Overview & Reviews

Since its pioneering days in the 1990s as the first full-size luxury SUV, the Lincoln Navigator has always been a traditional truck-based SUV with standard V8 power. Over the course of its three generations, the Navigator has offered seating for seven to eight and plenty of cargo and towing capacity. As such, it often appeals to large families and/or those with a boat or trailer to tow.

Drawbacks to the early Navigators included subpar fuel economy, sluggish acceleration, sloppy handling and an interior that didn't really live up to other luxury brands. Although the current Lincoln Navigator is certainly the most advanced, those drawbacks continue to this day when stacked up against its rivals. Add in a retro interior design that looks both intentionally and unintentionally dated, and you get a full-size luxury SUV that is far past its prime.

Current Lincoln Navigator
The current Lincoln Navigator is a full-size SUV styled and equipped for an upscale audience. It shares the bulk of its underpinnings with the Ford Expedition, including its standard 310-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission. Navigator buyers have a choice between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.

The Navigator is offered in one well-appointed trim level that includes 18-inch wheels, three-row seating for seven (with captain's chairs in the second row), leather upholstery, multizone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second- and third-row seats, Sync voice activation, a navigation system, Bluetooth, a power liftgate, power-folding third-row seats and a 14-speaker surround-sound audio system. Stand-alone options include 20-inch wheels, a sunroof, a heavy-duty tow package and a dual display rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

The ability to seat adults comfortably in all three rows of seats is the Lincoln Navigator's greatest advantage over other full-size competitors, most notably the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator's independent rear suspension allows for a lower floor, which opens up more rear legroom while providing fold-flat capability for the third row. Besides its dated interior and cumbersome driving dynamics compared to more modern SUVs, the Navigator also suffers from lackluster acceleration and fuel economy.

Used Lincoln Navigator Models
The present, third-generation Navigator took to the stage in 2007 with significant updates to the exterior styling, frame and rear suspension, along with larger brakes, higher-quality cabin furnishings and additional sound insulation. These changes added significantly to curb weight, but yielded tidier handling dynamics and a quieter, more refined ride.

The 2007 refresh also brought about a pronounced, chrome-heavy grille design that was reminiscent of an early 1960s Continental as well as a similarly retro-inspired cabin design that further differentiated the Navigator from its Expedition roots. Two years later the Navigator gained 10 more hp, Ford's Sync voice control system and a more advanced, hard-drive-based navigation system that allowed voice activation. Only minor feature updates have occurred since.

For other used Navigators, you'll want to check out the two previous generations. The second generation was in production from 2003-'06 and featured many revisions inside and out, compared to the first generation. In addition to a larger grille and numerous other styling changes, this variant was the first to incorporate a six-speed transmission and an independent rear suspension. One of the more prominent interior alterations included a symmetrical, dual-cockpit layout also inspired by vintage Lincoln Continentals.

Consumers looking at used Lincoln Navigators would be wise to confine their search to 2005 and newer models, as Navigators sold in 2003 and '04 had an older version of the 5.4-liter engine. It had a 300-hp rating but produced less torque than the current engine. It also came paired to a less sophisticated four-speed automatic transmission. Safety-conscious buyers should note that Navigators sold before '07 did not have front-seat side airbags and only provided side curtain coverage for the first two rows of seating. Stability control was optional rather than standard, up until the '05 model year.

The first generation Lincoln Navigator was sold from 1998-2002. It arrived one year after Ford's Expedition hit the market and was basically a rebadged version of that vehicle but with softer leather, extra wood grain trim and additional chrome detailing. The differences weren't so easy to spot, especially on the inside where Lincoln's dash design hardly differed at all. In fact, the Navigator's most noticeable distinction over the Expedition was its higher price, and indeed the first-gen Navigator enjoyed one of the highest profit margins of any vehicle on the market.

First-year Navigators were considered underpowered, as a 230-hp 5.4-liter V8 was their sole source of motivation. Things improved in 1999 when the Navigator got exclusive access to a 300-hp, double-overhead-cam version of the 5.4-liter V8. Compared to today's large SUVs, the first-gen Navigator was decidedly trucklike in its demeanor. Continual course correction was necessary to keep it pointed straight ahead on the highway, and the steering had a disconnected feel, whether you were finessing the Lincoln into a parking space or going around a curve at speed.

