Base Price: $48,655
Price as Tested: $61,120
Why We Drove It: The restyled 2007 Lincoln Navigator was ranked among the top three models in its segment by consumers in terms of initial quality and in terms of performance and design.
 
The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV that first debuted for the 1998 model year. As it was then, the current Navigator is based on the same platform and mechanicals as the Ford Expedition. It can carry up to 8 passengers in three rows of seats, as much as 128.2 cubic feet of cargo, and tow up to 9100 pounds. For 2007, the Lincoln Navigator is restyled and re-engineered, and adds a new extended-length model with 25 extra cubic feet of space behind the third-row of seats.


Here is a summary of the major changes to the 2007 Lincoln Navigator:
. New design inside and out
. All-new chassis
. New Navigator L model, an extended length version with more interior room
. Available 20-inch chrome wheels
. New heated and cooled seating with optional PowerFold feature for the third-row bench
. Fully-integrated power folding running boards
. Real wood interior trim
. Optional 600-watt, THX II-certified audio system with 14 speakers
. Larger 8-inch rear entertainment screen
. Faster-acting climate control system
. Improved noise, vibration and harshness
. Independent rear suspension design for better ride and handling, and more third-row leg room.
. Bigger brakes for improved stopping power
. New 6-speed automatic transmission for better fuel economy


The 2007 Lincoln Navigator is available in standard and extended length models, with Luxury or Ultimate trim levels, in two- or four-wheel drive. The Ultimate model adds climate-controlled front seats, the new PowerFold system for the third-row bench seat, a power rear tailgate and a power sunroof. Options including a navigation system, a rear DVD entertainment system, a THX II-certified audio system, power running boards and 20-inch chrome wheels are available. The Navigator comes standard with second-row captain s chairs, but buyers can select a 3-person bench seat at no additional charge.


The 2007 Lincoln Navigator is powered by a 5.4-liter V-8 engine making 300 horsepower 5000 rpm and 365 lb.-ft. of torque at 3750 rpm. The engine is connected to a six-speed automatic that drives the rear or all four wheels. Unlike some full-size luxury SUVs, the Navigator is equipped with an independent rear suspension, which Lincoln says provides better ride and handling, and which also allows for a lower rear load floor to create more cargo space as well as leg room in the third row of seats.


Standard safety features on the 2007 Lincoln Navigator include six airbags with side curtains that protect all three rows of seats and include rollover protection, AdvanceTrac stability and traction control with Roll Stability Control (which helps the Navigator avoid a rollover accident), and antilock brakes.


J.D. Power and Associates says the 2007 Lincoln Navigator competes against other large premium multi-activity vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX56, and Land Rover Range Rover.