2006 Lincoln Navigator Driving Impressions
Anybody who enjoys driving a European car would be happy with the steering on the Navigator. On the other hand, we can imagine some loyal Lincoln buyers having a little difficulty adapting to a steering system that reacts to a driver's input with such immediacy. Meanwhile, the independent rear suspension keeps the wheels firmly on the ground, with no axle tramping over bumps or undulations, a problem with most SUVs because they use solid rear axles.
With such great handling, one expects outstanding acceleration as well, but in this regard we've found past Navigators lacking when compared to the 6.0-liter, 345-horsepower Cadillac Escalade. Even with last year's new three-valve engine, Navigator comes up short compared with Escalade. The Lincoln rates just 300 horsepower (if one can use "just" and "300 horsepower" in the same sentence) and 365 pound-feet of torque, compared to the Caddy's 380 pound-feet. In its favor, the Navigator develops its peak torque at 3750 rpm, compared to a slightly more peaky 4000 for the Escalade.
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