Subtle changes applied to Lincoln's full-size flagship sedan last year both in package design, as well as, structural and mechanical equipment.

A quick glance at the shapely styling - slick curving shoulders, the exaggerated prow tapering to a bold chrome grille, flared rear fenders and a roof crowned by convexly curved rear glass evoking images of a Bugatti coupe from the 1930s - looks similar to the predecessor Town Car that debuted as a 1998 model. The form does not hint at the car's taut and tuned chassis and revised suspension elements, or the fresh layout of a spacious cabin with more room for riders and rearranged best-in-class space in the trunk.

Abundant power comes from a big engine tuned with low-torque output so a driver feels the juice flowing through all four forward gears. The single-cam 4.6-liter V8 produces 239 hp and works through a smooth automatic transmission.

Trim designations for Town Car change in 2004 editions. The top-model Cartier is now called Ultimate, the Signature edition remains but entry-level Executive is reserved for fleet sales only. Ultimate adds to the well-equipped Signature a Soundmark audiophile system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, memory for driver's seat, pedals and mirrors, and front heated seats.

Further, a six-inch extension to the 117.7-inch wheelbase creates a long-wheelbase Town Car equipped with wider rear doors and more backseat legroom. This version spins out as the Executive L and Ultimate L.

When it was launched as a 1998 product, Lincoln's Navigator originated the class of luxury full-size SUVs. A new design came in 2003 that retained the bold styling of the original as well as its 5.4-liter V8 powertrain, although the revamped version brought more power and torque. It also carved out more room in the cabin for as many as eight passengers on three tiers with a standard third-row bench that tucks into the cargo floor for a slick disappearing act under power.

For added safety, a side curtain-style air bag system called a Safety Canopy came with the new design, and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model gained a multi-phase Control Trac system to direct engine torque to whichever wheels need it.

Sole powertrain is a 5.4-liter V8 that delivers 300 hp and connects to a four-speed automatic transmission with high-gear lockout switch set as a button on the console shifter stick. Navigator provides an extensive array of standard features in two trims for 2004 labeled Luxury and Ultimate.

The Ultimate edition adds HID headlamps, power to open the rear liftgate, Ford's AdvanceTrac anti-skid gizmo now rigged with Roll Stability Control (RSC), a power moon roof, heated and cooled driver and passenger seats plus power controls for folding the third-row seat into the floor.

Read our Review: Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln's second wagon scaled down from Navigator carries shapely exterior body panels and a forceful prow that mimics the styling of Navigator. Package dimensions fit into the mid-size SUV class and with its cushy appointments and standard third-row bench seat installed forge the first mid-size luxury sport-utility vehicle offered by Lincoln.

For power, Aviator stocks an aluminum V8 engine that displaces 4.6 liters and puts out 302 hp. To translate that power into force at the wheels, there's a five-speed automatic transmission with a high stall-speed torque converter. Curtain-style side air bags are in place and will deploy if sensors detect rollover movement of the vehicle.

Aviator's optional AWD Control Trac system also relates to safety, as the device automatically monitors tire traction and selectively channels the engine torque to front and rear wheels in varying proportions to maintain a steady grip on slick roads. The AdvanceTrac skid controller is optional.

The cabin is trimmed in soft leathers with accents in burl walnut and satin-nickel finish plus soft white LED instrument lighting.