2005 Lincoln Navigator

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2005 Navigator Summary

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 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).

Full 2005 Review

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. Even the third-row seats are relatively comfortable for adults. The Navigator gets a significant makeover for 2005.

2005 Trim Styling

The Lincoln Navigator is available with two-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive. All Navigators come with the new 300-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 engine and the new six-speed automatic transmission. Safety features include AdvanceTrac stability control with Roll Stability Control and a Safety Canopy airbag system designed to provide head protection in side impacts and rollovers.

The popular Ultimate Preferred Equipment Package ($3,100) adds a power glass sunroof, power liftgate, heated and cooled front seats, and a power folding function for the third-row seat.

Options include a 300-watt, nine-speaker THX audio system with voice-activated DVD navigation ($2,995), power retractable running boards ($1,095), rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1,415), HID headlamps ($495), Class III/IV trailer tow package ($350), chrome wheels ($495-695), and a monochrome appearance package ($995). To achieve eight-passenger seating, a 40/20/40 split bench second-row seat is available in place of the standard second-row bucket seats at no charge.

The 2005 Lincoln Navigator has a commanding presence, but effuses a softer, more sophisticated look than other large SUVs. For 2005, the Navigator gets a significant facelift that results in a cleaner, more upscale appearance. The changes give the Navigator a richer and more substantial look. 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. Auxiliary turn signals are incorporated into the lower edges of the mirrors.

Interior Styling 

 The Navigator's interior has a modern, elegant feel, with luxury touches you might expect from a sedan, yet it does not look like a sedan interior. Lincoln says the symmetrical instrument panel was inspired by the twin-cowl design of the 1961 Lincoln Continental. American walnut burl trim on the dashboard and door trim looks rich and warms the interior. The center dash and other interior surfaces are finished in a low-luster satin-nickel color that matches the rest of the trim nicely.

The center stack is dominated by a satin-nickel panel that hides the navigation system and audio controls. Closing the panel cleans up the interior nicely, leaving only the climate controls exposed. The Navigator navigates very well indeed when equipped with the optional navigation system. Finding switches at night is easy. LEDs (120 of them) are used throughout the cabin to illuminate buttons and controls. The driver and front-seat passengers get his and hers controls for the climate control system. Passengers in the second row of seats get their own climate controls.

All seats are finished in leather with a milled pebble finish. The power controls are on the sides of the seat and are easy to find and operate. A two-position memory for the driver's seat includes the mirrors and the power-adjustable pedals. The front seats are heated and cooled and the buttons to do perform this comfortable feat are easy to find and operate.

Second-row bucket seats are standard and they are roomy and comfortable, though wiring was visible under the driver's seat on our test vehicle. A large center console between the rear bucket seats provides storage for second-row passengers. A second-row bench seat is available to increase the seating capacity from seven to eight. But it's much more than just a bench seat: it's split 40/20/40, with a narrow center section that can slide forward 11 inches to position a child seat conveniently close to the driver or front-seat passenger.

The third-row seat is relatively comfortable, even for adults. The independent rear suspension (introduced on the 2003 model) allowed the engineers to lower the floor in the back, freeing up more room for a more comfortable seating position. The third-row bench seat is split 60/40 and can hold three people.

First Drive 2005 Navigator

Considering its size, the Lincoln Navigator is remarkably agile. Power rack-and-pinion steering is at least partly responsible for the Navigator's handling dynamics. Lincoln worked hard on the steering system, and the Navigator turns in quickly for corners, moving almost instantly once the steering wheel starts to turn.

 Anybody who enjoys driving a European car would be happy with the steering on the Navigator. Peak torque is up only slightly, from 355 to 365 pound-feet, with peaking speed slipping from a nice, low 2750 rpm up to a more fussy 3750. So on paper, Navigator still looks a little weak compared to Escalade's 380 pound-feet of torque (albeit at an even peakier 4000 rpm). Lincoln designed its new V8 to produce strong torque across the entire operating range, and it does, making the Navigator a good vehicle for towing. Lincoln says the three-valve design helps reduce emissions. Navigator requires premium gasoline, and a 2WD Navigator is rated 13/18 mpg.

We found the new automatic worked very well. Now standard on all Navigators, AdvanceTrac stability control monitors factors such as yaw rate and steering wheel position to determine whether the Navigator is turning as its driver intended. Roll Stability Control monitors body roll and takes corrective action to reduce the chance of rolling over.

2005 Conclusions

 The 2005 Lincoln Navigator combines the towing and hauling capabilities you'd expect from a full-size SUV with the smooth and pleasant driving experience you'd want in a luxury sedan. For info on the Current Navigator offering go to Lincoln.com. Its interior is modern and stylish and it has comfortable third-row seating space. That should make Navigator exactly the right choice for a large number of buyers.