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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  1999 Lincoln Navigator - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By rms - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Generally the car has been trouble-free and an absolute joy to drive. Had a one- time electronics problem and a faulty battery but otherwise, nothing. Be prepared for the jealousy factor. There are those persons out there who would want to take their frustrations out on your car, just because of its beauty and perhaps symbolism. You get more for your buck in this years models.

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  1999 Lincoln Navigator - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By RMS - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Generally the car has been trouble-free and an absolute joy to drive. Had a one- time electronics problem and a faulty battery but otherwise, nothing. Be prepared for the jealousy factor. There are those persons out there who would want to take their frustrations out on your car, just because of its beauty and perhaps symbolism. You get more for your buck in this years models.

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  Buy One if You Dont Mind Being Gased - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Shqipo - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This large SUV is plain gorgeous. The seats are roomy, visibility is excellent, the ride is almost car-like, the third row seating is gracious. I would have appreciated a nicer material to be used on the inside door panels.

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  Nav 03To Be or Not To Be... a lemon... - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Jarule - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle on 9/29/03 due to Fords 72 months/0% financing. I always wanted to own a Navigator. I have been back to the dealership three times. Excessive wind noise on the passenger door (due to a latch), replaced windshield fluid reservoir (sensor kept coming on),and replaced driver side mirror motor (cracking noise). I dont have a good feeling about this SUV. Any new prospective buyers... DONT DO IT. I was happier with my Tahoe. Dont get sucked in with end of the year deals. Ill keep you posted.

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  Major upgrade from previous Navigators - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By Lanis - September 23 - 9:56 am

  When the lease on our 2002 Navigator was up, we decided to get a 2007 since the 02 had been such a reliable vehicle. Now that we have put 10,000 miles on the 2007, I can definitely say that Lincoln has moved the vehicle more upscale in terms of refinement and interior appointments. The THX audio system is unbelievable and the heated/cooled seats have come in very handy. Overall, the vehicle handles much better than the 2002 with less roll. So far, the vehicle has had no problems and is a joy to drive.

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  Love my NAV but it loves GAS - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By john79 - September 15 - 3:26 pm

  Did a ton of research before buying and its one thing to read specs/view pics online and another to actually get into a vehicle. I was a little on the fence about front grill styling, didnt seem to have the "wow factor". When you actually sit and drive this SUV you will see how it simply beats out all others. I really love this truck in all aspects. If you’re concerned about gas - you should be. I average 12 city/16 freeway. HOWEVER....I live in Central Texas and the weather is usually fair. If you drive with the windows down 1/4 way, with no HVAC, gas mileage shoots up to 15-16 City and 18-19 highway!! Not bad for such a large SUV.

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  the navve - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By mca - September 15 - 10:00 am

  its really fun to drive the nav except for the gas part. its like siphoning all the gas in the tank whenever you fill up

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  sweet navigator! - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By kooldad550 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car i have had in years. i am so happy with it and ive had it for about 7 months now. there were no problems at all yet. the ride is so smooth and the air suspension filters out every bump in the road, there is almost no wind noise, the v8 produces more than enough power, the interior is simply gorgeous with the finest and most supple leather. overall, i am very happy with my purchase and will gladly take it over the escalade and hummer.

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  Decent Luxury SUV - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By TVGiant - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I like the Navigator but having an 04 Escalade also lets me compare easily. The Navigator is tighter and steers better than Escalade but Escalade rides smoother and has more power.

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  Solid in every way - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
  By jnd - September 10 - 5:36 am

  This is our second Navigator and this is much better then the 2005 model we replaced. Recently towed a 7500 lb boat and had the vehicle packed for vacation, trip was 120 miles each way and averaged 11 mpg. Handled the trailer like a champ. This model is significantly quiter then the model it replaces and seems smaller even though it is the same size. Engine and drive train are the same as the 2005 but the 2008 uses regular gas. Plenty of room for passengers and gear and the 3rd row seats are very comfortable even for large adults. The high itensity headlights are not as bright as the 2005 but the coverage is very good.