As one of the most popular diet plans over the last 50 years, Weight Watchers—or as it's currently named, WW—has certainly helped some people achieve weight loss success. On this plan, foods are assigned different SmartPoints values, and you're given a daily allowance of SmartPoints to eat. You'll need to track your food every day to ensure you stay within your target range to support your weight loss goals.
Weight Watchers has evolved many times since its inception, and the current plan does offer advantages compared to those of the past. Point values of foods are based on more than just calories, and the company has made a targeted effort to shift their focus from pounds shed to overall wellness. However, some people may still get caught up in focusing on numbers and restriction, rather than embracing healthy behaviors.
What Experts Say
"The WW diet assigns points to foods and exercise and requires a daily tally/balance of points. Many experts agree that this can lead to seeing exercise as a way to compensate for food and that tallying points, just like calories, could create a focus on numbers rather than health." – Willow Jarosh, MS, RD
Background
History of the Company
Weight Watchers started in the early 1960's. Founder Jean Nidetch invited a group of friends to her New York City home to discuss the best methods for losing weight. That small group meeting evolved into a core part of past and current Weight Watchers programs.
One of her early group participants, Al Lippert, encouraged Nidetch to incorporate Weight Watchers in 1963. Lippert helped Nidetch to do so, and the business expanded rapidly. They became quite wealthy when the company went public in 1968.
Weight Watchers was later sold to the H.J Heinz company – yes, the ketchup manufacturer – in 1978 for $71 million. Heinz later sold the business to a European investment firm in 1999, where it was put up again for public offering in 2001.
In 2018, the company shifted it's focus from weight to wellness, re-branding as WW International, Inc, with the tagline "Wellness that Works."
Evolution of the Diet Plan
While Weight Watchers is known for its point system today, the original 1960s program was a fairly simple list of restricted, limited, and unlimited foods. Most of the diet's principles were those Nidetch had picked up in a program at an obesity clinic at the NYC Department of Health.
The rules of the original program were far stricter than the current program. For example, if you were following Weight Watchers in the 1960s you'd need to...
Eat fish at least five times per week
Only eat eggs a few times a week, and only at breakfast
Eat 3-5 servings of permitted fruit each day, but avoid "forbidden fruits" (like bananas, watermelon, and cherries)
Keep some foods off-limits, like bacon, avocado, peanut butter, and yogurt
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, variations on this exchange style meal plan were adopted. It wasn't until 1997 that points were introduced, and that has evolved many times since. Here's a list of the different incarnations of points-based programs:
1997 – 1-2-3 Success Program, the first points system which assigned values to foods based primarily on their caloric value
2000 – Winning Points, a more individualized points system that did not have any food exclusions and included adjustments for physical activity
2004 – Turnaround Program, which gave participants a choice of either the Core Program (a non-points based plan with a list of compliant vs. non-compliant foods) or The Flex Plan (a points plan that allowed eating anything as long as it was within the daily points allowance)
2008 – Momentum Plan, a crossover between the Core and Flex plans that was point-based but emphasized a list of filling foods
2010 – PointsPlus Plan, an overhaul of all the previous plans. This attempted to address the fact that although an apple and a handful of potato chips may have the same calories, they are not nutritionally equal. The new points system took into account factors like fat, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.
2015 – SmartPoints Plan, an update to PointsPlus that also emphasized exercise with FitPoints
2017 – WW Freestyle, a plan that expands SmartPoints zero point foods (which don't need to be tracked) to include things like lean proteins. This is the plan currently used today.
How It Works
The current WW Freestyle plan is based on their SmartPoints system. Every food has an assigned number of points, and you'll receive a daily budget of SmartPoints to use throughout the day.
There is also a weekly cushion of extra SmartPoints which can be used to eat a little extra each day or can be allocated towards a special event that week that's point-heavy (like a friend's BBQ or a wedding).
There are no off-limit foods on WW, but the plan does encourage participants to eat nutritious options by steering you towards zero point foods. There are more than 200 of these foods, meaning you can enjoy them without tracking or measuring. These include many fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Weight Watchers offers three different tiers of membership to help you assess and track your SmartPoints:
Digital Plan – Includes use of the WW app to track food and activity, access to the community, and 24/7 online chat support
Workshop Plan – Includes everything in the digital plan, plus weekly group workshops with guidance from wellness coaches
Coaching Plan – Includes everything in the other two plans, plus access to one-on-one coaching support with unlimited phone calls
Pros and Cons
Weight Watchers is very appealing for many people looking to eat better since all foods can fit in the diet. It offers flexibility to enjoy meals at a special event or while eating out (provided it fits in your points allowance) and promotes many nutritious options in the zero points category. It's also been shown in research to support weight loss and tied to a reduction in diabetes risk among those with pre-diabetes.
