2007 Lincoln Navigator Review

I've been testing cars and trucks long enough that I can remember those first "Luxury" badged SUVs, they were awkward, hulking monstrosities that often offered little in real luxury and certainly nothing in real high-quality ride.

Included in that first wave of Luxury wanna-bes was the first generation Navigator, then merely a polished up, rebadged utility vehicle with huge running boards and roof racks. It wasn't bad, especially considering what was out there, but it most definitely was not refined. Well, how times have changed.

The Lincoln Navigator gets a freshening up in 2007 and the folks who like to "reach higher" have managed to improve upon what had evolved into a really sophisticated big SUV. This Navigator is still huge, but it is extremely easy to drive without too much roll or sway to remind you of its heft.

The exterior of my Navigator Ultimate 4x4 featured a classic black clearcoat with the focal point in front being the newly designed, chrome, egg crate grille centered between the sculpted lines of the hood and front headlight assembly. There's a mass of pieces assembled in front and the grille gently brings it all together.

Chrome exhaust tips and roof rack rails added some nice bling to the dark hues of my tester. There is an additional over-the-top chrome package that borders on gaudy and detracts from the beautiful lines and rich paint tone. Having said that, the must-upgrade 20-inch chrome wheels ($1,495) are essential to getting this Navigator up to speed. I thought they were a steal for the price and add great looks that accent the overall vehicle's attitude.

Inside the Navigator you have real luxury amenities. Starting with the supple leather upholstery. Here in the Midwest leather can be overly hot and cold with the changing seasons, but Lincoln offers heated and cooled seats. I got a chance to try both and they are fabulous - and quick to affect change.

I found my tester's interior to be extremely quiet. The 2007 has noticeable improvements in fit and finish while delivering exquisite materials and fine wood trim accents. Dash gauges are attractive and easy to read.

Seating is comfortable and roomy in the Navigator. Passengers said they had plenty of legroom in the second and third rows. My tester featured the optional PowerFold third row combined with 40/20/40 second row bench seat. Press the button and it disappears into the floor. Navigator's power liftgate option is especially worthy of note. Press the key fob button and it opens, press the button on the liftgate and it closes. This is great for armfulls of groceries or awkward loads.

My tester featured the Elite Package ($5,450) that included power running boards, an outstanding 600-Watt THX II 6-disc CD changer with 14 speakers, auxiliary inputs for iPod and a Sirius satellite radio.

Powering the Navigator is a 5.4-liter Triton V8 with 300 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission (2 overdrive gears) the Nav gets better gas mileage than previous models. Even with a fuel tank size of 28 gallons, Navigator will still find itself at the Citgo station regularly.

At $58,420 the Navigator is right in the mix with other Luxury SUVs of its size. I enjoyed driving this big SUV all week. Considering the mix of DVD entertainment, posh accoutrements and convenient power everything, this Navigator can truly call itself a "Luxury" SUV.