2005 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Lincoln Navigator?
For 2005, the Lincoln Navigator gets a new 5.4-liter V8 engine making 300 horsepower. The engine is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission, giving you one more forward gear than last year. Accompanying these changes is a facelift, with revised front and rear fascias, new bodyside cladding with integrated running boards, a redesigned lower front grille, fresh fog lamps, and updated 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, you'll find that the switches for the heated/cooled seats are now brilliantly placed on the instrument cluster instead of on the side of the seats where you can't see them. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC) is now a standard safety feature, and the tire pressure monitoring system has been improved. HID headlights are optional this year, and four new colors debut for 2005.

Advantages of the 2005 Lincoln Navigator:

• Classic Lincoln interior design theme lends the SUV character and elegance
• Plenty of stretch-out space for six adults
• Surprisingly good ride and handling with independent rear suspension
• Lots of handy power doo-dads

Objections to the 2005 Lincoln Navigator:

• Prodigious thirst for fuel
• Some interior bits are cheap
• Lacks real off-roading capability
• Parking in urban environments can be a challenge

Editor's Advice:
Is the 2005 Lincoln Navigator worth the price premium over a loaded Ford Expedition? We think so. With more power from the engine, exclusive features, a unique cabin treatment and its expressive exterior styling, the Lincoln Navigator is much more than a badge-engineered Ford. Not only that, but it undercuts rivals from Land Rover and Lexus on price. What's left to consider? The Hummer H2, Infiniti QX56 and the Cadillac Escalade. While both of those GM models are enticing in their own hulking way, and the Infiniti is an interesting alternative, the Navigator represents a solid all-around luxury SUV package.