However, there are also some downsides to the program. The focus on counting points can be cumbersome and feel restrictive for some people. It can also create an unhealthy mindset around food, encouraging people to skip meals so they can "save up" points for an unhealthy meal later. And though it's not expensive on a weekly basis, the cost can add up depending on how long you feel you need to stay on the program to reach your goals.
Common Myths and Questions
Even though Weight Watchers has been around many years, the continued evolution of the program has led to confusion about some parts of the diet.
Myth: Weight Watchers is a great way to lose weight quickly.
Fact: The goal of the program is slower, sustainable weight loss. It recommends losing no more than two pounds per week (after the first three weeks).
Myth: Once you hit your weight loss goal, you no longer need to follow the diet.
Fact: Many people fall into the cycle of losing weight on the program, then "going off" the program, and gaining it back. Unfortunately, this is very common with any diet plan.
This doesn't mean you have to pay for Weight Watchers (or any other diet program) for life. But if you have a certain weight that you are striving to maintain, you'll need to stick with the core tenants of healthy eating and caloric balance for life. On the flip side, you can choose to let go of the focus on weight and simply enjoy a healthy relationship with nutritious foods.
Myth: You have to go to group meetings to be part of Weight Watchers.
Fact: Weight Watchers offers several tiers of membership, and one is a digital-only option. With this plan, you participate in the program on your own from the comfort of your home.
Myth: At Weight Watchers meetings, you have to weigh in publicly.
Fact: You do not. The meetings are not designed as a method of public humiliation but rather for accountability. Your weigh-ins are done in private with only the group facilitator, and then you'll be able to discuss tips for sticking with your goals in the larger group setting.
Myth: You have to eat pre-packaged frozen meals.
Fact: While there are frozen meals that are branded with SmartPoints values, you do not have to eat these. You can eat any food from the grocery store, restaurant, farmers market, etc. You only have to worry about staying within your points range.
Myth: Weight Watchers is only for women.
Fact: Though Weight Watchers has traditionally attracted female participants, both men and women are welcome to use the program.
How It Compares
Though there are some slight differences, Weight Watchers is very similar to the USDA recommendations for a healthy balanced diet. For example, the program emphasizes fruits and vegetables as zero-point foods—in line with how the USDA recommendations encourage you to make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Or, consider that foods which are less nutritious (for example, those with lots of added sugars and unhealthy fats) tend to be very high in SmartPoints. This discourages users from eating them regularly, similar to how USDA recommendations advise against frequent consumption.
One slight difference though—while the USDA gives guidance based on calories or servings, Weight Watchers uses its proprietary points system.
Weight Watchers also has some similarities to other popular diets but varies in its effectiveness and sustainability. Here's a quick overview of how it compares:
Jenny Craig – Some research has suggested Jenny Craig may lead to more weight loss than Weight Watchers. However, Jenny Craig relies on pre-packaged meals which may be unsustainable for long term compliance.
Nutrisystem – Like Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem is another packaged meal company. While it may be convenient, it lacks the lifestyle and meal preparation skills that are encouraged within the Weight Watchers program.
Low-Calorie Diet – Both Weight Watchers and a low-calorie diet require tracking food and can lead to weight loss. However, strict low-calorie diets tend to be far more restrictive than Weight Watchers.
Optavia Diet – The Optavia Diet ranks as the number two best diet for fast weight loss (tied with Atkins, keto, and Weight Watchers) due to lower caloric intake.
A Word From Verywell
If you're trying to lose weight, Weight Watchers can offer the structured support you may need. By tracking your food daily and weighing in weekly, you're encouraged to self-monitor and become aware of your choices. These skills can help you recognize problem areas and make healthier choices, leading to weight loss.
The plan is not for everyone though. For some people, constant tracking can lead to an unhealthy obsession with numbers. For others, the freedom to eat anything can almost feel paralyzing in their weight loss journey.
No matter what course of action you choose, remember that the best diet is the one you enjoy and that you can stick to for life.
The grapefruit diet has been in and out of dieting trends for the past few decades, but Dr. Oz recently declared that "grapefruit's back for weight loss, and it's better than ever!" The renewed excitement around eating grapefruit for weight loss is partly due to natural health expert and The Dr. Oz Show regular Kellyann Petrucci, ND. The nutritionist's new-and-improved grapefruit diet meal plan turbocharges fat-fighting compounds in the fruit using modern science and a host of other super nutrients.
