $49,235
Refined is the key word for the 2003 Town Car whose exterior changes include the return of the stand-up "star" hood ornament, a reworked grille and streamlined rear end. Quad-beam halogen headlamps are 60-percent brighter than the previous year's dual-beam design. Changes to the frame gave engineers the opportunity to improve the front suspension with more substantial upper and lower control arms as well as make the lower control arm out of aluminum instead of steel. Recirculating-ball type steering was replaced with rack-and-pinion, steering geometry was squared up to improve overall feel, and speed-sensitive power steering improves responsiveness for low speed sharp turns, such as during parking. Although interior space remains unchanged, front seat travel has been increased, power lumbar support and standard power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals increase comfort. Other new convenience features include dual-zone climate control, sturdier cupholders, larger ashtray and glove box and unique storage bins with lids located in the front door armrests.
 |
|
