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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  LINCOLN - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By HEEMA 24 - December 21 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST VEHICLE I HAD EVER HAD I ALREADY HAVE A NISSAN PATHFINDER BUT THE NAVIGATORS SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE NISSAN THE NISSAN IS GARBAGE COMPARED TO THE NAVIGATOR.

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  Solid. - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By t328 - December 15 - 4:31 pm

  This was my first car, and overall, its been outstanding. The timeless exterior and interior design are, in my opinion, more attractive than the latest generation. I havent had trouble with rattles or squeaks, and all of the trim pieces have been extremely durable. Its been very reliable, just a couple of minor fixes here and there. The driving dynamics are reminiscent of a much smaller car, and the acceleration is impressive. The air ride suspension makes Texas dirt roads feel like the Nurburgring. Naturally, fuel economy is a pain; I usually get around 14 mixed. However, I drive pretty assertively and use regular gas. Overall, fantastic vehicle, I just wish I could afford the gas.

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  Excellent - 2002 Lincoln Navigator
  By shoppingnurse57 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Navigator for not quite 1 year. I love driving it - I feel safe - it is a luxurious ride!

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  You have to drive one to believe it!!! - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By TM1 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is something that I recently picked up for my wife. We are expecting our first child shortly and I wanted to get her something that was safe, practical, elegant, rugged, and could perform. Needless to say, all of my avenues led me to my local Lincoln dealership in Clifton, NJ where I purchased the "Ultimate SUV". We love our Navigator. I would highly reccomend this car to anyone.

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  2003 2wd Ultimate Pkg Lincoln Nav - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By JC Cobra - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I call it a Continental on steroids. It rides and handles like a sedan, and has all the amenities too. Lots of bells and whistles make it fun to drive. The interior is very well appointed, and makes you forget you are in an SUV. It is obvious Lincoln made safety features a priority with audible object detection and tilt down exterior mirrors when reversing, standard side impact airbags, "smart" front impact air bags and advanced suspension systems. Power and gas milage are the only low marks I would give this SUV.

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  1998 Nav Still Going Strong - Smoothly - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By Carlos - November 21 - 7:06 am

  Had my grandpa up this week, and he still marvels at the look and drivability of my 98 Nav. I have enjoyed it from day 1. Of course gas prices were south of $1 when I first bought it, and I have been getting 15 MPG for as long as I have had it, so this is one of the drawbacks. When it is cleaned up, waxed, and wheels detailed, it is still quite an impressive vehicle.

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  My 2006 Lincoln navy - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By MS JAKI - November 18 - 9:46 pm

  Wonderful driving experience, above all i feel absolutely safe since i am female and single. Excellent power and take off, riding up high above smaller cars is great also feel safe in ice and snow and i have great traction with 4 wheel drive and other drive options. Outside is sleek and i get unlimited compliments on my navy. Its great to have the retractable running boards but the ultimate is the automatic lift gate that is wonderful in the winter when i go grocery shopping and the heated seats are the best

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  Love My Navigator - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Tom Webb - November 16 - 7:50 pm

  This is the second Navigator we have owned, previously had two Suburbans. The Navigator is much more fun to drive, more comfortable on long trips, and over all a better vehicle.We have traveled all over Western USA, through all kinds of weather, it is super for all situations. Our friends prefer to have us drive, as it is much more comfortable than their vehicles.

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  Love My Navigator - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Tom Webb - November 16 - 7:50 pm

  This is the second Navigator we have owned, previously had two Suburbans. The Navigator is much more fun to drive, more comfortable on long trips, and over all a better vehicle. We have traveled all over Western USA, through all kinds of weather, it is super for all situations. Our friends prefer to have us drive, as it is much more comfortable than their vehicles.

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  Poor Quality and Reliability - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By Carl Kingsbury - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Purchased as my dream vehicle. The SUV has been wrought with problems the major one being the rear end which burned up at about 24 thousand after several months of complainimg about the noise. Repaired under warranty went out again at 38 thousand and the Dealer is saying it is not covered under warranty. Many other problems with rear air, child locks that couldnt be fixed, and dash noise that couldnt be found.