If you've ever tried a restrictive grapefruit diet from the past, you might wince at the idea of putting the words grapefruit and diet together ever again. But unlike '80s grapefruit diets that included little more than grapefruit and black coffee, "this is a way of doing it that makes sense and is smart," Dr. Oz insisted. "And we've already seen evidence that it works." So, is grapefruit good to lose weight? Well, when Dr. Oz had folks test Dr. Petrucci's grapefruit-powered menus, they shed up to nine pounds in just seven days. On top of that, women who have used grapefruit to jumpstart long-term healthy eating report losing up to 30 pounds in 12 weeks. No wonder the grapefruit diet results are winning raves from not only Dr. Oz but also every dieter who tries the plan! But how well will it work for you? We've gathered everything you need to know about the new grapefruit diet to find out.
What do you eat on the grapefruit diet?
As you might expect, this plan goes far beyond the common practice of simply eating one grapefruit a day. "The golden rule is to eat half a grapefruit at every meal," Dr. Oz explained. This "dosage" has proven effective in university research and at Dr. Petrucci's Pennsylvania clinic. To maximize the benefits of the citrus, Dr. Petrucci has dieters round out meals with unlimited veggies, plus healthy servings of metabolism-boosting protein, anti-inflammatory grains, and hunger-killing natural fats. With her helping hand, it's pretty easy to learn how to do the grapefruit diet. Just figure out whether you prefer eating grapefruit after meals or before them, and then you're ready to proceed.
Why the Grapefruit Diet Results Are So Amazing
Exciting preliminary evidence from Japan shows that a compound called nootkatone, which helps create grapefruit's aroma, may significantly reduce hunger and "can stimulate metabolism and ramp up weight loss," Dr. Petrucci revealed.
Nootkatone is so promising that it has garnered the attention of pharmaceutical companies. However, Dr. Petrucci says whole grapefruit may offer more benefits than a supplement. Credit goes to a host of slimming compounds, including a hefty dose of vitamin C, which is linked to a 20 percent faster metabolism. Findings also hint that an antioxidant in grapefruit called naringenin may act like lighter fluid in the liver, prompting the organ to burn fat faster. And per the journal Nutrition, lycopene — a pigment in pink and red grapefruit — raises levels of a belly-flattening hormone called adiponectin. Plus, evidence from the famous Scripps Clinic found that nutrients in grapefruit — including all of its antioxidants and fiber — dramatically lower levels of the hormone insulin, helping regular grapefruit eaters lose up to 500 percent more weight than those who skip the fruit, making it essential to any longevity diet.
Is there any protein in grapefruit?
Considering the heavy emphasis on protein in many diets, some folks might be wondering if the nutrient is present in grapefruit. As it turns out, there is a very small amount of protein in one grapefruit. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), it's less than one gram. It's no wonder why people on the old grapefruit diets never felt full, if they weren't eating much else! That's why the new grapefruit diet encourages you to get protein from other healthy sources, such as lean meats and eggs. Instead of thinking of grapefruit as the star of the show, think of it instead as a supporting character.
What Sets the New Grapefruit Diet Apart From Others
Why is grapefruit good for diets? Grapefruit can give any healthy eating plan an edge. But to take it to the next level, Dr. Petrucci uses the fruit to anchor dishes, thus boosting the benefits found in the grapefruit diet meal plan. For example, protein and antioxidant-rich veggies further rev metabolism. Antioxidants and natural fat also help soothe a type of inflammation in our bodies that is linked to slow metabolism.
And Dr. Petrucci has folks get their starch from "ancient grains" — including quinoa, farro, teff, and spelt. "Unlike wheat, corn, and most modern grains, ancient grains haven't been genetically modified, and I find our bodies respond to them far better," she explains. One big reason is that they also help prevent blood-sugar spikes and inflammation, which can drive belly-fat storage, cravings, and bloating. The impact on bloat is so great, Dr. Oz said that having ancient grains plus grapefruit at dinner is a new strategy that lets "you wake up with a flatter belly!"
Grapefruit Diet Reviews From Our Readers
So how much weight can you lose on the grapefruit diet? When we asked readers to test Dr. Petrucci's plan, they offered stellar grapefruit diet reviews afterward. Rosie Mongold, 44, had been struggling with belly fat for more than 20 years. "I lost two inches from my stomach area in a week," says the West Virginia assistant teacher. "I love grapefruit!" Amy Munshaw, 37, does as well. When she tried a grapefruit diet years ago, "I didn't get results, and I remember really craving sugar," says the Alberta mom. "On this version, my cravings disappeared and I was never hungry. Being shorter, my body doesn't usually let go of excess weight that easily, but I lost nearly a full size. The new grapefruit diet is fast and effective."
