'98 Lincoln NavigatorLincoln has added a twist on the sport/ute craze with the Navigator by packaging living room comfort with abundant power amenities, creating a superb long-distance motorcoach. Trip-loving family types on our staff lobbied hard to add the big luxo beast to the MT long-term fleet, and those editors have fulfilled the promise to keep it in constant motion. At its $42,660 base price, the Lincolnized version of Ford's Expedition 4x4 is not cheap, but it is loaded, combining the smooth 5.4-liter/230-horsepower V-8 and four-speed automatic transmission with load-leveling air suspension, variable-assist power steering, and anti-lock disc brakes at each corner. Our super-lux machine also features running boards, chrome trim, leather-wrapped seating for seven, and power everything. We added the rear area climate control ($705), 17-inch all-terrain tires ($305), aluminum wheels ($235), skid plates ($105), and premium 290-watt stereo ($355) with a CD changer ($595). A stark contrast to the thrifty Escort also in our fleet, the Navigator has consumed dino juice at a thirsty 12.7-mpg rate. Fortunately, gas has been relatively cheap lately, and it has a 30-gallon tank.
| Base price | $42,660 |
| Price as tested | $45,880 |
| Body style | 4-door, 7-pass. |
| Engine size/type | 5.4-liter V-8 |
Transmission/driveline
configuration | 4-speed auto./
front engine, four-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph, sec. | 10.3 |
| EPA mpg, city/hwy. | 13/17 |
| Total mileage | 9857 |
| Test mileage | 9762 |
| Fuel consumed, gal. | 768.7 |
| Fuel cost | $898.23 |
| Average mpg | 12.7 |
| Additional oil/cost | 1 qt/$2.10 |
| Routine maint. | $45.00 |
| Additional maint. | None |
| Previous maint. | None |
| Problem areas | None |
| Total operating cost | $945.33 |
| Operating cost/mile | 9.7 |
National gas average prices courtesy of Lundberg Survey, Inc., Camarillo, California.