New Car Review of the 2005 Lincoln Navigator Full-Size Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle

Description: Full-Size Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle
Base MSRP Range: $49,790 - $56,440
Invoice Price Range: $43,685 - $49,404
Where built: USA

Lincoln's Navigator initiated the class of luxury full-size SUVs. A new design emerged in 2003 that retained the bold styling of the original, but it carved out more room in the cabin for as many as eight passengers on three tiers with a standard third-row bench that tucks into the cargo floor for a slick disappearing act.

For added safety, a side curtain-style air bag system came with the new design, and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model gained a multi-phase Control Trac system to direct engine torque to whichever wheels need it.

For 2005 there's a new powertrain in Navigator. The 5.4-liter V8 engine delivers 300-hp through a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Also, the AdvanceTrac anti-skid gizmo with Roll Stability Control (RSC) is aboard all Navigators this year.

The SUV provides an extensive array of standard features in two variations labeled Luxury and Ultimate. The Ultimate edition adds HID headlamps, power to open the rear liftgate, a power moonroof, heated and cooled driver and passenger seats plus power controls for folding the third-row seat into the floor.