Lincoln Navigator

Based on the Ford Expedition, the Navigator is more optioned out with lots of glitz and chutzpah. But is it worth what it sets out to prove? We set off to find out the answer.

Lincoln gave the Navigator a redesign in 2003 but the changes were subtle. For 2005, the changes underwent further renovations and these show up well. Up front, the huge vertically slatted waterfall grille with its centrally sited Lincoln logo gives the initial impression of the Navigators size. The grille is flanked by big headlamps that are newly styled. Foglamps sit at the lower edge of the front apron/bumper and are now rectangular in shape rather than round on the older model. Being a big vehicle, the shoulder line is high and the back is truncated with taillamps positioned in such a way that they are also visible from the sides.

But the biggest addition to the exterior is the employment of power-retractable running boards. This is a very dandy feature as the Navigator is a high vehicle to get into and the running board helps immensely in ingress and egress. Its operation is also very neat. When a door is opened the running boards quietly extend out by about four inches to allow easier access to the vehicle. When the doors are closed the running boards automatically retract under the rocker panels. As far as we know, this is an industry first and remains unique to Lincoln.

The overall look and feel conveyed is one of landed gentry - someone who has made it big and is sophisticated and suave.

But alas, once inside the vehicle, most hopes and aspirations are dashed by the quality of materials used. Not all are bad, but then one does not expect to see cheap-looking 'brushed metal' panels, which are really plastic. Also the quality of switchgear leaves a lot to be desired. Another sore point is the quality of printing on the dashboard panels. Since the Navigator is being touted as a premium luxury SUV these seemingly insignificant misdemeanours are just not acceptable.

A big vehicle like the Navigator needs to have a big engine, so one finds a new 5.4-litre 3-valve V8 nestling under the long hood. A big improvement is the employment of a new 6-speed ZF-built automatic transmission - a giant leap from the 4-speed automatic used since the vehicle's inception.

Considering its size, the Lincoln Navigator is surprisingly agile. It's quite easy to drive and once at cruising speeds is quite fun to drive. We found it quite acceptable in all driving situations including stoplight-to-stoplight cruising and in passing and merging in traffic.Think of it as a VIP suite on wheels and treat it as such, and you will not be disappointed. Hustling it and expecting it to perform like some other premium SUVs might leave you with a feeling of frustration.

The 2005 Navigator is a big improvement on its earlier versions, but it's still not quite up there with the best in class. Almost there...