Playdrv4me
10-26-07, 12:34 AM
So now that I've had a week to spend with the flavor of the month, I feel I am better equipped to comment on it's strengths and weaknesses, and I took a few pictures too. So heres how it breaks down in comparison with it's two primary competitors of the same time-frame, the 2003 Cadillac Escalade and the Land Rover Range Rover, both of which I also owned recently:
In terms of Ride and Driving characteristics, each one of these trucks has a surprisingly individualized character for what seem like huge lumbering behemoths. Make no mistake, these vehicles are still very trucky no matter what kind of suspension or steering wizardry you throw at them, and in-fact two of them are entirely truck based.
The Navigator however is definitely the most surprising of all three when you consider the sheer size and bulk of the thing. It is surprising because despite its hefty curb-weight and tall proportions, it truly steers like a LARGE performance sedan. Any twitch of the wheel yields a nearly immediate response in direction. Better yet, as speed increases, directional agility and precision magically seem to keep pace. In-fact, the Navigator handles at least as well if not *better* in some respects than the entirely BMW engineered Range Rover. That is quite a feat considering the Range Rover is based on the BMW X5, which is probably one of the best handling SUV's on the road period. The primary difference is simply that the Range Rover seems to move as one cohesive piece of forged steel, where the Navigator still suffers from the constraints of its truck-based architecture and less sure-footedness in tight corners and curves.
Unfortunately, steering and handling only get you so far and the Navigator takes a real backseat to the Escalade in the powertrain department. At 300hp, the Navi is nearly 50hp behind the Escalade and it shows when you really push the truck hard, such as in passing maneuvers, as it begins to wheeze the further you try to take it. The Navigator DOES have GOBS of torque where it MATTERS however, and that's down low. This is where it needs to be for off-the-line acceleration and especially for towing. Realistically, in around town settings, the gap between the Escalade and the Navigator remains closed most of the time. It is worth nothing that despite the Range Rover's seemingly 28hp disadvantage to the Navigator (282 vs 300hp), the Range still manages to execute that odd BMW magic that at least makes it FEEL like it's generating substantially more. The numbers don't lie however, and the Range and Navigator fall pretty square on paper.
With the powertrain and handling differences set aside, the Ace in the Navigator's deck of cards really comes down to comfort and convenience. The Navigator introduced a host of refinements and class-exclusive features in 2003 that the Escalade and Range Rover either never got, or didn't get until much later in their model run.
When it comes to technology or "toys" as I like to call it, the Navigator, and particularly the Ultimate model, has every imaginable power feature standard or as an option. From Power running boards, to a power tailgate and power fold-down rear seats... the Navigator proves that if it CAN be motorized, it IS. Even an often overlooked power feature was carried over from the original 1998-2002 Navigator; Power operated rear VENT windows. These can be a boon for third row passengers who are the last to get the fresh air from the first and second rows, as this design draws cool air through and out the back of the vehicle. This simply isn't an option on the Escalade or Range Rover at all, at any price.
Another thoughtful touch which is a first for any vehicle, is the Navigator's astonishing array of dashboard and gauge illumination. Every single feature of importance to the driver or passenger, is illuminated with the cool glow of white LED lighting. I don't know why more manufacturers haven't followed this trend. It is easy on the eyes and makes finding even the most obscure buttons quick and easy. Over 100 white LED bulbs are used to accomplish this feat, along with a full white electroluminescent gauge cluster similar to the arrangement used by Lexus for years. This is quickly growing to be one of my favorite over-all features of this truck.
The optional DVD based Navigation system with touchscreen interface (available mid-2003) is among the easiest to use and features full voice operated control if so desired. It also interfaces with the OEM rear-entertainment system to provide not only audio for those in the front to hear, but also a convenient method of inputting iPods or other audio devices via the DVD player's Auxiliary inputs. Unfortunately, the inputs are roof mounted, which leaves you with an unsightly cable dangling in the middle of the passenger area when in-use. Audio quality from the Audiophile sound system included with the Navigator Ultimate is also absolutely second-to-none and absolutely blows the Range Rover's early BMW DSP out of the water. Even the well-rounded Bose unit in the Escalade is no match for the phenomenal system in the Navigator.
Unfortunately, for all of its techno-goodness and dare I say fun-to-drive nature. The Navigator still falls behind it's competitors in the quality department. More than any of other two, the Navigator is a haven for rattles, squeaks, and apparent body flex when going over substantial bumps and undulations in the road. In addition to this, the silvery metallic coating that manufacturers can't seem to get enough of covers a multitude of surfaces on this vehicle, and it quickly begins to wear down from the oil and dirt in hands and fingers. Fortunately, in this particular truck, most of it is covered with a handsome Dealer-Installed wood trim kit, one of the nicest I've seen yet. Another point of contention is the Navigator's accessory power-points, which seem to be riddled with "dirty-power", causing any attached audio devices to have substantial audible "noise" transmitted through the audio system. The Escalade and Range Rover just feel more solidly built and both have attention to detail in places where the Navigator occasionally falls-short. Overall, I give the Navigator an 8.5 out 10.
http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/2909-1/Navigator+003.jpg
http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/2910-1/Navigator+002s.JPG
http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/2913-1/Navigator+004s.JPG
http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/2916-1/Navigator+005s.JPG
http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/2919-1/Navigator+007s.JPG
http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/2922-1/Navigator+008s.JPG
http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/2925-1/Navigator+009s.JPG
http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/2905-1/Navigator+001.jpg
In terms of Ride and Driving characteristics, each one of these trucks has a surprisingly individualized character for what seem like huge lumbering behemoths. Make no mistake, these vehicles are still very trucky no matter what kind of suspension or steering wizardry you throw at them, and in-fact two of them are entirely truck based.
