Lincoln's Navigator initiated the class of luxury full-size SUVs. A new design emerged in 2003 that retained the bold styling of the original, but it carved out more room in the cabin for as many as eight passengers on three tiers with a standard third-row bench that tucks into the cargo floor for a slick disappearing act. For added safety, a side curtain-style air bag system came with the new design, and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model gained a multi-phase Control Trac system to direct engine torque to whichever wheels need it.

For 2005 there's a new powertrain in Navigator. The 5.4-liter V8 engine delivers 300 hp through a new six-speed automatic transmission. Also, the AdvanceTrac anti-skid gizmo with Roll Stability Control (RSC) is aboard all Navigators this year. The SUV provides an extensive array of standard features in two variations labeled Luxury and Ultimate. The Ultimate edition adds HID headlamps, power to open the rear liftgate, a power moonroof, heated and cooled driver and passenger seats plus power controls for folding the third-row seat into the floor.

Lincoln's second wagon fits in the mid-size SUV class and carries shapely exterior body panels and a forceful prow that mimics the styling of Navigator. It presents a new prow design this year with Lincoln's signature chrome grille and large quad-beam headlamps. In the cabin, Aviator brings three rows of seats and a choice on the second row of either a bench divided 40/20/40 or twin buckets. Power comes from a 4.6-liter aluminum V8 with 302 hp. To convert that power into force at the wheels, there's a five-speed automatic transmission with high stall-speed torque converter. Curtain-style side air bags are in place and will deploy if sensors detect rollover movement of the vehicle.

Aviator's optional AWD Control Trac system automatically monitors tire traction and selectively channels the engine torque to front and rear wheels in varying proportions to maintain a steady grip on slick roads. The AdvanceTrac skid controller with RSC is standard on all 2005 issues. Revamped trim designations focus on the Luxury series with packages of optional gear -- the AWD Elite Package, 4x2 Elite Package, Luxury Enhancement Moonroof Package and Luxury Enhancement RSES Package. (...BACK)