2005 Lincoln Navigator Review

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).

The 2005 Lincoln Navigator has a commanding presence, but effuses a softer, more sophisticated look than other large SUVs. Navigator was completely re-engineered for 2003, but the visual changes made then were subtle, especially on the outside, and it took a reasonably keen eye to distinguish a 2003-04 Navigator from a first-generation (1997-2002) model.

For 2005, the Navigator gets a significant facelift that results in a cleaner, more upscale appearance. New side cladding dispenses with the fussy, double-layered look and integrates better with the restyled running boards. Similarly, the front fascia has traded the stubbly jawed suggestion of a brush bar for a clean, boldly horizontal lower air intake. A straight black band across the bottom of the fascia reduces the visual mass of the blocker bar designed to improve the safety of people in other cars in a collision.

The changes give the Navigator a richer and more substantial look. It looks more like a Lincoln. For the past 70 years (at least) Lincoln's most memorable designs have also been its most pure and clean, while the Lincolns we'd like most to forget appear to have resulted from occasional, unrestrained impulses to try to out bling-bling Cadillac.

Power-retractable running boards are available on all Navigators. When a door is opened, the running boards quietly extend out by four inches to allow easier access to the vehicle. When the doors are closed the running boards automatically retract under the rocker panels.

The large door mirrors fold in to the body at the touch of a button for tight quarters, such as the entrance to your garage or in crowded parking spaces. Auxiliary turn signals are incorporated into the lower edges of the mirrors. An approach lamp housed in the mirrors illuminates the ground alongside the vehicle when the key fob unlock button is activated, a nice feature on stormy nights, or in dark public garages; and especially helpful when you drop something.