2002 Lincoln Blackwood

A review of the 2002 Lincoln Blackwood SUV. Having expanded beyond luxury sedans and SUVs, Lincoln now enters the pickup-truck scene with the Blackwood. But don't expect any cowboys to be snapping up this rear-wheel-drive beauty any time soon. It may be a pickup, but its heart and soul are firmly anchored in the lap of luxury. A 5.4-liter, dual-overhead-cam V8 provides 300 hp at 5,000 rpm and 355 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm, giving the 5,700-lb truck adequate get-up-and-go. I had no problem passing semi trucks chugging their way across the curvy Pennsylvania Turnpike. The powerplant links to a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and a locking torque converter. A 3.73 final-drive ratio and built-in hitch contribute to the 8,700-lb tow rating. The Blackwood rides on an independent SLA front suspension with coil springs, acceleration-sensitive shock absorbers, and a stabilizer bar. In back, a five-link, load-leveling leaf and air-spring hybrid setup smooths the ride with its acceleration-sensitive shocks and stabilizer bar. The single leaf spring's parabolic cross section helps it handle the weight of an unloaded vehicle on the rear axle. As passengers and cargo are added, the extra weight is supported by the air spring. Air pressure in the spring varies to maintain ride height. To help keep the Blackwood on the road, a traction-assist system cuts engine output by retarding spark and reducing fuel flow until traction is regained. During low-speed situations, such as parking, variable-assist power steering kicks in. Parking the Blackwood in congested parking lots is fairly effortless, comparable to maneuvering a midsize sedan. The variable assist almost disappears at higher speeds, leaving drivers with a crisp steering feel.For safety, front passengers are protected by second-generation front and seat-mounted side air bags, as well as seat belts with pretensioners and energy-management retractors. All shoulder belts