2005 Lincoln Navigator Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

A new engine and transmission highlight 2005 updates to Lincoln's Ford Expedition spinoff. Navigator comes in Luxury and Ultimate models. New for '05 is a revised 5.4-liter V8 that provides the same 300 hp as its predecessor, but is designed to deliver more low-range power. Also for '05, a 6-speed automatic transmission replaces the standard 4-speed unit. Offered are rear-wheel drive or Ford's ControlTrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. ABS, antiskid/traction control, self-leveling air-spring suspension, and 18-inch wheels are standard. Power-adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, heated power-folding door mirrors, and a CD changer are also standard. So are head-protecting curtain side airbags for the 1st and 2nd seating rows. Second-row seating is a choice of two buckets with a center console or a 3-passenger split folding bench. The 3rd row has a 60/40 split folding bench; standard on Ultimate is a power-folding feature for each section. Ultimate also has a standard power liftgate and optional power running boards that automatically extend when a side door opens. Heated and cooled front seats are standard on Ultimate, optional on Luxury. For 2005, the antiskid system includes Ford's Roll Stability Control, which is designed to detect an impending tip and activate the antiskid system to reduce chances of a rollover. A navigation system is optional on Ultimate, and rear DVD entertainment is available for both models.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium Large SUVs are really super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.

Our Best Buys is the Toyota Land Cruiser. Our Recommended pick is the Cadillac Escalade.

News

Sources say Navigator and Ford Expedition will be redesigned for 2007 on the latest F-Series pickup's "T1" platform. An extended-length Expedition is all but confirmed, but a long-body Navigator is apparently not yet locked-in. Ford is working on a new 6.2-liter V8 truck engine dubbed "Hurricane," and hopes to have ready for the '07 launch. "Hard news" should be leaking out soon, so keep checking back with us.

Meantime, Lincoln has announced prices for its new 2006 Mark LT, the nameplate's second stab at a luxury pickup. Like the late, unlamented Blackwood, it's basically an F-Series SuperCrew with Lincoln styling and appointments, plus the Navigator's powertrain. This time, though, Lincoln offers a 4WD option, a conventional cargo box, and "real truck" payload and towing capacities. The LT starts sale in spring 2005, initially in Texas and other strong big-truck markets. Lincoln says the 2WD version will sticker at $39,995, the 4x4 at $43,995; both figures include destination charge.

2005 Lincoln Navigator Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Trailer-towing capability	Entry/exit

	Navigation-system controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5.1

Navigator feels brisk off the line and has better-than-adequate passing power. Smooth automatic transmission provides timely shifts.

Fuel Economy

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
2	2	2

Test 2004 4WD model averaged 14.6-16.0 mpg in mixed city/highway driving.

Ride Quality

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.8

Steady, solid highway cruiser. The 4WD Navigators smooth out most pavement pretty well, aided by large tires and independent rear suspension. Still, some body drumming on railroad tracks and other rough stuff. No 2WD version made available for test.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	3.4

Steering feel and precision almost carlike. Fine straightline stability and relatively tight turning circle. However, all but gentle curves trigger noseplow and body lean that bespeak a big, heavy truck. Little nosedive in simulated emergency stops, but test distances a bit long. Test models' brake-pedal action varied from touchy yet spongy to natural and easily modulated.

Quietness

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6

Satisfyingly refined. Wind rush noticed above 50 mph, but tire thrum is moderate. Engine sounds strained in brisk takeoffs and midrange passing sprints, but otherwise subdued.

Controls

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	5.6

Interior ambience benefits from rich-looking leather and wood, plus stylish dashboard. But "brushed metal" panels are painted plastic, and, like some switchgear, feel cheap. Minor controls mostly handy, intuitive, but many markings are too small. No transmission-gear-selection indicator in main instrument panel. Power-seat switches difficult to reach with doors closed. Navigation system easy to read and reasonably easy to use.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	8.1

Ample space and support for even the largest occupants, though front-seat armrests would improve long-trip comfort. Tall build prevents driver from seeing much near the vehicle; standard obstacle-warning system partly compensates, as do large door mirrors that tilt down when selecting Reverse. Ultimate's optional power side steps help ease high step-in.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	7	6.7

Available 2nd-row bench fits three adults, but all positions are narrowly defined by seatbelt buckles. Bench's middle section slides forward 11 inches for child-seat access, but there's no center armrest. Second-row buckets more substantially padded than Expedition's, but still no abundance of leg room. Third row offers best-in-class space on chair-height bench, though cushion could be longer and softer. Ultimate's 3rd-row head room compromised somewhat by power-liftgate mechanism.