The Navigator however is definitely the most surprising of all three when you consider the sheer size and bulk of the thing. It is surprising because despite its hefty curb-weight and tall proportions, it truly steers like a LARGE performance sedan. Any twitch of the wheel yields a nearly immediate response in direction. Better yet, as speed increases, directional agility and precision magically seem to keep pace. In-fact, the Navigator handles at least as well if not *better* in some respects than the entirely BMW engineered Range Rover. That is quite a feat considering the Range Rover is based on the BMW X5, which is probably one of the best handling SUV's on the road period. The primary difference is simply that the Range Rover seems to move as one cohesive piece of forged steel, where the Navigator still suffers from the constraints of its truck-based architecture and less sure-footedness in tight corners and curves.
Unfortunately, steering and handling only get you so far and the Navigator takes a real backseat to the Escalade in the powertrain department. At 300hp, the Navi is nearly 50hp behind the Escalade and it shows when you really push the truck hard, such as in passing maneuvers, as it begins to wheeze the further you try to take it. The Navigator DOES have GOBS of torque where it MATTERS however, and that's down low. This is where it needs to be for off-the-line acceleration and especially for towing. Realistically, in around town settings, the gap between the Escalade and the Navigator remains closed most of the time. It is worth nothing that despite the Range Rover's seemingly 28hp disadvantage to the Navigator (282 vs 300hp), the Range still manages to execute that odd BMW magic that at least makes it FEEL like it's generating substantially more. The numbers don't lie however, and the Range and Navigator fall pretty square on paper.
With the powertrain and handling differences set aside, the Ace in the Navigator's deck of cards really comes down to comfort and convenience. The Navigator introduced a host of refinements and class-exclusive features in 2003 that the Escalade and Range Rover either never got, or didn't get until much later in their model run.
When it comes to technology or "toys" as I like to call it, the Navigator, and particularly the Ultimate model, has every imaginable power feature standard or as an option. From Power running boards, to a power tailgate and power fold-down rear seats... the Navigator proves that if it CAN be motorized, it IS. Even an often overlooked power feature was carried over from the original 1998-2002 Navigator; Power operated rear VENT windows. These can be a boon for third row passengers who are the last to get the fresh air from the first and second rows, as this design draws cool air through and out the back of the vehicle. This simply isn't an option on the Escalade or Range Rover at all, at any price.
Another thoughtful touch which is a first for any vehicle, is the Navigator's astonishing array of dashboard and gauge illumination. Every single feature of importance to the driver or passenger, is illuminated with the cool glow of white LED lighting. I don't know why more manufacturers haven't followed this trend. It is easy on the eyes and makes finding even the most obscure buttons quick and easy. Over 100 white LED bulbs are used to accomplish this feat, along with a full white electroluminescent gauge cluster similar to the arrangement used by Lexus for years. This is quickly growing to be one of my favorite over-all features of this truck.
The optional DVD based Navigation system with touchscreen interface (available mid-2003) is among the easiest to use and features full voice operated control if so desired. It also interfaces with the OEM rear-entertainment system to provide not only audio for those in the front to hear, but also a convenient method of inputting iPods or other audio devices via the DVD player's Auxiliary inputs. Unfortunately, the inputs are roof mounted, which leaves you with an unsightly cable dangling in the middle of the passenger area when in-use. Audio quality from the Audiophile sound system included with the Navigator Ultimate is also absolutely second-to-none and absolutely blows the Range Rover's early BMW DSP out of the water. Even the well-rounded Bose unit in the Escalade is no match for the phenomenal system in the Navigator.
Unfortunately, for all of its techno-goodness and dare I say fun-to-drive nature. The Navigator still falls behind it's competitors in the quality department. More than any of other two, the Navigator is a haven for rattles, squeaks, and apparent body flex when going over substantial bumps and undulations in the road. In addition to this, the silvery metallic coating that manufacturers can't seem to get enough of covers a multitude of surfaces on this vehicle, and it quickly begins to wear down from the oil and dirt in hands and fingers. Fortunately, in this particular truck, most of it is covered with a handsome Dealer-Installed wood trim kit, one of the nicest I've seen yet. Another point of contention is the Navigator's accessory power-points, which seem to be riddled with "dirty-power", causing any attached audio devices to have substantial audible "noise" transmitted through the audio system. The Escalade and Range Rover just feel more solidly built and both have attention to detail in places where the Navigator occasionally falls-short. Overall, I give the Navigator an 8.5 out 10.
http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/2909-1/Navigator+003.jpg
http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/2910-1/Navigator+002s.JPG
http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/2913-1/Navigator+004s.JPG
http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/2916-1/Navigator+005s.JPG
http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/2919-1/Navigator+007s.JPG
http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/2922-1/Navigator+008s.JPG
http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/2925-1/Navigator+009s.JPG
http://www.q45.org/gallery2/d/2905-1/Navigator+001.jpg