Hello!

My wife and I have been looking at our "next vehicle", to replace my current 2005 Cadillac STS. Both of our parents are about 8hr drives away, so something roomy and comfortable is neccissary, and I'm hoping to not put out any more than $3-5k for a trade (or sell mine privately). We want something we can keep for several years and that means something big enough to handle a few kids (don't have any now, but hoping to in the next couple of years) and a dog. Our dog already fills up the back seat of my STS.

I've always been a Cadillac fan so my first thought was an Escalade, But for a variety of reasons I've just not been impressed with what I see in those. Last weekend we took a 2004 Navigator Ultimate for a spin and both fell in love. I think when the time comes that will be our choice.

I think based on price restrictions we will be limited to the 2003-2006 body style. We both agree we want the "fully loaded" trim with power running boards, power rear seats etc. Also, as her parents live in PA, and many of my friends live in Michigan we decided we want 4x4 to give us more flexibility with winter travel.

That all said,
What should we be aware of in that generation? I know c2005 the drivetrain changed from a DOHC with 4 speed to a SOHC 3v with 6 speed. The 2004 we drove really impressed me so I'm not sure if the 6 speed is necessary, but is there a noticeable bump in fuel economy? With at least monthly 400+ mile trips that could be worth the effort for us.

Do any years suffer from abnormal reliability issues?

Is any year known for being especially good (availability of different options etc)?

I have seen a few "limited editions" online and I love the contrasting piping on the interior... What else is part of the "Limited", they seem MUCH more expensive in general.

I saw somewhere that the Limited has voice activated navigation. Is that available in non-limited models? In either case, is it a really nice and useful feature, or more of a frustration?

I seem to recall reading that the 4x4 had adjustable height suspension. Do all 4x4 have that, or is it only certain models/years?

Thanks!

 

I think the Navigator is a good choice for the activities you describe. A fold flat seat is something I would like to have in mine. I don't want to give up my DOHC engine for it though.
The suspension is with air springs and that is a turn off to some people and an asset to others, including myself. When you have a heavy load the suspension will adjust to keep a level ride height as well as lower an inch at speeds over 60 mph. It will also lower when parked to make for easier entry and exit. Then there is the benefits of automatic maintaining it's ride height when and if you tow a trailer instead of being a "tail dragger". The air suspension is a real benefit but you may have to do or have work done on it once in a while. There is always plenty of help on this board if you need it, for advice and locating any parts that may need replacing.

 

I agree wholeheartedly. I believe starting in 03 the 3rd row seat would fold into the floor.

 

Third row did start in '03 with IRS. I've had both the versions of the third row and fold flat is hands down the way to go. Humping the seat in and out was a pain, and if you went on vacation loaded down without the seat, once you got there you couldn't shuttle people around. With the fold flat you've got the best of both worlds. I'd avoid the LLS suspension just because of the service hassles.

 

It's really a trade off, if you use a trailer or have to carry a heavy load the air suspension is the way to go. Or, you have to add rear air shocks and go through the filling and manual adjusting needed. Air suspension systems are well proven for many years now as they are used in busses, long haul semis, ambulances and more. It is well worth the time, effort and money to keep and maintain. When it's right it's great and when it's bad it can be a headache.

 

Your opinion. My opinion is that it is a PITA, 95% of the people who drive these vehicles are not getting them for heavy towing and 5 or 6 years out they are going to have issues.

 

Now you have diverse opinions on the air suspension system. If you use any light duty truck for heavy hauling you will have issues like the suspension, engine, transmission and more. Buy what suits you and your family best.

 

FYI, the fold flat is available with the DOHC.

From what I'm hearing though the DOHC 4-speed vs SOHC 6-speed is a non-issue, other than DOHC is a Lincoln specific engine? Was there ever a DOHC 6-speed or did the switchover occur simultaneously?

Also, How do I know if one has the air suspension or not?

 

Just look under the rear of the truck, if you don't see coil springs it will have air springs.
I'm pretty sure a coil spring option was not offered in the Navigators.

 

Thanks for the response. I'm aware of the IRS, and while I would prefer a straight axle, for what our intent is IRS should be fine, and the 3rd row in the Navi is so much nicer than the straight axle Escalade, plus the fold flat ability. If I need the Solid axle I'll just use my F250!

Navi would serve multiple needs
1)"all weather" family hauler
2) My dad, brother and I occasionally go hunting in Wyoming, a 4x4 navigator seems nearly perfect for driving accross the country and having at least some off-road ability when there
3) Possibly towing a race car in the future. I'd prefer to use the 250 for that, but it's a standard cab so if there's any more than my wife and I it wouldn't really work.

 

Oops! Double post.

 

With the right tires it should do very well as an occaisional off road truck. Mine does just fine with the wrong tires.

 

My opinion, but a solid axle in the rear is stupid without one in the front. IRS is awesome. It's great in the dirt, and I love sliding it around corners off road. It's not hardcore, but it's sweet. I have a Land cruiser that is solid front and rear, and an expedition the is independent front and rear. Great combo.

 

I have an 04 Navigator but its not the ultimate package but outside of the navigation system less things to break. I have had 3 repairs ofair ride suspension but not the pump or air bags themselves. The height sensors are what seems to fail the most. If you have to replace the air bags and pump that is quite an expensive repair. Some order Navigator have been switch to coils. The ride is sweet but the mileage in not great.