Cargo Room

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	7.8

Skimpy behind 3rd row, ample with it down, 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 3rd-row seat releases are a long stretch from the rear with seat lowered. Power 3rd-row seat raises and lowers conveniently via buttons at the rear and middle of vehicle. Liftgate opens tall enough to clear a 6-footer's head, but is difficult to pull down manually, and not easily reached by short people. Ultimate's power liftgate operates from cabin or keyfob.

Value within Class

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	4.6

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 Navigator a credible player among high-end SUVs.

Total Score

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
60	58	55.1

Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		23
Average Score		55
High Score		64

2005 Lincoln Navigator Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/08/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD Luxury 4-door wagon	$50,325	$44,230	$820

4WD Luxury 4-door wagon	$53,875	$47,283	$820

2WD Ultimate 4-door wagon	$53,425	$46,896	$820

4WD Ultimate 4-door wagon	$56,975	$49,949	$820

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Luxury

Powertrain

5.4-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, dual front airbags, front and 2nd-row curtain airbags, antiskid system, roll stability control, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls and rear controls, power steering, tilt wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 7-passenger seating w/quad bucket seats, 8-way power front seats w/power lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, pedals, mirrors), front floor console, cupholders, 2nd-row floor console, 3rd-row stowable split folding bench seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn-signal lights and tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM/radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear audio controls, analog clock, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage-door opener, conversation mirror, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic parking-brake release, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights, roof rack, illuminated running boards, front tow hooks.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Class III trailer hitch, 4-pin connector, front and rear self-leveling suspension, full-size spare tire, 255/70R18 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

Ultimate adds to Luxury:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power sunroof, front-seat heating and cooling, 3rd-row power-stowable split folding seat, power liftgate.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Appearance Option Pkg.
Luxury	$2,810	$2,416
Heated/cooled front seats, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, monotone body cladding.

Monotone Appearance Pkg.
Ultimate	$995	$856
Monotone body cladding and running boards, chrome alloy wheels.

Limited Edition Pkg.
Ultimate	$1,195	$1,028
Monotone Appearance Pkg. plus unique interior trim. NA w/8-passenger seating.

Trailer Tow Pkg.
Luxury, Ultimate	$350	$301
4- and 7-pin connector, heavy-duty flasher, wiring harness.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Ultimate	$2,995	$2,576
Includes THX sound system.

Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
Luxury, Ultimate	$1,415	$1,217


AM/FM/cassette/CD player
Luxury	$0	$0
Deletes in-dash CD changer.

Power sunroof
Luxury	$1,595	$1,372


Front-seat heating and cooling
Luxury	$895	$770


8-passenger seating
Luxury, Ultimate	$0	$0
2nd-row 3-passenger split bench seat. 4WD Ultimate NA w/power-deployable running boards.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Power-deployable running boards
Ultimate	$1,095	$942


Special paint
Luxury, Ultimate	$495	$426


Xenon headlights
Luxury, Ultimate	$495	$426


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome alloy wheels
Ultimate	$695	$598

2005 Lincoln Navigator Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Lincoln Navigator 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	118.8

Overall Length, in.	207.5

Overall Width, in.	78.7

Overall Height, in.	77.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	5842

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	104.8

Standard Payload, lbs.	1608

Fuel Capacity, gals.	28.0

Seating Capacity	8

Front Head Room, in.	39.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.2

Rear Head Room, in.	39.7

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	5.4 /330

Horsepower @ rpm.	300 @ 5000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	365 @ 3750

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed automatic	NA/NA

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Lincoln Navigator 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	1/12,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2005 Lincoln Navigator
Trim Level: Ultimate
Arrival Date: 08/22/2005
Engine: sohc V8
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: Yes
Base Price: $56,290
Price as Tested: $64,130
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 11080
Mileage at End of Test: 11800
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 53.4 gals.

Major Options: 18-Inch Premium Chrome Aluminum Wheels, Power Running Boards, Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow, Navigation System, Electronic Rearview Mirror, High Intensity Discharge Headlights, Rear Seat Entertainment System

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 13.6 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
John Biel A very large SUV, a big V-8 engine requiring premium fuel, and a gasoline price spike in the days immediately following Hurricane Katrina: not a happy combination. To heck with the navigation system; this thing should come with an ATM.

Mark Bilek I can't imagine anyone using this vehicle to commute or schlep the kids to and from school. Still, Navigator is hard to top when it comes to highway cruising or light-duty towing. I'd still probably go with an Expedition for $10,000 less, but some may prefer the added luxury of the Lincoln.

< 2005 Lincoln Navigator Photos

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Lincoln Navigator Road Test

Lincoln Navigator Prices & Equipment

Lincoln Navigator Specs & Safety

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