Your Grapefruit Detox Diet Menu
Our nutrition team used the same guidelines Dr. Petrucci shared with Dr. Oz to create this special version of a new grapefruit diet menu. To help you get noticeable grapefruit diet results quickly, the plan keeps calories low — but it also provides lots of nutrients from grapefruit and other foods to keep hunger and cravings down, so you'll barely notice you're eating less. Because these meals skip inflammatory foods (like sugar, wheat, and processed foods) and load you up on anti-inflammatory nutrients, you should eliminate a good bit of bloat, too. While using this plan, be sure to drink plenty of water. Add other low-cal extras (spices, vinegar, zero-cal sweetener) as desired. Always get a doctor's OK to try a new plan, including this grapefruit anti-inflammatory plan.
Breakfast (Choose One Daily)
Option 1:
1/2 grapefruit
Two hard-cooked eggs or three links of organic chicken breakfast sausage (such as Amylu's or Aidells brands), or 4 oz. nitrate-free ham
Option 2:
1/2 grapefruit
Overnight chia protein pudding: In jar with lid, mix 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup chia seeds, 1 scoop no sugar-added protein powder (any flavor), plus stevia and spices/extract to taste. Shake vigorously, chill overnight, and enjoy. Serves two people.
Lunch (Choose One Daily)
Option 1:
Grapefruit and avocado salad: Place segments of 1/2 grapefruit and 1/3 diced avocado over unlimited baby spinach or kale, top with a squeeze of grapefruit or lemon juice for dressing, and add 1 Tbsp. toasted almonds, if desired.
Option 2:
1/2 grapefruit spicy peanut zoodles: Whisk 1 Tbs. water, juice of 1/4 lime, 1/2 Tbsp. peanut butter, 1/4 tsp. soy sauce, 1/4 tsp. rice wine vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, red chili, and stevia to taste. Toss with spiraled zucchini and any other veggies desired, and drizzle with 1 tsp. sesame oil.
Option 3:
1/2 grapefruit
Unlimited chopped veggies and fresh herbs simmered in 2 cups reduced-sodium or bone broth. Serve drizzled with 1 Tbsp. olive oil
Dinner (Choose One Daily)
Option 1:
1/2 grapefruit
4 oz. chicken, fish, lean beef, or eggs; unlimited veggies sautéed in olive oil spray; unlimited veggies with Walden Farms zero-cal dressing; 1 cup cooked ancient grains such as quinoa, faro, freekeh, or spelt; top with herbs and optional 1 tsp. olive oil
Option 2:
Grapefruit power protein bowl: Mix 4 oz. grilled chicken, segments from 1/2 grapefruit, and 1 cup cooked quinoa over unlimited leafy greens, red onions, and bell peppers. Dress with a squeeze of grapefruit juice, optional 1 tsp. olive oil, and herbs to taste.
Option 3:
Summer shrimp bowl: Sauté unlimited tomato and zucchini in olive oil spray, toss with 4 oz. cooked shrimp, 1 cup cooked spelt or quinoa, juice of 1/4 lemon, optional 1 tsp. olive oil, and oregano to taste.
1/2 grapefruit, broiled to add sweetness
Make Your Own Grapefruit Diet Menu
At each meal, enjoy one-half grapefruit and unlimited non-starchy veggies. At breakfast, add a serving of a protein-rich in natural fat, such as eggs or chia. At lunch, stick to veggies and healthy fat. At dinner, mix protein, veggies, fat, and one cup cooked quinoa, farro, freekeh, spelt, or teff. After one to two weeks, add an extra 8 oz. of protein, 2 Tbsp. of fat and 1 to 2 cups of an ancient grain each day. Continue enjoying one-half grapefruit at most meals. Find more tips at DrKellyAnn.com.
This story originally appeared in our print magazine.
Wayne, Michigan, United States Louisville, Kentucky, United States[2]
Class
Full-size luxury sport utility vehicle
Body style(s)
4-door SUV
Layout
Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Related
Ford Expedition
The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV built by the Ford Motor Company for its luxury division, Lincoln. Introduced as a 1998 model, production began May 14, 1997[1] with sales beginning in August.[3] The Navigator was Lincoln's first SUV as well as its first four-wheel drive capable vehicle. The Navigator shares a platform, mechanical features, and other equipment with the Ford Expedition, which was introduced one year before it. Unique and upscale styling, interior materials, and other features differ the Navigator from the Expedition. Given its platform mate, the Navigator is the largest vehicle Lincoln currently offers, having the greatest cargo capacity and seating for seven to eight people, depending on the model. For 2007, a longer, extended wheelbase version of the Navigator called the Navigator L was introduced, increasing cargo capacity further. Since its introduction, Lincoln has offered only one engine choice at a time in the Navigator in any model year; all are variations of Ford's 5.4 L Modular V8.
