2004 Lincoln Navigator

American luxury cars have always been big, gaudy and sloppy. So it's no surprise that luxury SUV's are so popular in this country. Trucks like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator are part of a fad and they lack the refinement and grace that a true luxury vehicle should have. Make no mistake, Escalade and Navigator are just big, brutish trucks...with electronic novelties and giant chrome grills. But hey, at least your friends will be impressed.

If you insist on impressing people with a “luxury tool shed on wheels”, then buy a Lincoln Navigator. Unlike an Escalade, it has a 4-wheel independent suspension, which allows it to ride and handle slightly better than the Cadillac. Gravity and the fact that it weighs 9 tons does hinder the Lincoln from feeling like anything but a tugboat. But it is more controlled and the highway ride is decent.

The 5.4L that powers the Lincoln Navigator is a superb engine...in an F-150. But the Navi's considerable heft makes it feel rather weak when compared to the Escalade's 345-hp power plant. However, the weaker Ford engine is less trouble-prone than the Cadillac's, and it does have good passing power on the highway.

The interior is sure to impress your clients and friends, as long as they don't notice the cheap plastic trim panels (particularly that flimsy flip-up panel “guarding” the radio). You can however distract them by pointing out the real walnut wood trim. Remember, European luxury cars have had real wood since...Europeans started making luxury cars. But hey, this is America and we prefer plastic wood! If they aren't impressed, then pop a movie in the rear DVD player. And hope they don't break their ankle on those automatic, retractable running boards when they get out. Oh, if you're really lazy, then really appreciate the power-folding third row seats and the power lift gate. They both operate slower than molasses flowing uphill flowing up hill in the winter time. But at least you wont break a sweat pushing that button.

Buying an American luxury SUV should be grounds for admission to your local asylum. At the very least, you should get arrested by the style police, but if you insist, buy a Lincoln Navigator. It's less-terrible than a Cadillac Escalade. . COMMON PROBLEMS FOR THE LINCOLN NAVIGATOR: The A/C may quit from time to time requiring a thermostatic switch (2003-2004). If the back wheels make a chattering sound during low speed turns, it's going to need a revised clutch pack in the limited slip differential (2003-2005). If water collects in the headlight assembly, the seam between the plastic halves has to be sealed with RTV silicone sealant (2003). If the automatic running boards don't extend fully, it may be due to dirt collecting on the tracks, or the failure of the motor and/or linkage. Or it could be a problem with the vehicle security system (2003-2004). If you experience a vibration, or a droning sound, coming from the front end when you slow down, it's going to need new clutch springs in the front differential (2003).