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2007 Lincoln Navigator 4x4 Ultimate Road Test

Come with me on a journey through time. It won't take long, because we'renot going far, just ten years back. Chances are you remember it just like it was yesterday; perhaps you even remember what you were doing and what was happening at the time. In the off chance you don't, let me jog your memory. Back in 1997, Bill Clinton was still the US President, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup, the price of gas was still reasonable, and the sport utility vehicle craze was in full swing. Ford, which had had great success with the Explorer, launched the Expedition, a tough, full-size utility vehicle designed for towing and hauling. From the get go, Ford also planned an upper crust version, the Lincoln Navigator, which arrived in model year '98. This resulted in the knee-jerk reaction from GM to launch a Cadillac version of its full-size Suburban, dubbed Escalade, one year later. And so, the first round of three generations of Navigator versus Escalade began, a fight of not only sales and prestige, but strangely,

Three generations on, the Navigator is as big, and as chromey as ever. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

a fight of street cred. It's a fight that still continues today.

There's one and only one thing that people focus on when they lock eyes with the new Navigator, its Grille. It's so massive it really ought tobe given the respect of a proper noun. Almost all large SUVs have big grilles, but the difference with the Navigator is that its Grille dominates the front end of this vehicle to such a large degree that you might as well forget about the intricate detailing of the HID headlamps or the chiseled features of its face. The only thing that seems to make an impression is that large, chrome-plated grid and the chrome-plated

The power folding running boards are very useful when hopping in. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

cap that tops it. Other than that, it's relatively normal looking for a large SUV; there's only so much that a stylist can do with tail lights, bumpers and trim to differentiate it from its mechanical twin, the Ford Expedition.

It's also possible to order the Navigator with a monochrome body package, which drops some of the chrome and makes it a little less ostentatious, but it's still a rather big, rather large, rather in your face machine. Another chrome-plated feature that absolutely must be mentioned is its set of 20-inch wheels, though, due to the size of the vehicle overall they don't seem as bigas 20-inches might otherwise suggest. All this chrome might make it an all too easy target for

Better built and better looking than any previous Navigator. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

being branded with a conspicuous consumption label, but I found that the look grew on me. By the end of the week, I found myself defending it more than I ever believed I could.

Oddly enough, we'd need to continue our journey through time, back another twenty years, to find an interior like this on the market. Ford has done a commendable job on separating the Navigator from the Expedition by giving it a dashboard that could be described as nothing less than retro, not to mention very distinctive. It hails from a time period that escapes memory – the '60s to early '70s. The design layout is nothing like Navigators of the past, which were thinly veiled F-150 interiors; this one is very much like the MKZ, with particular attention to symmetry and the strong, perhaps

Instruments are probably the biggest retro throwback. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

overbearing use of sharply cut shapes with ninety-degree corners. Unlike the MKZ, which has a bluff vertical center console, the one in theNavigator is gently angled, which looks more natural and, to me, better. It is trimmed in real “stripey” wood, with inserts of satin-finish nickel trim. Perhaps my favorite part of the interior is the tall, skinny lettering on the white instruments, which were inspired by fashionable eyewear. The chrome plating of the square dials and four small rectangular fuel and temperature gauges are sure to trigger nostalgic memories of the target demographic, who, at some point might've learned how to drive on a vehicle with very similar interior décor. Beware of the dangerous foot-mounted parking brake; it will automatically disengage when shifting from park to drive, which could potentially carve out

300 horsepower is the least amount of power in the segment, but the Navigator will hustle if needed. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

your left shin.

Both the regular Navigator and the extended length L version feature the 5.4-liter InTech (read: Triton) V8 engine that's found its way under millions and millions of F-150 pickup trucks.The SOHC three-valve head also boasts variable valve timing, which allows for 300 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. On its own the Navigator doesn't feel slow, taking less than nine seconds to reach 60 mph from naught, but line it up next to that Escalade, the QX56, or, well, just about any other large SUV competitor, and the view they'll be catching is one full of its chrome-plated grille. One major plus is that it's notably quieter than most of its competitors, its V8 rumble being distant and hushed. Power is shifted through a smooth six-speed automatic that's incredibly widely spaced, which really helps to improve fuel consumption. Even when factoring in road and wind

Fold the third row down and there's actually a ton of space. Enough for a family's worth of camping supplies. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

noise, the Navigator is thriftier and quieter than I previously expected it would be, thanks to an engine that merrily trundles along below 2,000 rpm at highway speeds.

Yes, the combination of large quantities of metal, wood and leather might put the Navigator at the top of Greenpeace's most wanted list, but unrightfully so. The one thing that surprised me about it was thatits fuel consumption was actually decent. Over 500 miles of hilly, winding country road passed beneath its 20-inch wheels and tires, and the result was a lot better than you'd think. The average over this trip was 20 mpg on the nose, which is far from bad, and much better than the 17 mpg that the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recorded. Mind you, the trip was driven in a really relaxed manner; you tend to do that on vacation, especially when you only get a couple of days of vacation per year. Of course, the mileage extracted depends on how much you lean on that big motor,

More power is something it could use... but a diesel would be better. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

but as shown it's possible to get decent mileage from this very large vehicle. In the city, the results are less spectacular, but then again, what large SUV is thrifty in stop and go traffic? By no means is the Navigator a cheap vehicle to run, as it's still got a very large tank to fill, but at least you won't have to stop too often. On the plus side, the Navigator accepts regular fuel, which will save at least a couple of bucks every time you fill up, which adds up.

