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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  Smoothest Ride - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Wood - September 10 - 5:33 am

  The Navigator drives extremely well. The air suspension makes the drive smooth and the air tight doors and windows makes for a quiet drive. The power deployable running boards and liftgate is an outstanding feature for anyone especially women with children. The extensive safety features on this vehicle was a buying factor for my family. The side air bag curtains seems like a great feature to have for the safety of my children. The roll stability sounds great knowing that SUVs tend to flip. The fuel economy is within normal range of a large SUV, although the increased gas prices do not help. Not featured in most SUVs is the 3rd row seat that is comfortable with plenty of leg space.

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  Our Second Navigator - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By our2ndnavigator - September 6 - 2:00 am

  We have happily owned a White 1999 model. My mother loved my Navigator so much, she got a 2000 White Navigator. But we thought we would seriously look at other 2004 competitors to purchase. They CAN NOT hold a candle to the Navigator. Everyone we know who are very recent owners of new SUVs and has seen our 2004 Navi, they are kicking themselves for not looking at a Navigator. We get so many OOOOHHS and AAAAHHS. After being years as a Mercedes family, we are thrilled to now be a Navigator SUV family. A 1999 White Navigator and a 2004 Black Navigator grace our garage, and our beautiful 1999 Sedan 320 Mercedes must now sit in the driveway.

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  AWESOME SUV - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Jerry J. - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV. Liked it better than the pricey Range Rover, and the dressed up chevy suburban: the Esclade. BEST LUX SUV!

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  Awesome! - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By lincoln4life - July 15 - 2:16 am

  This vehicle is the best SUV yet! As soon as we bought it, we were soo happy, it looks great, and even when it is customized with 22 inch rims. It still rides smooth, I really love this vehicle, props to lincoln for making it. This vehicle will go very far, all the models from 2003-2006 are awesome! The vehicle year model of my Lincoln Navigator is 2003, which I think beats the 2004,2005,2006. Mainly for the fact that, it was in the making to have a new body, and being totally redisigned, its all because of 2003, that people have been buying Navigators. I really enjoyed driving this vehicle, I do not wish to buy any other SUV, this can beat any out there, whether it be escalade, hummer etc

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  Nice! - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Dragon - June 29 - 7:16 pm

  This vehicle drives like a dream. There is plenty of room for all and setable seat positions for two. I will keep this car till the wheels fall off.

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  More than a Luxury SUV - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Jimmy - June 20 - 11:36 pm

  !For anyone looking for a powerful towing vehicle with the ability to have the luxury to go along with it, this is it. I pull a 30ft. camper with a weight of 7500lbs and let me tell you that this SUV is a beast. My first trip was about 12 hours one way and the return trip I was caught in a bad storm and the Navigator handled like I champ. I love bragging about what a awesome vehicle I own. The family and I have been to 3 camping sites and people cant believe how I came to choosing the Navagator. Typically the norm was large pick ups, Chevy Suburbans and the Tahoe. I can say I pushed this SUV to the max, including towing uphill in the mountains. This is not a Ford Expedition by any means!

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  What a great Luxury Utility Vehicle - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By smith barney assoc. - June 12 - 2:00 am

  The smoothest most comfortable suv on the road. I traded my 2002 Cadillac for the 2004 Navigator and what a difference! A more solid, well put together vehicle. Its quite and a pleasure to drive. The navigation system is all touch screen and voice controlled with one dvd covers the entire USA. The power fold seats and power fold side mirrors are great, as well as the automatic liftgate.

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  why the navigator is the best - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By mrtl321 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  It is the the most fun vehicle that i have had so far. it hast eonough power to get you where you want to go.

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  Rate 2004 Lincoln Navigator - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Ural Decker - May 28 - 2:40 pm

  I have driven Lincolns since 1986 with this being the best I have ever had. It will do everything that is expected from a vehicle of this type.

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  2004 Navigator Ultimate review - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Steve Stafford - May 3 - 7:16 pm

  Handling is excellent--feels responsive like a much smaller vehicle. Air suspension is flawless--better ride and handling than Cadillac, Tahoe, Dodge--equal to or better than Lexus and Infinity. Interior has much better quality of materials than Escalade, almost the equal of Lexus. Third seats have excellent leg room. Power third seats, power tailgate are pluses. Far more space, power and towing than Lexus. Has low range transfer case. Wants and wishes; More interior storage bins, rear backup camera, Telescoping steering wheel, more bass in stereo system, more interior lights on front floor and in seat storage consoles.