Having test-driven the N/A V6 Continental, I'd say that, in most areas, it certainly doesn't drive like a warmed-over Ford (even the Taurus that the platform is based on), though I'll admit that the engine noise on initial acceleration was a little higher than I expected. And the Continental's interior is definitely not a warmed-over Ford....neither is the Navigator's or Aviator. Like I said above, IMO the last Ford-clone Lincolns were the 1Gen Edge/MKX and F-150/LT.

 

The Continental doesnt drive like a vehicle of its price point should, and its platform keeps it from being world class. The Aviator and Navigator dont have that issue, and while I havent driven the Aviator, the Navigator feels like it should on all levels.

 

Nope, this is not badge engineering like the first generation Aviator which was identical to the 4th generation Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer. Different more sophisticated suspension, interior, materials, payload/towing, different tune on the engine, PHEV variant. It's a cousin, but a different vehicle.

 

Coworker of mine just picked one up to replace his aging Expedition. His was optioned into the low 60s and we have a vehicle purchase program at work that lops $3,500 off whatever you can negotiate. He's thrilled with it.

 

Everyone badge-engineered to their finest back then. This new Aviator is still part Explorer, but still different enough.

 

I understand that $87k isn't the base price. I'm just pointing out the absurdity.

It's not apples and oranges if it is mass produced off the same assembly line. I never claimed it was a rebadging like in the past. Just a luxury version of the Explorer. And that's why nobody is going to shell out $90k for one and why the suggestion that it is worth that is insane. That would be like Lexus taking the ES and adding a ton of features to it and slapping a $100k price tag on it.


I think that market is where Lincoln needs to be. Outside of the Navigator, I don't see the badge carrying multiple vehicles in the close to $100k range. They need to offer luxury at a value.

 

Even Ford employees are admitting that is more than just first-year teething problems. I'm not saying they won't get the issues fixed, but I certainly wouldn't jump in early with all the issues that are being reported.

 

Which means you are willing to drop about $62k on a Aviator, not the $87k that I said was idiotic and you somehow found a reason to get upset about as if I were referring to you.

 

I never claimed it was "badge engineering". I said luxury version of the Explorer, which is exactly what it is. It is mass produced off the same assembly line as the Explorer. It is not a "different vehicle" than the Explorer. It's the same vehicle that has been reskinned and with more features.

Not sure why that bothers so many people. It is what is it.

 

congrats to your co-worker! let us know if you get a ride in it and what you think.

 

^^^^ Agreed.....congrats. Wishing many happy miles. Low 60s is probably a reasonable price for a non-Black Label version.

 

Do you realize your beloved LS430 was built on the same assembly line with many Toyota products?

 

The Navigator is based on a large pickup truck/SUV platform, not exactly world class or designed from the ground up to offer the best luxury car experience, body on frame platforms are not know for great rides, handling, or finesse. The Aviator is based/shared off the Ford explorer platform, again not world class or designed from the ground up to be a superior in the luxury department, it is not like they start out like a S class based on a full luxury platform from the ground up. I wouldn't put it past a Continental to have a superior ride to a Navigator, Navigators have always felt clumsy to drive to me and are sluggish, even reviews of the new Navigator says acceleration is a little sluggish for the power and one of the low spots, the Continental with the top engine is a good deal quicker then the Navigator.

The Navigator and Aviator do have nicer interiors and less cost cutting inside then the Continental, more sound deadening which likely gives the feel of a better vehicle but if you gave the Continental the same interior quality as the new Navigator and Aviator I would say the Conti with the top engine is the one that would be the better overall luxury car, ride better, smoother, etc.

 

Yes. And?

 

Have you driven the new Navigator? I would put it up against any vehicle of similar size at that similar price point, BOF or not. BOF does have a utility and there are certainly a group of buyers who want/need a BOF luxury SUV. A lot of them are sold, and it doesnt feel anything like older Navigators.

I have driven the Continental and the new Navigator, it doesnt ride as well as the Navigator.

I havent driven the Aviator, but all the reviews are extremely positive.



You're the one who brought it up as a dig against the Aviator, not me. I don't have an issue with it at all.