In spite of a base manufacturer's suggested retail price of over $42,000 in 1998, the Navigator proved to be popular with nearly 44,000 sold in its first year.[4] Competitors from General Motors like the Cadillac Escalade and the GMC Denali Series quickly followed to cash in on Lincoln's success with the Navigator. Much like the Cadillac Escalade would do, the Navigator found a niche with celebrities and the customized SUV scene.
First generation
First generation (UN173)
Model year(s)
1998–2002
Platform
Ford U platform
Engine(s)
5.4 L Triton SOHC V8 5.4 L InTech DOHC V8
Transmission(s)
4-speed 4R100 automatic
Wheelbase
119.0 in (3,020 mm)
Length
204.8 in (5,200 mm)
Width
1998–99: 79.8 in (2027 mm) 2000–02: 79.9 in (2,030 mm)
Height
2000–02 2WD: 75.2 in (1910 mm) 1998–99 2WD: 72.7 in (1847 mm) 2000–02 4WD: 76.7 in (1948 mm) 1998–99 4WD: 76.7 in (1948 mm)
Fuel capacity
30 US gallons (113.6 L/25.0 imp gal)
The 1998 Navigator was introduced in August 1997 as Lincoln's first sport utility vehicle (SUV) with seating for up to eight people. The Navigator was based directly on the Ford Expedition, which was introduced the year before, but was positioned to be a new luxury choice in the then-growing full-size SUV market segment, with more features and an upscale design. Though the Navigator's exterior bears resemblance to its Expedition cousin at a glance, it differs in a number of ways, including different front and rear fascias with unique headlights and taillights, a chrome "waterfall" style grille, a unique hood, different style wheels, unique wheel arches, a different roof rack, and different door handles. Inside, the Navigator's humble truck roots could be more easily spotted as it had the same dashboard layout as the Expedition and F-150. However, the Navigator's interior featured upscale additions including standard leather seating surfaces, fine wood inserts, extensive carpeting, and greater sound deadening. Navigator was also developed under the program code name UN173, with the Expedition developed under the UN93 program code name.[5]
In terms of other features, Navigators were equipped with things such as dual front-side airbags, four wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a four-speaker premium audio system with AM/FM-cassette radio, automatic climate control, a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel with redundant audio and climate controls, "captain's chair" front bucket seating, power driver and passenger seats, first- and second-row floor consoles, an overhead console (with map lighting and electronic information displays), power windows, power door locks, power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, illuminated running boards, automatic headlights, foglights, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Upscale options included a power moonroof, a universal garage door opener, an electrochromic rearview mirror (which filters out headlight glare from other vehicles behind the Navigator), a seven speaker, 290-Watt audio system with a six-disc front console-mounted CD-changer, rear seat audio controls, and 17-inch alloy wheels.[6]
Underneath its luxury appointments, the Navigator was mechanically similar to the Expedition. Both were full-size, rear-wheel drive body-on-frame SUVs with a short-long arm (SLA) independent front suspension and live axle rear suspension. The Navigator differed slightly compared to the Expedition featuring a load-leveling air suspension with tuning for enhanced ride comfort. Two-wheel drive was standard on the Navigator with the available ControlTrac 4-wheel drive system offered as an option. ControlTrac initially included four modes: 2 High, Auto, 4 High (lock) and 4 Low (lock). The 2 High mode was dropped for the 1999 model year. The Navigator initially shared the same 5.4 L SOHC V8 as the Expedition, which made 230 hp (170 kW) at 4250 rpm and 325 lb·ft (441 N·m) of torque at 3000 rpm. Likewise, the Navigator shared the same 4R100 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive as the Expedition. The rear axle ratio of the Navigator, whether it was two-wheel or four-wheel drive, was 3.73:1. With a base curb weight of well over 5,000 lb (2,300 kg), the Navigator wasn't particularly fast off the line. A four-wheel drive model tested by Motor Trend magazine that weighed in at 5,557 lb (2,521 kg) could accelerate from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 10.3 seconds and complete a quarter mile (~400 m) in 17.7 seconds at 78.7 mph (126.7 km/h). However, the same Navigator came with a useful towing capacity of 7,700 pounds (3,500 kg).[7]