I have a feeling though, that people who buy Navigators probably don't care too much about the cost of fuel, particularly if they're going to use the SUV for its original purpose – to tow. The Navigator rates better than the Escalade for towing capacity, particularly the 4X2 versions, but those who tow will probably take the Escalade, or even a Chrysler Aspen, despite having a lesser rating. If the Navigator takes its sweet time all on its own to accelerate, imagine the sweat it must break out in when lugging several thousand pounds of boat, horse or camper

Not much cargo space, but the third row is actually very comfortable for regular sized people. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

around. The Navigator deserves a bigger engine, a bigger, more advanced engine like the 400-horsepower mill fitted to the Escalade. After all, they've built in a new power dome hood, so it has the space to accommodate the hardware. Rumor has it that a six-plus liter engine is on the way, as is a turbodiesel V8.

After reading the literature and doing research on the web, I wasconvinced that the cargo space on the Navigator would be ample, but to my disappointment once the tailgate swings up there's not that much space with all three rows up. The imagined acres of padded carpets for my luggage only appeared once the third row made its flat-folding, power-operated descent – more than enough for four peoples' luggage. The second row manually folds flat, turning the Navigator into the most luxurious moving van known to mankind, eating up full sheets of plywood and Ikea flat packs without trouble. The second row captains' chairs also recline, and have a two-step fold and tumble action for easy access to the third row.

Climb into the second or third row and you'll quickly realize

Big mirrors have integrated turn signals. Look ma, no blind spots! (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

that this is where all the cargo space went. This third row makes the Navigator the first SUV that I can attest to having generous accommodations in the rearmost position. With plenty of foot clearance, a high cushion, and at least an inch ofknee room, adults could easily deal with longer journeys. The higher position gives rear seat riders an unobstructed view of the road, or the overhead DVD entertainment system. With the second row featuring captain's chairs, folding that third row down means that the Navigator isn't even a five seater, but rather a four seater, which may be a problem for families who need the space yet have more than two children. This can be solved by ordering the no-cost option 40/20/40 bench seat, replacing those second row captains' chairs. However, if passenger and luggage space are equally as important, you'll need to either get the Expedition MAX or the Escalade ESV.

Whether you like or loathe the styling, it's impossible to deny that the Navigator is a well-equipped machine. It comes in six forms, Navigator, Navigator Ultimate, and Navigator L with each having the choice of 4x2 or 4x4, and that includes all the features that Mercedes-Benz

Intimidating to look at, but not so intimidating to drive. That's no small feat for a vehicle of this size and weight. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

owners normally gloat about. In our tester's 4x4 Ultimate trim, multi-zone digital climate control, heated and ventilated seats, a power-operated tailgate and xenon headlamps are all there, whilenavigation, a wonderfully powerful THX-certified 600-watt sound system, trailer towing and appearance packages, and the aforementioned rear-seat DVD screen are the only few options that the Navigator has available. It even has a couple of features that illicit dropped jaw reactions, or, cracked smiles at the very least, like those awesome power folding seats for the third row, or those power folding running boards which make for nice factoids during conversations at the bar. Your pals driving seven-seat XC90s and X5s will stare into their drinks, wishing they had power-operated running boards too. One thing that'd be nice for the Navigator would be a rearview camera for backup maneuvers, though the hidden reverse sensors work just fine. Also, this being the most expensive product Lincoln offers, it really ought to have something nicer looking than the bargain basement key fob it comes equipped with. It's a separate fob that's been in the Ford Motor Company parts bin since the mid '90s at least, and looks very dated.

Unlike the

It's much, much cheaper than an Escalade, built well, is comfortable, and tows more. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

M-B GL or Audi's Q7, the Navigator's truck roots are immediately recognizable when you hit the road because it's gota proper body on frame chassis that gives it strength under heavy-duty hauling situations. Try as Lincoln might, it is impossible to hide over nearly 6,100 pounds of girth in order to make it feel like a car, or even a midsize sport utility vehicle. Instead they minimized the intimidation factor of its size. The Navigator adjusts to drivers of all shapes and sizes, with power adjustable pedals and a power tilt and telescoping steering column. The seats, designed with input by Volvo, are also supremely comfortable over the long haul, something that I can't say is true about some of the vehicles the Navigator competes with. Visibility in all directions is also quite good, further aided by the large side-view mirrors.

Down the road, the Navigator feels nowhere as large as it really is, an area where Lincoln deserves lots of credit. It might not be fun to drive, but it's very calming and relaxing. The ride quality is great, helped along by the fully independent rear suspension system, and the increased rigidity of the frame; it's up 10-percent over last year's model. The wheels might not be as large as the optional dubs on the Cadillac, but the Navigator is one hundred percent more comfortable,

Good at what it does... but will it survive another generation? (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

taking even the roughest country roads in stride.

Turning to the realities of a radically changed marketplace from 1997, it's pretty obvious thatthe traditional full-size sport utility is in a waning phase. In a rather cyclical fashion, we can expect to see prices slashed, luxuries cut, and perhaps the eventual return of large SUVs as working tools, rather than A-to-B transportation. Ford knows that it can't survive on the generous profits that large sport utility vehicles and trucks floated it on during the '90s and the early part of this decade. Already, rumors have begun to surface that the next Explorer won't be a truck-like SUV as it currently is, but a three-row crossover. It's evolving, and will therefore stay alive for yet another generation. But it's a little hard to say how clear the path is going to be for the Navigator. With a resounding yes, it's a much better vehicle than the generations that preceded it, and it's significantly cheaper than any of its competitors (especially the Escalade), I'm left wondering whether or not it will survive? The Expedition will undoubtedly go on, as it offers similar capabilities at a much lower price, but the future of the Navigator is blurry. In the meantime this big Lincoln will unfortunately live in the massive shadow cast by the Escalade, yet for the money and for the comfort, it's a respectable alternative.

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