Navigator is credited with starting the big luxury SUV market with its introduction in 1997. It was significantly revamped for 2003 with most changes occurring to the interior; it takes a highly trained eye to detect exterior differences. Exterior changes for 2005 are subtle at best with design changes to the front fascia, fog lamps, side cladding and running boards. There’s also new 18-inch chrome euro-flange wheels and four new exterior colors.

Other new features for ’05 include an improved 5.4-liter, 300 horsepower V-8 mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission, replacing the four-speed transmission. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability control™ is now standard on all series.

Another redesign isn’t expected until the 2007 model year when Navigator will shift to Ford’s new T1 platform, which it will share with the next generation F-150 pickup. Ford has hinted at adding an extended version of the Navigator for the 2007 model year, competing against the Cadillac Escalade ESV.

Considering its enormous size, the Lincoln Navigator is remarkably nimble and easy to drive despite a portly 6000-pound curb weight. Its rack and pinion steering is precise and works in concert with the standard AdvanceTrac®, and independent rear suspension, the only luxury SUV to have it.

While most drivers will be satisfied with the 300 horsepower, the Navigator does not accelerate as quickly as you might expect. It certainly is a step slower than the powerful 345 horsepower Cadillac Escalade.

Navigator continues to be the first and only with power running boards that deploy four inches from the rocker panel when a door is opened, then return automatically when the door is closed. Static running boards are standard with the power running boards available as an option ($1095). I found them to be a nuisance and continually scraped my pant legs on them. I can only imagine the damage they do to slacks in climates with slush, snow and mud.

The Navigator is offered in two models — Luxury and Ultimate — both available in either 4x2 or 4x4, with prices ranging from $49,600 to $60,000. All Navigators come fully equipped with both standard and optional luxury features including heated and cooling seats, power rear lift gate, power folding third-row seating, navigation and DVD entertainment systems.

The interior pampers with American burl walnut, premium leather trim with satin nickel finishing. Add the backlit bright white lighting on navigator’s symmetrical instrument panel and the signature analog clock smack in the middle of the dash and it all works well for an upscale luxury look.

Four large bucket seats occupy the first two rows with bench seating in the spacious third-row. A 40/20/40 second row bench seat is available and can slide forward to position a child seat within reach of the driver’s seat.

The 2004 Lincoln Navigator received the government’s highest five-star crash test rating.

Sales of large SUVs are beginning to wane and Navigator is no exception. Dealer supplies are beginning to swell and manufacturers are offering huge factory rebates and/or special financing.

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