If you're shopping for a used Lincoln Navigator from this generation, it's a good idea to pay attention to the year-by-year changes. In addition to the more powerful V8, 1999 Navigators gained power-adjustable pedals and more easily removable third-row seats (thanks to rollers mounted on the bottoms). For 2000, the Navigator received front-seat side airbags, much needed optional rear parking sensors and a CD-based navigation system. Rear-seat video entertainment

User Reviews:

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  It will leave you high and dry! - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By heather - January 15 - 6:13 pm

  Cheap car for a not so cheap price. Air suspension problems, hood hinges go bad, vehicle wont start on certain days (dealer cant find the problem) back up sensors dont work on certain days, electrical system is not right, climate control buttons pop off. Very cheaply built! Car only has 78,000 miles and its junk. Resale value is horrible. Only worth $7,000 (after only 5 years!) Requires premium gas. Door molding coming apart. AC burps when you turn it on.(all of this even with an extended warranty and constant service.

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  one of the biggest pieces of junk MADE - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By MACATXFL - January 15 - 11:43 am

  I have Owned around 40 Cars/Trucks/SUVs and this 2003 Lincoln Navigator is one of the biggest pieces of junki have ever owned . all started with the dealer selling it and 2 days later started having Electrical problems . i have had with this truck i will never own another FORD/LINCOLN ever again and i have owned 6 fords i can see why all the USA car makers are failing and going out of business they make junk plain and simple and can see why Toyota and Honda rule the auto INDUSTRY TODAY

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  SAFEST, MOST BEAUTIFUL RIDE - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By ROBERTA CHAPLIN - December 21 - 2:00 am

  WHEN I RIDE MY NAVIGATOR, I FEEL LIKE I AM THE QUEEN OF THE WORLD. ITS SAFE, EASY TO HANDLE EVEN THOUGH ITS THE SIZE OF A SMALL TANK. I GET A LOT OF RESPECT FROM THE OTHER DRIVERS (WHICH IS RARE THESE DAYS). BEST VEHICLE I EVER OWNED.

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  The best SUV ever!!!!! - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By soccerdad55 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS NOW AND I SIMPLY LOVE IT!!!IT PROVIDES ONE OF THE MOST SMOOTHEST RIDES OUT THERE. it HAS ALL THE LUXURY FEATURES ANYONE NEEDS.aCCELERATION IS FAST ENOUGH FOR ME.tHE BRAKES ARE ONE OF THE BEST...AND REALLY GOOD IN CONTRAST TO THE H2 AND ESCALADE. tHERE IS ALMOST NO WIND NOISE AT A STEADY 80MPH. THE LEATHER VERY,VERY SOFT. tHE AIR SUSPENSION MAKES ME FEEL AS IF I WAS RIDING ON AIR. HANDLING IS ALSO GREAT.

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  Canada SUV - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By Phil Thompson - November 29 - 2:10 am

  Dealership service has been good. This vehicle is huge, smooth and very reliable for driving in the mixed Northern weather. The main problem is the very poor gas mileage.

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  Died already - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By mricha02 - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for about 6 months and its been GREAT!! Until....all of the sudden I was riding down the street, the dash lights went dim and the truck died. Its been in the shop for a week and they still dont know whats wrong. Some sort of electrical problem. Theyve already replaced the battery and alternator. Not what I expected from a 50K vehicle! Thinking about going with Nissans new fullsize SUV when it comes out.

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  Navigator Dud - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Derrick Soo - November 20 - 2:20 pm

  Since taking delivery, this DUD is now approaching 3 weeks worth of repair time. Had to contact Lincoln CEO & DM to get this last service done. Customer service is non-existent and rude. This was my second Navigator, and will be the last. SUV has been in for two major repairs and replacements. First was total front drive system and steering, now Tranny. Had side panels fall off on the freeway and the HID headlights didnt work upon delivery. Lincoln has not been helpful at all. No loaners at Hayward Lincoln.

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  Relaxing - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By mike g. - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Smooth ride,people look at you differently,put toghether well,very little exterior noise,great vehicle

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  New owner from Bloomington - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By New owner - October 25 - 2:00 am

  First time owner, mini vans still have more overall room but of course not the comfort. Road noise due to the mirrors, I think, is my only complaint. Liked it much better than the Escalade.

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  So/So - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Lisa - October 20 - 9:06 am

  After major rebates and 0% financing, car is still upside down after two years of payments. Rattles and clanks noticed from the beginning, service cannot fix. Aftermarket upgrades sold by the dealership installed too low and rattle. When rattle fixed, screw tore interior sunroof fabric. Aftermarket dealership DVD unreliable and not upgraded to play DVD Rs or RW. A nice vehicle but market value dropped after purchase.