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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Best One Yet - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
By TRS - October 3 - 2:10 pmThis is my third Navigator. All have been 2 year leases. I intend to buy this one at lease end. My first two had some electrical problems, especially with the easy exit system. This one been back once to replace the rear dvd, but other than that no problems. I love to drive this vehicle, especially on road trips. Gas mileage is low, but to be expected for a car this size. I really love the backup camera where it is in the reaeview mirror as it keeps sun glare to a minimum, whereas in dash cameras have that problem. Perfect family vehicle. The olny thing that keeps this car from being perfect is blue tooth.
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Best Luxury SUV Period - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
By Love My Navigator - September 20 - 2:00 amLinclon has really hit one out-of-the- ballpark!!! The 2003 Lincoln Navigator perfectly combines luxury, style, comfort, and roominess. The new slick design combined with high- grade materials which include real burlwood walnut (not plastic), nickel (not crome), and plush leather and carpeting, truly place this vehicle on the top end of its class.
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NAVAGS REVIEW - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
By NAVAG - September 18 - 10:00 amTraded in suburban due to a little smaller size vehicle. Certain offered many more upgrades and luxury type features.
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My Navigator - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
By Bob Drake - September 3 - 6:50 pmI have owned nine saburbans and one Expidition over the years I was in business. The handling and comfort is far superior to the other vehicles. The Expidition was close. I see where Ford is building a vehical similar to the suburban, I would be interested if Lincoln would also build one similar to the Cadilac Escalade XL.
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my 03 navigator, - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
By hapaschold - August 29 - 2:00 amoverall my 03 navigator is a vast improvement over previous models, an 1999 and 2001.. couple issues, but minor, - power mirrors do not function properly - climate control seats seem to have timer, works only 12-14 minutes - arm rests would be nice added feature - black brake dust on rims is never ending since new, very hard to clean
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Love it! - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
By mikross - August 15 - 10:00 amVehicle has a VERY quiet ride for its size. Air suspension is wonderful MPG is comparable to the 1989 Mitsubishi Montero that we replaced. Pretty good, considering the difference on engine and overall vehicle size!
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The Big Dog - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
By Esrom Shaw - August 14 - 2:06 pmI was a former BMW driver and thought that I would never find a replacement that would seperate me from the road. My Nav is awsome, the ride the comfort level is great.
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Great SUV - 2010 Lincoln Navigator
By Dad of 4 - July 30 - 1:30 pmI test drove every large luxury SUV on the market several times. The NAV L was the best value for the price. It is luxurious and the SYNC system is amazing. Fuel economy could be better but it is as expected for a vehicle its size. Very happy with my decision.
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very outstanding - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
By jimyboy - July 23 - 8:13 pmI think that this is one of the nicest best riding cars i have ever even been in. i have realized that owning this car also brings much attention to me. I was parked next to a new escalade one day and a group of kids walked by looked at the escalade once and then stared at the navigator for quite some time. I believe that you cannot go wrong with this vehicle.
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The Greatest Travel Vehicle - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
By Bobby Hodum - July 11 - 2:00 amI absolutely love this vehicle. I bought it used with 20,000 miles, and I have loved driving it. Ive often said that if someone offered me a free new vehicle of my choice, I would choose another Navigator. My only complaint is with service. Fortunately, Ive needed very little service, but when I do, my experiences with the local dealer have always been negative. If you have a good local dealer, thats great! But my local dealer may have driven me to purchase another vehicle.