In its first calendar year of sales (1998), Navigator contributed to an unprecedented event of recent decades - the overtaking by the Lincoln brand of perennial rival Cadillac in annual sales volume. Initially, published figures indicated that Cadillac had outsold Lincoln by a scant 222 vehicles sold, thanks to an enormous surge in Escalade's monthly sales in December, from hundreds in previous months to almost 5,000. A subsequent audit resulted in a retraction/apology in May 1999, attributing the "error" to "overzealous" low-level employees.[8]
Upgrades came to the Navigator after only one model year in the interest of refining the vehicle and keeping it competitive. The 1999 Navigator initially came with the same 5.4 L SOHC V8 used previously, though it was revised to produce 260 hp (190 kW) at 4500 rpm and 345 lb·ft (468 N·m) of torque at 2300 rpm. Arriving later in the same model year replacing this engine was a new 5.4 L DOHC V8 that produced 300 hp (220 kW) at 5000 rpm and 355 lb·ft (481 N·m) of torque at 2750 rpm. The new DOHC V8 was marketed under the name InTech, making it the second Lincoln engine, after the 4.6 L DOHC V8 of the Lincoln Mark VIII, to use this name. The rest of the Navigator's powertrain, including the transmission and rear axle, remained largely unchanged. Thanks to the new InTech V8, zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration times were cut to the mid-eight second range and towing capacity increased to over 8,500 lb (3,900 kg). Elsewhere in the Navigator, power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals became available for 1999 and 17-inch alloy wheels were now standard. In 2000, the Navigator's options list expanded to include a satellite navigation system, heated and cooled front seats, a reverse-sensing system, and side-impact airbags. Also in 2000, softer, Nudo leather replaced the previous leather used in the Navigator and the radio antenna of the Navigator was removed from the front passenger-side fender and integrated into the rear passenger-side quarter panel window.[9] For 2001, a rear-seat, VHS-based video entertainment system became available. In a minor change, the back coloring of the "four-point star" logo, the symbol of Lincoln, changed from red to black on 2001 and newer Navigators. The Navigator was carried over unchanged for 2002 as a redesigned Navigator was planned for 2003. Also for 2001, the text from Navigator - Lincoln on the back changed to Lincoln - Navigator.
2003–04: 206.0 in (5,230 mm) 2005–06: 207.5 in (5,270 mm)
Width
2003–04: 78.7 in (1999 mm) 2005–06: 80.2 in (2,040 mm)
Height
77.8 in (1,980 mm)
Fuel capacity
28 US gallons (106.0 L/23.3 imp gal)
For 2003, a number of changes and improvements were made to the Navigator thanks to a thorough redesign. The Navigator continued to share a platform with the Ford Expedition, which was also redesigned for 2003, but continued to differ from it in terms of styling and various upscale features. The 2003 redesign featured a thoroughly revised exterior, the first since the Navigator's launch, with only the front doors and roof panel unchanged from the previous generation. The new exterior came with things such as a larger chrome waterfall grille, brighter quad-beam headlights with larger housings, revised chrome door handles set in color-keyed bezels, and slightly wider running boards. Inside the Navigator was an all-new instrument panel and dashboard area which, significantly, was not shared with the Expedition. Inspired by the symmetrical, "dual-cockpit" layout of the 1961 Lincoln Continental, the instrument panel and dashboard area was adorned with real walnut burl wood inserts and panels and switches painted with a low-luster satin nickel color. Adding to the upscale interior design further were white LEDs, 120 in all, which provided backlighting for controls and switches. Additionally, to direct attention to the high-quality satin nickel-faced analog clock mounted in the dashboard, an articulating door is present to conceal the radio head unit and optional satellite navigation system when they are not in use.[10]
Highlighting the Navigator's design changes were other new features and options for 2003. Newly available features like Ford's Safety Canopy side curtain airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system improved occupant safety. Convenience was enhanced by the availability of power running boards (an industry first), power-folding third row seats, a power liftgate, and HID headlights (for top end models). The available rear-seat video entertainment system was updated to be DVD-based and all Navigators now came with standard 18x7.5-inch alloy wheels with 18x8-inch chrome wheels available as an option.
