1998 Lincoln Navigator 5.4L V8 4AT AWD (230 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year, the Lincoln Navigator became an instant hit on the market and dominated the luxury full-size SUV segment with a vehicle based on the same chassis as a Ford F-Series.

Ford was keen on expanding Lincoln’s products, and after several internal debates, it decided to create a full-size SUV. The new model was designed to take its customers on the mountain and back without breaking a sweat. Furthermore, the automaker garnished the vehicle with all the luxurious items and parts it had in stock. Even though it shared its parts and underpinnings with the utility truck Ford F150 and with the Expedition, it was different. It harmoniously blended road behavior, comfort, and performance in a vehicle that was also fit for tackling some off-road situations or towing a boat. However, despite sharing most of its underpinnings with its stablemates, it also had unique features.

Lincoln’s styling center created a unique front fascia for the full-size luxury SUV. Its cascade grille with chromed vertical slats looked inspired by the well-known Continental lineup. Furthermore, the horizontal headlights that flanked it differed from those installed on the F150 or the Expedition and had a narrower outer area with corner-mounted blinkers. The body-colored bumper integrated a pair of round fog lights, while a rock-sliding-like trim was underneath.

From its profile, the car boasted flared wheel arches on both axles adorned by plastic trims. A set of steps was available for easier ingress and egress to the vehicle. Regardless of the car shade, the flush door handles were chromed, which matched the requests of Lincoln’s buyers. Thanks to the tall and wide doors, access inside was a breeze despite the higher ground clearance than a regular luxury sedan. However, the SUV featured standard pneumatic rear suspension, which automatically lowered the vehicle to the ground when it was parked. At the back, the wide tailgate boasted an independently open rear window and a chromed license plate holder.

With such an upscale exterior look, the automaker couldn’t install a mundane interior in the 1998 Lincoln Navigator. While it shared the dashboard design with the Ford Expedition, the luxurious SUV had more wood grains on it. Furthermore, the leather-upholstered bucket seats were unique to the model. The automaker placed a large stereo on the center stack with up to seven speakers featuring a six-disc in-dash CD changer. Drivers could enjoy the power-adjustable pedals, a first for an SUV, and a tilt steering wheel with integrated buttons controlling media and cruise control functions. In the back, the full-size SUV was available with either a bench seat for three or two captain chairs. Thanks to the three-row configuration, the cabin could take up to eight occupants.

At the sales start, the 1998 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a 5.4-liter V8 engine carried over from the Expedition. However, for the 2000 model year, Lincoln introduced a new one with the same displacement but with a double-overhead camshaft design that provided more power. The automaker paired the powerplant with either a four-speed automatic transmission. Besides the all-wheel drive system, the 1998 Lincoln Navigator was also available with a rear-wheel drive system.