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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  New and Happy - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By bluebushi1971 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Just bought it and loving it. Classy and sophisticated. Fuel economy is to be expected due to large engine and vehicle size.

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  Change for the sake of change, 2004 Nava - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By alanmc - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my Navigator except the interior. The predcessors interior was perfect; but it is as if it was redesigned purely for the sake of change! The driver windows controls on the center console; on a bright day, you cant see the information readouts [the white lettering is virtually invisible,even at night without taking your focus off the road]; the console lid makes access to the console contents very difficult; the power outlet is out of reach of the driver; and what idiot assumed that just because you want to play CDs that you dont need a tape player? Since the interior is where I spend my time, my next SUV will be an Esclade!

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  All time best SUV - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Mohamad - September 16 - 12:13 pm

  I bought my Navigator in 02 and it was one of best thing that ever happened to us. It is 100% reliable with its space and its comfort. Me and my family have went on many trips with this car and space has never been an issue. The car always held my family of 7 where ever we went. It also is a great car for towing and holds alot of weight. I would recommend this car to anyone anytime. It has a styling new look that lasted from 2003 to 2006 until the new Navigator and Navigator L showed up. I recently sold it and bought the new one but i miss the old 2003 Navigator

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  Lincoln for All - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Doug Blair - September 16 - 10:00 am

  Interior; Fit & Finish very good - equal to any other Lincoln on the market. Adjustable to multi-driver families. Holds up well with children, safety beyond compare. Exterior; Fit & Finish best in class. Ease of use (towing, entry, exit), drivability with small turning radius, great ride, best in class all around.

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  excellent Navagator - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By brookswa - September 7 - 2:00 am

  The only complaint.....gas mileage

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  Navigator - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By angel - August 31 - 6:43 pm

  I love everything about the Navigator so far .The navigation system is easy to use and understandable, so is the rear seat DVD. The ride quality and quietness is exceptional even with this 20 wheels. The quality of the materials and the luxury it offers swallows you into this incredible vehicle. The power step assist are great, nice touch and just about everything this car has to offer was well though out, planned, and executed to produce the 2007 Lincoln Navigator, an amazing full size SUV.

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  Navigator #2 - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By bk183 - August 21 - 3:56 pm

  I like the look of the Escalade a little better but after test driving 3 different then the 05 Navigator there was no comparison. The Navigator out handled, was quieter, smoother ride, and just easier to drive. Big improvement over my 01 which was no slouch. I have to say, so far this is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Why I love my Navigator - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By mitzi - August 5 - 9:13 am

  I had a choice of any luxury SUV I would like. I ordered this truck and had to wait as it was a special order color. Silver Birch and with the mono tone wrap. It is the Ultimate with every conceivable bell and whistle!! I love it!! It is super comfy and while the gas mileage is not a selling point, it gets within tenths of my Expedetion that preceeded it. I did get an after market DVD as the factory one is puny i comparision. Everyone takes a second look at this vehicle. Im glad I dont have a black Escalade like everyone else!!

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  A "BIG" Step Up - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By Steve S - July 19 - 2:06 pm

  Ford has real winner this year with its 07 Navigator. Cadillac fans are even taking notice and believe it or not...switching! The ride is better and so is the handling. Maybe a little less power but well worth giving up the extra power for the remaining assets.

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  Love it! - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By 03nav - July 4 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I absolutly love it. The third row seat is functional in the 03 Nav. The Escalade third row is cramped, why have it? The 03 Nav interior is sophisticated fine art, and have been compared to an art Deco style. Escalade interior is dated (old man!) Not ready for ther smaller cross over SUVs We need the space.