Like the redesigned 2003 Expedition, the Navigator benefitted from a reworked chassis, new rack-and-pinion steering, and an all-new independent rear suspension (IRS), which brought better handling and ride comfort. The Navigator continued to benefit from a load-leveling air suspension but it now lowered the vehicle by an inch when stopped in the interest of easing entry and exit. The Navigator's powertrain remained unchanged from 2002, but the 5.4 L DOHC V8 used before was no longer advertised under the InTech name. Due to changes brought with the redesign, the Navigator's base curb weight increased to 5,760 lb (2,610 kg) in two-wheel drive models and nearly 6,000 lb (2,700 kg) in four-wheel drive models. In turn, towing capacity dropped slightly.[11]
Tire-pressure monitoring was made standard for 2004 while Ford's AdvanceTrac, a type of traction control system, with Roll Stability Control was an option. In 2005 the Navigator received a minor facelift with new square-shaped foglights replacing the circular ones used previously. AdvanceTrac with RSC was now standard while HID headlights were available on all models. In the interest of cost effectiveness, the 5.4 L DOHC V8 introduced in the 1999 model year was replaced by the same 5.4 L 3-valve SOHC V8 that's been available in the F-150 since the 2004 model year. Though having a different head design, the new engine offered similar overall output, producing 300 hp (220 kW) at 5000 rpm and 365 lb·ft (495 N·m) of torque at 3750 rpm. On a side note, the new engine was not marketed under the Triton name in the Navigator even though it is mechanically identical to the F-150's engine. The venerable 4R100 4-speed automatic transmission used in earlier Navigators was replaced with a new ZF Friedrichshafen AG-sourced 6-speed automatic transmission. The 2005 Navigator's base curb weight fell to 5,555 lb (2,520 kg) while four-wheel drive models dropped to 5,842 lb (2,650 kg). Towing capacity increased slightly over the previous model year to 8,600 lb (3,900 kg) in two-wheel drive models and 8,300 lb (3,800 kg) in four-wheel drive models.[12] For 2006, an Elite package for the Ultimate trim level was made available, including a DVD-based satellite navigation system with a voice-activated touch screen, THX audio system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and HID headlights.
Third generation
Third generation (U326)
Model year(s)
2007–present
Platform
Ford T1 platform
Engine(s)
5.4 L Triton SOHC V8
Transmission(s)
6-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic 6-speed 6R80 automatic
Wheelbase
SWB: 119.0 in (3023 mm) L: 131.0 in (3327 mm)
Length
SWB: 208.4 in (5293 mm) L: 223.3 in (5672 mm)
Width
SWB: 78.8 in (2002 mm) L 2WD: 78.1 in (1984 mm) L 4WD: 79.7 in (2024 mm)
Height
78.3 in (1989 mm)
The Navigator was redesigned under the U326 program code name, with new styling and mechanical features for 2007. Unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2006, the Navigator featured its most distinctive styling update since its introduction with new front and rear fascias and side cladding. In the front was a large, upper chrome grille resembling those of classic Lincolns like the 1961 Continental, an all-new, more complex headlight design, a lower chrome grille with integrated foglights, and a more prominent "power dome" hood. Elsewhere, an updated rear fascia featured taillights inspired by the Lincoln MKZ and chrome trim was more prominently used along the Navigator's sides, including chrome lower body molding on the doors. The distinctiveness of the Navigator's exterior followed into the interior, highlighted by an all-new dashboard and instrument panel. These areas saw an extensive use of rectangular shapes, such as in the gauges, as well as greater use of real wood and satin nickel accents.
2010 Lincoln Navigator L
Accompanying the Navigator's redesign for 2007 was a new model, the Navigator L developed under the U418 program code name. Comparable to the Cadillac Escalade ESV, the Navigator L is 14.7 inches (370 mm) longer than the standard Navigator on a 12-inch (300 mm) longer wheel base, increasing its cargo capacity. The Navigator L was introduced parallel to the Expedition EL, an extended version of the Ford Expedition. Both the Navigator and Expedition were redesigned for 2007 and based on Ford's T1 platform, which is related to the same platform that the 2004+ F-150 is based on. Compared to the Navigator's previous platform, the new platform provides greater rigidity for better driving dynamics. The independent rear suspension has been replaced with a new five-link IRS design to further enhance handling and ride quality. The Navigator continued to come with standard 18-inch alloy wheels but both 20- and 22-inch wheels are now available. The 5.4 L 3-valve SOHC V8 introduced in the 2005 Navigator remained unchanged for 2007. The ZF Friedrichshafen 6-speed automatic transmission was replaced by Ford's own 6-speed design, the 6R80 for the 2009 model year. Due to the Navigator's redesign, its base curb weight increased to 5,872 lb (2,663 kg) in two-wheel drive models and 6,070 lb (2,750 kg) in four-wheel drive models. Navigator L models were even heavier at 5,963 lb (2,705 kg) in two-wheel drive models and 6,221 lb (2,822 kg) in four-wheel drive models. In spite of this, thanks to their improved frame, the Navigator's towing capacity increased for 2007, approaching 9,000 lb (4,100 kg) in two-wheel drive models.[13]
Since the 2007 model redesign, the Navigator no longer uses the same transfer case as the Expedition. Expedition 4x4s continue to use a heavy-duty 2-speed electronic transfer case with off road low range reduction gearing, while Navigator 4x4s have been demoted to a light-duty 1-speed (single-speed) transfer case which lacks low range gearing and the electronic throttle response recalibrating for off road conditions.
