2003-2008 Lincoln Navigator: Road Test

Performance is competitive with most rivals. A Navigator feels brisk off the line, and delivers better-than-adequate passing power. A test 4WD Premium Navigator accelerated to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds. Actually, the lighter, 260-hp Expedition is about as quick. An AWD Cadillac Escalade feels stronger, with 345 horsepower for similar weight. Lincoln's smooth automatic transmission provides timely gear changes. As for fuel economy, an extended-use 4WD Ultimate averaged 13 mpg. A test 4WD Premium model averaged just 12.2 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. Lincoln recommends premium-grade fuel. Navigators serve as steady, solid highway cruisers. Four-wheel-drive models smooth out most pavement well enough, aided by large tires and the independent rear suspension. Still, some body drumming on railroad tracks and other rough surfaces is evident. Steering feel and precision are almost carlike, with fine straightline stability and a relatively tight turning circle. However, all but gentle curves trigger nose plow and body lean that bespeak a big, heavy truck. Roll Stability Control should enhance stability. Little nosedive has been noted in simulated 60-mph emergency stops, but test distances have been a bit long. Brake-pedal action has varied from touchy yet spongy to natural and easily modulated. Navigators are generally quiet and satisfyingly refined. Wind rush may be noticed above 50 mph, but tire thrum is moderate. The engine sounds strained in brisk takeoffs and midrange passing sprints, but is otherwise subdued. Interior ambience benefits from rich-looking leather and wood, plus a stylish dashboard. However, "brushed metal" panels are painted plastic, and, like some switchgear, feel cheap. Minor controls are mostly handy and intuitive, but many markings are too small. No transmission gear-selection indicator is included in the main instrument panel. Power-window controls are placed on the center console. With a navigation system, the CD changer is inconveniently buried in the front passenger footwell. Power-seat switches are difficult to reach with doors closed. The navigation system's screen is easy to read and reasonably easy to use, with familiarization. Front space and support are ample for even the largest occupants, though front-seat armrests would improve long-trip comfort. A tall build prevents the driver from seeing much near the vehicle. The standard obstacle-warning system partly compensates, as do large door mirrors that tilt down when selecting Reverse. Optional power side steps on the Ultimate help ease high step-in. The available second-row bench fits three adults, but all positions are narrowly defined by seatbelt buckles. The bench's middle section slides forward 11 inches for child-seat access, but there's no center armrest. Second-row buckets are more substantially padded than the Expedition's, but still offer no abundance of leg room. The third row offers best-in-class space on a chair-height bench, though the cushion could be longer and softer. Third-row head room in the Ultimate is compromised somewhat by the power liftgate mechanism. Cargo space is skimpy behind the third row, ample with it down, and cavernous and usefully flat with all rear seats dropped. Second-row seats have high-effort flip-forward releases and lack counterbalancing for their poorly leveraged weight. Manual third-row seat releases are a long stretch from the rear, with the seat lowered. The power third-row seat raises and lowers conveniently via buttons at the rear and middle of the vehicle. Although the liftgate opens tall enough to clear a six-footer's head, it's difficult to pull down manually, and not easily reached by short people. The Ultimate's power liftgate operates from the cabin or keyfob.

Value for the Money
Frankly, the related Ford Expedition offers much the same driving experience and utility, for less money than Lincoln's version. Still, unique power features and good road manners make the Navigator a credible player among high-end SUVs.