2007 Lincoln Navigator

2007 Lincoln Navigator: Fuelish luxury

Wed, Dec 26th 2007

It was about the time that the gas pump clicked off at $75.00 -- with the tank still not full -- that I realized that the week before Christmas was not the best time to be test driving the 2007 Lincoln Navigator.

In a week where cash was being sucked out of my wallet like dog hair into a power-vac, and my credit cards were more active than a puppy with a new chew toy, driving the fuel-guzzling Navigator felt a lot like sitting on a leaky balloon that had to be pumped up every few feet to keep it going. It seemed like every time we got into the monster SUV, the fuel gauge needle had dropped another quarter tank.

I’ve never visited so many gas stations in one week in my life. The station attendant started calling me by name, and my credit card company must have wondered if I was being charitable this holiday by purchasing fuel for all of my family and friends. This was crazy!

Of course, had I originally forked over the nearly $60,000 necessary to purchase the Navigator Ultimate 4X4 in the first place, I probably would have come to expect such extravagances. Another fuel stop? Why not! It’s only money.

However, once you put the gas costs aside, there are many things I loved about the big, black beast in my driveway. I loved the high-rise view I got from the driver’s seat -- giving me nearly equal status with the semi-truck drivers on the interstate. And to help load pups and passengers, pair of step-up running boards automatically pops out when the doors are opened.

The Lincoln’s massive rear end is nicely squared off to give plenty of room for two large dog crates, and the tailgate opens and closes at the touch of a button on the key remote.

Another wonderful convenience is the one-touch power folding rear seats that fold completely flat for ample cargo carrying. In my week with the vehicle, I was able to load a full crew of canines, and then push a few buttons to ferry five teenagers home from a holiday party. I also was happy to find enough versatility to haul furniture for a friend, a fondue set and even firewood at various times throughout the busy week.

For comfort, the three-zone heated and cooling seats helped ease the stress and strains of the holiday happenings. Until, that is, I looked at the gas gauge and realized it was time for my daily visit to the pumps.

When driving the 2007 Lincoln Navigator, luxury certain comes with a price.

-- Keith Turner

Carguy Comments: The 2007 Lincoln Navigator comes in two styles, the standard Navigator and the Navigator L, which is 15 inches longer and has a larger fuel tank (33.5 gallons vs. 28 gallons). The 5.4-liter V-8 engine produces 300 horsepower, with two- and four-wheel-drive transmissions available. Maximum towing capacity is more than 8,000 pounds when properly equipped and cargo capacity 103.5 cubic feet for the Navigator and 128.2 cubic feet for the Navigator L.

-- Keith Turner, The Family Car

2007 Lincoln Navigator: Luxury has its price

Barking Lot Banter: The 2007 Lincoln Navigator is a true urban assault vehicle. The luxury behemoth sits high above the road, offers various cargo configurations and provides comfort and convenience everywhere. And with a fuel mileage averaging 15 mpg, you get the added plus of becoming very acquainted with the gas stations along your route.