Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 Lincoln Navigator. My first impression was the feeling of being “conspicuous” like I’m wearing a scarlet letter that singles me out as socially irresponsible. The second impression was – If Ford is in financial trouble you couldn’t tell it by the cars they are producing.
One indication of the irresponsibility may be true is that the vehicle description page proudly states under fuel economy “Not applicable to this unit”. I expect to see that omission on the Hummer or a Boeing 747 but … well, you know what I mean. And while I’m thinking about the 747 I felt compelled to tell passengers getting on board to stow their carry-on luggage in the overhead compartments.
You push buttons and things happen… eat your heart out Donald Trump! Open the doors and the running boards appear out of the seeming seamless folds of metal cladding. Approach the car from the rear with your groceries or whatever you have to load and with a click of your key fob the rear lid opens with waiting arms. Somehow you feel special as you command open Sesame…
General Info:
Parts – n/a
Assembly – USA
Class: – Special purpose.
Cars: – LS, Mark LT, MKX, MKZ, Navigator and Town Car.
Handling & Performance:
Like the 747 this baby has great momentum once you get it rolling but it feels a little sluggish off the line. Ok, I know, press the accelerator a little harder. But I was more interested in reaching the next gas station to replenish the quickly depleting fuel supply.
Unlike the Ford F150 which I had just finished testing, the steering felt very lose and uncertain.
Styling:
Beautiful. New bold presence of the grill and cladding that jumps out at you but not in a bad way. Chrome touches are well done and stand out like the bell of the ball. It’s hard to deny how good it feels to be showered with lavish and elegant appointments. But the Elite Package will set you back $5,450 for upgrades in appearance, entertainment center, power deploying running boards when the door is opened and navigation system. I have begun to be disappointed the test cars are not equipped with XM or Sirius satellite radios because they are worth the price of admission if only to eliminate commercial interruptions.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Well, I don’t know about you but 50 grand is still a lot of money. And with the options you’ll be closer to $60,000.
Conveniences and comfort:
Lavishly appointed. But then my cell phone, albeit abundantly capable, is used for phone calls. Call me old fashioned but when you grow up using a dial phone it is enough that I can reach others or be reached on the phone residing on my hip – not my residence. In fact my home phone is really there only for faxing.
I rather like the power fold flat 3rd row seats. Nice touch. None of the pull here, push there to get the seat cushion moved so the seat back can fold down (kinda flat) – this does it each step of the way quickly and easily.
Colleague Peter said, “What! No Rear View Camera” in his thick Norwegian accent. I must say I was also surprised this luxury liner was not equipped with a way to see behind this boat. Interesting how people change when they have kids. But you’re right Peter; it’s nice to be able to avoid backing up over bikes, skate boards or little people who can’t defend themselves.
Things I would add would be a heads up display and distance sensing laser cruise control.
Consumer Recommendation:
If money is no object the luxury is nice and this will be your families SUV. But all that fluff is not necessary. Hell I don’t even have overstuffed leather seats in my home. Which reminds me that I should go out and buy one.
Recognized Competition:
Lincoln Navigator $46-52,000, Cadillac Escalade $55-59,000, Porsche Cayenne $42-112,000, GMC Yukon Denali $48-50,000, Chevrolet Suburban $37-49,000, Volvo XC90 $36-49,000, Land Rover Range Rover $77-92,000, Toyota Land Cruiser $56,000, Lexus LX 470 $67,000, Nissan Armada $35-43,000, Volkswagen Touareg $38-59,000, Infiniti QX56 $50-53,000.
Good News:
It’s nice to be pampered and this will do it, power when you need it, bun warmers are nice on those cold mornings and step in easily with running boards that deploy and retract automatically.
Bad News:
You’ll pay for the privilege in purchase price and cost to operate with low low fuel economy.
Standard Equipment:
5.4 liter 300 hp V8 engine, 6-speed auto trans, power moon roof and lift gate, power heated mirrors, integrated running boards, luggage roof rack, 6-in dash CD player, leather, 10 way power heated front seats, power 3rd row fold flat seats, climate control front and rear, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes, power steering, reverse sensing system, power adjustable pedals, Class III trailer tow, remote keyless entry with keypad, front and side curtain air bags, traction control, anti theft system, tire pressure monitoring, lower anchors and tethers.
Options: entertainment package, power running boards, navigation, rear seat entertainment system and premium appearance package ($5,450).
Gas Stats:
$2.37/ Gal avg. Feb. 1, ‘07
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
City and Highway MPG unstated
But I found it to be about 14 mpg overall.
Pricing:
MSRP $50,655.