For 2008, packaging for the Navigator's luxury and convenience features was simplified, resulting in the elimination of the perennial Luxury and Ultimate trim levels and the standardization of a number of features that were previously optional. Some of these newly standard features included heated and cooled front seats, power-folding third row seats, a power liftgate, and a 600-Watt 14-speaker THX II-Certified audio system. Also newly standard was a 3.31:1 rear axle ratio, though a 3.73:1 ratio was still available as option for the Navigator and remained standard in the Navigator L. Newly available was a rearview camera to aid in backing up.
For 2009, the Navigator's 5.4 L V8 gained 10 hp (7.5 kW) as well as flex-fuel capability. The rearview camera that was new for 2008 was now standard, as were heated second row seats, Front Park Assist, a capless fuel filler, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and Lincoln SYNC.[14]
The third generation Navigator and Navigator L continued to be offered for the 2010 model year, with only slight changes.[15]
For 2011, both Navigator and Navigator L will feature HD Radio, Sirius TravelLink and Lincoln SYNC as standard on all trims.[16]
The Navigator L became a subject of controversy in February 2011 when Kwame Brown, a member of the Washington, D.C. city council, was investigated by the Washington Post for purchasing 2 2011 Lincoln Navigator Ls with taxpayer money, both fully loaded with features.[17][18]
Sales
Calendar Year
American sales
1999[19]
39,250
2000
37,923
2001[20]
31,759
2002[21]
30,613
2003
38,742
2004[22]
36,398
2005
25,844
2006[23]
23,947
2007
24,050
2008[24]
14,836
2009[25]
8,057
2010[26]
8,245
References
↑ 1.01.1"Lincoln Navigator Rolls Out With Large Order Bank". theautochannel.com (May 14, 1997). Retrieved on 2009-02-28.
↑"Facilities | Ford Motor Company Newsroom". Media.ford.com. Retrieved on 2010-10-15.
↑Maloney, Bill (June 10, 1997). "Lincoln Navigator (1998) Debuts Sans Jackie Stewart.", The Auto Channel.
↑"Ford Motor Company 1999 U.S. Sales". BlueOvalNews (1999). Retrieved on 2008.
↑"Frank Quenneville". LinkedIn. Retrieved on 2010-10-15.
↑"1998 Lincoln Navigator Review." The Car Connection. 2008. http://www.thecarconnection.com/fullreview/lincoln_navigator_1998
↑Bartlett, Jeff. "One-Year Test Verdict: 1998 Lincoln Navigator." Motor Trend. 1999.
↑O'Dell, John (1999-05-06). "Cadillac Apologizes to Lincoln for Inflating Sales Numbers - Los Angeles Times", Articles.latimes.com. Retrieved on 2010-05-07.
↑"2000 Navigator Overview". Ford Media. Ford Motor Company (2000).
↑"2003 Lincoln Navigator – Distinctive Design, Incomparable Luxury". Ford Media. Ford Motor Company (2003).
↑"2003 Navigator Specifications". Ford Media. Ford Motor Company (2003).
↑"2005 Navigator Specifications". Ford Media. Ford Motor Company (2005).
↑"2007 Navigator Overview". Ford Media. Ford Motor Company (2007).
↑"2008 Navigator Overview". Ford Media. Ford Motor Company (2008).
↑Mehta, Sajeev (May 8, 2009). "Review: 2010 Lincoln Navigator L", ibautos.com, International Business Times. Retrieved on 2009-06-18.
↑2011 Lincoln Navigator from carversation.com (July 2010)
↑"'Fully loaded' SUV puts D.C. Council Chairman Kwame Brown on the spot" from Washington Post (February 19, 2011)
↑"The letter requesting an SUV" from Washington Post (February 19, 2011)
↑"Ford Motor Company Sets New Full Year U.S. Sales Record". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved on 2009-04-28.
↑"Ford Motor Company's December U.S. Sales Climb 8.2 Percent". Ford Motor Company. Archived from the original on 2011-04-30.
↑"Ford's F-Series Truck Caps 22nd Year in a Row as America's Best-Selling Vehicle With a December Sales Record". Theautochannel.com (2004-11-17). Retrieved on 2009-04-28.
↑"Ford Achieves First Car Sales Increase Since 1999". Theautochannel.com (2004-11-17). Retrieved on 2009-04-28.
↑"Ford Motor Company 2007 sales" (January 3, 2008).
↑"F-Series drives ford to higher market share for third consecutive month" (PDF). Ford Motor Company (January 5, 2009). Archived from the original on 2009-02-06. Retrieved on 2009-05-14.
↑"FORD CAPS 2009 WITH 33 PERCENT SALES INCREASE, FIRST FULL-YEAR MARKET SHARE GAIN SINCE 1995 | Ford Motor Company Newsroom". Media.ford.com (2010-01-05). Retrieved on 2010-09-30.
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