2006 Lincoln Navigator Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Lincoln's large SUV is a dressed-up version of the Ford Expedition. It comes in Luxury and Ultimate models, both with a 300-hp V8 and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Both offer rear-wheel drive or Ford's ControlTrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Load-leveling suspension, ABS, and an antiskid system with rollover sensors are standard. Navigator seats up to eight on three rows. It comes with curtain side airbags that cover the first two rows and include rollover deployment. Second-row seating is a choice of twin buckets with center console or a three-passenger split folding bench. The 3rd row is a 60/40 split folding bench that is power operated on the Ultimate model. Also exclusive to Ultimate are a power liftgate and optional navigation system and power running boards. All Navigators come with power-adjustable pedals and leather upholstery. Heated/cooled front seats are standard for Ultimate, optional on Luxury. DVD entertainment is available for both.

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 Toyota Land Cruiser. Our Recommended pick is Cadillac Escalade.

News

Navigator is redesigned for 2007 on the existing "T1" platform. The makeover apparently involves styling and convenience features only. Though the parent Ford Expedition adds extended-length EL models, it's unclear whether Navigator will too. A new 6.2-liter "Hurricane" V8 was planned for '07 but delayed by Ford Motor's current cash crunch, so sources now say the engine won't be available until model-year '08 at the earliest. The Hurricane is said to be Ford's answer to GM's largest SUV V8s and Chrysler Group's Hemi.

2006 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

Feels brisk on takeoff 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	2.1

Test 4WD Ultimate averaged 13.6 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Lincoln recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

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

No 2WDs yet available for test, but 4WDs are steady, solid highway cruisers. They smooth out most pavement pretty well, though rough surfaces can induce excessive body motion. Still, some body drumming on railroad tracks and other rough stuff.

Steering/Handling/Braking

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

Almost carlike steering feel, fine straightline tracking. Antiskid system, Roll Stability Control are safety bonuses in a big, heavy truck prone to marked noseplow and body lean except on gentle curves. Some nosedive in simulated emergency stops, braking 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	6.1

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

Controls

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	5.8

Uptown ambience from rich-looking leather and wood, plus stylish dashboard. But brushed-metal trim is just painted plastic that seems cheap, as does some switchgear. Minor controls mostly handy intuitive, but some testers say markings are too small and hard to read; others dislike power-window controls on center console. Power-seat switches hard to grasp with doors closed. Navigation system reasonably easy to use with familiarization, though requires long reach to operate.

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 help long-haul comfort. As in other tall SUVs, drivers can't see much near the vehicle, but standard obstacle-warning system partly compensates, as do large door mirrors that tilt down when selecting Reverse. Ultimate's optional power running boards help ease high step-in.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	7	7.2

Available 2nd-row bench fits three adults, but seatbelt buckles too closely spaced for comfort. Middle section slides up 11 inches for child-seat access, but lacks armrest. Second-row buckets have more padding than Expedition's, but still no abundance of leg room. Third row offers near best-in-class space on chair-height bench, though cushion could be longer and softer. Power liftgate hardware eats into Ultimate's 3rd-row head room.

Cargo Room

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	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 works from buttons at the rear and middle of vehicle, but moves slowly. Liftgate opens high enough to clear a 6-footer's head, but is difficult to pull down manually, and isn't 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	4.9

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	56.5

Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		41
Average Score		56
High Score		66

2006 Lincoln Navigator Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/27/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD Luxury 4-door wagon	$49,325	$44,502	$820

4WD Luxury 4-door wagon	$52,255	$47,079	$820

2WD Ultimate 4-door wagon	$52,355	$47,168	$820

4WD Ultimate 4-door wagon	$55,285	$49,746	$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 w/rollover sensors, 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, 10-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/MP3 changer, rear radio 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, 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
Elite Pkg.
Ultimate	$7,045	$5,918
Trailer Tow Pkg. plus navigation system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, THX sound system, xenon headlights, power-deployable running boards, chrome alloy wheels.

Monotone Appearance Pkg.
Ultimate	$995	$836
Monotone body cladding and running boards, chrome alloy wheels.

Limited Edition Monotone Appearance Pkg.
Ultimate	$1,195	$1,004
Monotone Appearance Pkg. plus unique interior trim. NA w/8-passenger seating.

Elite/Monotone Appearance Pkg. Discount
Ultimate (Credit)	$-695	$-584
Requires Elite Pkg. and Monotone Appearance Pkg. or Limited Edition Monotone Appearance Pkg.

Trailer Tow Pkg.
Luxury, Ultimate	$350	$294
4- and 7-pin connector, heavy-duty flasher, wiring harness.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Ultimate	$2,995	$2,516
Includes THX sound system.

DVD entertainment system
Luxury, Ultimate	$1,415	$1,188


AM/FM/cassette/CD player
Luxury	$0	$0
Deletes in-dash CD/MP3 changer.

Power sunroof
Luxury	$1,595	$1,340


Heated/cooled front seats
Luxury	$895	$752


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	$920


Special paint
Luxury, Ultimate	$495	$416


Xenon headlights
Luxury, Ultimate	$495	$416


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome alloy wheels
Ultimate	$695	$584
Luxury	$495	$416

2006 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.	--

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	3/36,000	--

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

< 2006 Lincoln Navigator Photos

Also in the 2006 Lincoln Navigator Review:

Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln Navigator Road Test

Lincoln Navigator Prices & Equipment

Lincoln Navigator Specs & Safety

Lincoln Navigator Photos

Lincoln Navigator Full Review

All Lincoln Navigators

All Lincolns