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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  2002 Navigator - 2002 Lincoln Navigator
  By Antwain75 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle even though its a gas guzzler, it is an awesome peace of machinery. I have had mine for 4 months and have had no complaints. The ride is smooth and quiet, it will almost put you to sleep. The acceleration is great and the interior is classy and comfortable

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  My Awesome Navigator 2005 - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Rudy Apilado - March 28 - 11:40 am

  This is a fun vehicle to drive. I consider my Navi my second love. My wife is jealous. The drive is smooth. I just love to drive my Navi even for minor errands to the store. Everytime I drive my Navigator I feel like I am in the best SUV on the market. I seek out Escalades, Yukons, Expeditions, Denalis, etc. just to show off my Velvet Red w/chrome trim Navigator. I have the best looking and best performing SUV on the road today.

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  more than expected - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By weberman - March 26 - 2:00 am

  took 6 friends on a 9 hr trip basically sums up my experience. All were impressed by its excellent handling(at 100 mph!), comfort, and roominess in all rows. The all-wheel drive/ advance track combination really works as I kept me speeding along curved roads and icey conditions as I felt it engage.

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  Great family hauler! - 2018 Lincoln Navigator
  By Anish Kadakia. - March 21 - 11:28 am

  I had to get a larger car because of a growing family. Owned the Gl450 which is a great suv. Had some electrical issues but that seems to come with the territory of a Benz. The new navigator is impressive. Looks are great. Drives like a much smaller suv. Interior is very upscale and seats super comfortable. We love it as a family. Roomy and great ride. It’s only been 2 weeks so no answer in reliability. But they pickup car at home and give a loaner so it’s a low stress issue.

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  A plus for a family - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Outstanding - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Words can not describe it. Awesome SUV

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  2003 Lincoln Navigator Ultimate - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By David Salter - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Love the smoothness and handling of this vehicle. Although large and heavy it is agile and fun to drive. Location of the power window control(s) in center console is difficult to adjust to and am unable to make the Voice Activation work. Like the In Your Face styling and overall finish of exterior and in

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  Luxury Built Ford Tough - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
  By sevenstw - February 23 - 7:43 am

  The exterior chrome and square gauges have a retro 1960s look. The interior is all about comfort, luxury and modern technology. Build quality is excellent compared to the competition. For someone who drives nothing but full sized V8 trucks, I was impressed with the gas mileage and power of the Navigator. The seats are very comfortable and there is all kinds of leg, side and head room in all 3 rows.

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  CK5205 - 2002 Lincoln Navigator
  By ck5005 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Great Suv

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  Reliability - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By niko - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Better then the cadi

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  why knot? - 2016 Lincoln Navigator
  By Sandy Rome - February 4 - 9:27 pm