2007 Lincoln Navigator First Drive

Introduction

Lincoln Navigator - First Drive: The big news for the 2007 Lincoln Navigator is just that: Big. The biggest Navigator yet bows with the “L” model. The styling is bigger and brasher. In terms of physical size, the Navigator L’s 14.7 inches of additional length adds 25 cubic feet more cargo carrying volume behind the third row. The bigger attitude and style are all designed to keep the Navigator in the hunt against the king of bling, Cadillac’s Escalade. Judging just by the acres of chrome the ‘Gator has the Slade nailed. But when you lift the chrome-laden hood of the Navigator its primary weakness is laid bare: A V8 that is easily overpowered by most of its competition.

Origins

Lincoln calls the Navigator “America’s original full-size luxury SUV,” and when it debuted in 1998, it owned its segment. Then the Cadillac Escalade came along. The Navigator’s second-generation revamp in 2003 made it better in almost every way, thanks to sharing its platform with the Ford Expedition and F-Series trucks, but features such as power retractable running boards and a power lift gate couldn’t help it compete against the in-your-face Escalade. For its third generation, the Navigator is still based on the Expedition, but it pumps up the attitude and adds a stretched L version to help it square off against its GM rival.

Model Mix

There are two trim levels available on the 2007 Lincoln Navigator: base and Ultimate. The base model comes standard with keyless entry, power-adjustable pedals, windows and locks, and power folding and heated outside mirrors. It also includes essentials such as reverse sensing, a universal garage door opener, dual automatic climate control, a six-CD changer, leather upholstery and a 10-way power front seat adjustment. Of course, there are airbags aplenty for front and side-impact. The Ultimate trim adds a power liftgate, moonroof and folding third-row seats, an additional overhead console, and heated and cooled front seats. Standalone options include power running boards, satellite navigation and Sirius satellite radio, a DVD system for the rears seats, a towing package and, naturally, 20-inch wheels.