2005 Lincoln Navigator Review
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By John Rettie

Overview

The 2005 Lincoln Navigator benefits from a new engine, a new transmission and fresh styling. The changes for 2005 result in a much-improved vehicle.

The Navigator is smooth and luxurious. It offers a silky ride and surprisingly nimble handling given its size. It's also big and brawny, capable of carrying up to eight passengers and a lot of gear, and towing up to 8600 pounds. The smooth ride is due partly to the Navigator's independent rear suspension, an unusual refinement for a large sport utility.

A new six-speed automatic transmission for 2005 replaces last year's four-speed automatic, resulting in smoother operation. It responds well to varying driving situations and contributes to the satisfying driving experience. A new 5.4-liter V8 engine with three valves per cylinder reduces emissions and delivers a little more power. AdvanceTrac stability control with Roll Stability Control is standard equipment and can help the driver in an emergency handling situation.

The cabin is attractive and comfortable. Even the third-row seats are relatively comfortable for adults. When it's time to haul cargo, simply press a button on the keyless remote and the power liftgate raises, then walk up to the rear of the vehicle and press a pair of buttons and the third-row seats glide down to reveal a perfectly flat cargo area.

The Navigator gets a significant makeover for 2005. New styling gives it a kinder, gentler appearance, making it look more like a luxury vehicle, less like a truck. Under this new skin is a thoroughly modern full-size sport utility: Navigator was totally re-designed and re-engineered just two years ago (for 2003).

Model Lineup

The Lincoln Navigator is available with two-wheel drive ($49,790) or all-wheel-drive ($53,340).

All Navigators come with the new 300-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 engine and the new six-speed automatic transmission. All have three rows of seats, leather upholstery in the first two rows, a fully independent suspension with load-leveling at all four corners, rear park assist, and nearly every luxury you would expect in a premium vehicle.

Safety features include AdvanceTrac stability control with Roll Stability Control and a Safety Canopy airbag system designed to provide head protection in side impacts and rollovers.

The popular Ultimate Preferred Equipment Package ($3,100) adds a power glass sunroof, power liftgate, heated and cooled front seats, and a power folding function for the third-row seat.

Options include a 300-watt, nine-speaker THX audio system with voice-activated DVD navigation ($2,995), power retractable running boards ($1,095), rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1,415), HID headlamps ($495), Class III/IV trailer tow package ($350), chrome wheels ($495-695), and a monochrome appearance package ($995). The sunroof is available as a stand-alone option ($1,595). To achieve eight-passenger seating, a 40/20/40 split bench second-row seat is available in place of the standard second-row bucket seats at no charge.