2007 Lincoln Navigator

The Navigator, Lincoln's oversized luxury SUV got a redesign for 2007.  In addition to improvements on the existing model, a stretched version, the Navigator L was added.  Like the Ford Expedition on which it is based, the new Navigator gets a new frame and new four-wheel independent suspension.  The longer version of this already massive SUV stretches the frame by 14.7 inches, adding an extra 25 cubic feet of cargo space. To keep such a heavy vehicle like the safe, all 2007 Navigators come with standard traction and stability control. Sold in two generations, the Lincoln Navigator is a traditional body-on-frame SUV with standard V8 power. In either generation, the Navigator offers seating for seven to eight, over 100 cubic feet of cargo capacity and a tow rating of over 8,000 pounds. The availability of a dual-range four-wheel-drive system means that the 2007 Navigator has some off-road capability as well. However, for the most parts, the 'Gator is looked at as an on the road all luxury vehicle.  From a family mover to a professional's commuter, the Navigator provides the cabin space, cargo utility, towing capability, and power that consumer look for in an SUV. Navigator is still available with rear-wheel drive and is finely crafted, from the fit and finish of the chrome body molding to the elegant available 20-inch aluminum wheels. The Lincoln Navigator profile is defined by clean, sheer, tapered surfaces. A proud, stable stance on 18-inch machined aluminum wheels - or available 20-inch chrome wheels - plants the vehicle to the road.

'07 Navigator Power

 The Navigator for 2007 is powered by the same engine as the previous model. It runs on a 300-horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8 engine that produces 365 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the sole transmission, and the Navigator can tow up to 9,100 pounds when properly equipped.  Front wheel drive is standard, all wheel drive is optional.

Driving the Navigator

The present, third-generation Navigator took to the stage in 2007 with significant updates to the exterior styling, frame and rear suspension, along with larger brakes and additional sound-deadening material. Overall, this model year has greatly improved handling. Still, it is a huge vehicle and truly takes up the road. Parking in tight space, or navigating narrow roads, like any full SUV, is not the easiest. The Navigator is essentially a truck, with a ladder-type box frame and separate body. But unlike most truck-based vehicles, the Navigator features a fully independent rear suspension, which tends to promote smoother ride and handling than the solid rear axle on the typical truck. All Navigators come standard with Lincoln's AdvanceTrac stability control system, which monitors factors such as yaw rate and steering-wheel position to determine whether the truck is turning as its driver intends.

2007 Lincoln Navigator Design

 The Navigator is generally boxy, with clean and clear lines throughout. The Navigator comes standard with 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels. The basic shape is clean, some may even say slightly bland. The Lincoln Navigator L is 14.7 inches longer than the regular model and offers luxury buyers an additional 25 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third-row seat. The Lincoln Navigator's expressive design brings a unique elegance and an unrivaled presence to the full-size luxury-utility segment. Lincoln Navigator charts its own path, offering confident ride and handling, outstanding comfort and craftsmanship, and class-leading capability.

Inside the Navigator

 The inside of the Navigator is roomy and refined; it is packed with features that one would expect of an SUV of this class. Front seats are each adjustable 10 ways, and adjustable pedals add to the driver's comfort. Front seats are heated and cooled, and all eight seats are covered in leather. The Navigator can hold up to eight passengers with three rows of seats. The second and third rows each fold flat to increase cargo space, although even with all the seats in the upright stance, there's 18.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind them in the base Navigator. The uplevel L has an increase of nearly 25 cubic feet. Navigator's cabin is impressively quiet, even at full highway speeds. This is important as the Navigator has an array of entertainment offerings.  Lincoln Navigator's seating offers premium luxury comfort in all three rows. The standard 10-way power driver and front passenger seats are designed to comfortably accommodate a diverse group of occupants, from 4-foot-10 to 6-foot-5, from 90 pounds to 300 pounds. The front seats also offer next-generation heating and cooling for the ultimate in comfort - another Lincoln hallmark.

Lineup 2007

The Lincoln Navigator 4x2 and Navigator 4x4 come with features found in the luxury class. Leather upholstery and a choice of Dark Ebony or lighter Anigre wood trim are standard. Lincoln Navigator offers a host of features and options that provide a high level of convenience. The efficiency of the dual-zone climate control has been improved, bringing the cabin to a comfortable temperature in a third of the previous time. Two second-row captain's chairs also are standard, though a three-place split bench seat is available at no charge.  Standard features include a high-watt stereo with six-CD changer and auxiliary jack, three-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat fan and controls, leather-and-wood steering wheel with audio and climate controls, front seat position memory, power-deploying running boards, rear park sensor warning, roof rack, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps and complimentary maintenance for one year.

Conclusions

Antilock brakes, an electronic stability system with Roll Stability Control, side-impact airbags for front-seat occupants, and side curtain-type airbags for all three rows of seats are standard. Drawbacks to the early Navigators included subpar fuel economy, sluggish acceleration and sloppy handling. The 2007 Lincoln Navigator gets a facelift with a distinctive new design that is dominated by a bold chrome grille integrated with HID headlights, with the lower fascia mirroring the same pattern, a grille that rises into the powerdome hood, new taillights, fender flares and body-side trim integrated into the lower cladding, standard 18-inch machined aluminum wheels and optional with 20-inch chrome wheels. The interior is showcased by premium luxury seating in all three rows, a flow-through center console, real wood trim, additional noise-dampening insulation and thicker side glass for improved quietness, an acoustic windshield, tuned mirrors, and an available Powerfold third-row seat that folds flat into the floor. Powering the Navigator is a 300-horsepower 5.4-liter Triton V8 engine that's mated to a standard 6-speed automatic transmission.