pro-five-oh
December 14th, 2006, 01:27 PM
I got my hands on one while back, but I forgot to mention it.
http://www.planetblueoval.com/boimages/nav07_ext.jpg
Initial Impressions: goodness that thing is strange looking. The new front end is very blocky and massive, but the rest of the body is still soft...more fitting to the old front end. The rear is pretty hideous, looks like a Toyota Sienna minivan with more bling.The extra trim on the old-school doors doesn't fool anyone, its terribly integrated...low budget redesigns always have that problem.
Interior is a nice change, more style but its a little over the top. The door handles say NAVIGATOR (in case you forgot) and the gauges are cheap looking compared to the older model's smoke tinted gauges. Lots of wood and nice leather, and the seats are more comfy (they cradle you like an old Town Car) than before.
Driving the beast is different than last year: steering is firmer, much less body roll and more confident turn-in because of it. The ride hasn't changed a whole lot on smooth roads, but the 20" wheels make their presense known on bumpy roads. Powertrain hasn't changed, the 6-speed automatic and 5.4L V8 are a great match for this luxo-mondo SUV. 1st gear is perfect for launching this beast!
But the Navigator no longer wafts like it used to. Bummer?
Pros:
new look inside and out
Navigator L (long wheelbase option) for more cargo carrying
nicer seats than 2006
a lot of chrome everywhere
better handling and steering feel
optional 20" wheels, for those who care
more wood trim
easier to use stereo (no more garage door hiding it)Cons:
new look inside and out
fussy design details inside
cheap black trim in the center of the dash
corny looking gauges
older front end looked better on this body
no longer wafts over the road
not a significant change mechanically over the old modelConclusion: if you're a style junky who must have the newest design, or need the extra space of the "L" this is a great vehicle for you. I found myself liking the 2003-2006 model a lot more, especially the 2005-up models with their 6-speed automatic.
http://www.planetblueoval.com/boimages/nav07_ext.jpg
Initial Impressions: goodness that thing is strange looking. The new front end is very blocky and massive, but the rest of the body is still soft...more fitting to the old front end. The rear is pretty hideous, looks like a Toyota Sienna minivan with more bling.The extra trim on the old-school doors doesn't fool anyone, its terribly integrated...low budget redesigns always have that problem.
Interior is a nice change, more style but its a little over the top. The door handles say NAVIGATOR (in case you forgot) and the gauges are cheap looking compared to the older model's smoke tinted gauges. Lots of wood and nice leather, and the seats are more comfy (they cradle you like an old Town Car) than before.
Driving the beast is different than last year: steering is firmer, much less body roll and more confident turn-in because of it. The ride hasn't changed a whole lot on smooth roads, but the 20" wheels make their presense known on bumpy roads. Powertrain hasn't changed, the 6-speed automatic and 5.4L V8 are a great match for this luxo-mondo SUV. 1st gear is perfect for launching this beast!
But the Navigator no longer wafts like it used to. Bummer?
Pros:
new look inside and out
Navigator L (long wheelbase option) for more cargo carrying
nicer seats than 2006
a lot of chrome everywhere
better handling and steering feel
optional 20" wheels, for those who care
more wood trim
easier to use stereo (no more garage door hiding it)Cons:
new look inside and out
fussy design details inside
cheap black trim in the center of the dash
corny looking gauges
older front end looked better on this body
no longer wafts over the road
not a significant change mechanically over the old modelConclusion: if you're a style junky who must have the newest design, or need the extra space of the "L" this is a great vehicle for you. I found myself liking the 2003-2006 model a lot more, especially the 2005-up models with their 6-speed automatic.