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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  194000 miles and still running strong - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By mikevee1 - October 31 - 3:35 pm

  I love love love this truck I have owned it since 175000 miles and it wont give up , According to the last driver who was an elderly person the only problem ever was a suspension fuse for the air system. It is huge, on the highway I get over 20 mpgs (the trick is using a k&n hiflow filter) I highly recommend this vehicle. In the snow it is awesome, dont even need the 44 since it is awd all time. The ladies love it, and so does visiting family. I believe I will own this until 300,000 miles. I just drove to Vegas from Minnesota and not a hesitation. Kudos Lincoln on making a sweet ride.

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  2nd Nav., 05 Best Ever - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Oberwerk - October 27 - 8:10 am

  After 53K trouble-free miles on my 02 Nav, I thought an 05 Expedition Limited might be just as nice for 10K less. Test drove the Ford and was disappointed- not as nice as my 02 Nav. Then checked out the 05 Nav and was surprised to see how much theyve improved. Bought it and have been very pleased. Major improvement over my 02, and I was quite happy with that.

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  vs. mercedes s class - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By bwnlaw - September 5 - 10:00 am

  great truck. feels solid. plenty of room in front for tall people. adequate room in back for shorter people. smooth. the navigation surpasses mercedes benz in ease of usage. also has more color and features. air condition seats work well - and do make a difference. fairly well insulated for its size. no concern in driving over damaged roads.

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  2003 Navigtor --Jaguar comfort in an SUV - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By bigsuv - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the 3rd Navigator that weve had and it is great. A big improvement over our 99 model. The seats are great and it can fit 8 people in comfort. The third row detroys the competition. The ride is wonderful and the DVD works great!!

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  Review - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By BOBBY JONES - July 31 - 10:00 am

  It is GREAT! ThIS IS BY FAR THE BEST SUV OUT THERE! BUY ONE TODAY!

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  Navigator - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By jet22 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Too big for everyday driving, however wonderful for everything else. Absolute luxury. We use it for weekends and any traveling. We have the captain chairs and the passengers are very comfortable. I love it.

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  escalade....move out my way - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By irishnavigator - July 5 - 10:00 am

  great looks, and great ride. style is far above the rest. folding seats are a great addition. interior dash and satin nickel speak for themselves. just wondering why lincoln doesnt add daytime running lights? otherwise hummer... yukon...escalade.. get lost.

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  Good - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Sal, Chicha - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Nice car Better than Escalade And Cheaper

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  Great SUV - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Ricardo - June 16 - 5:10 pm

  I have had my 2005 Lincoln Navigator Ultimate 4x4 for about 10 months now. I bought it top of the line, except I didnt get Sirius Satellite Radio. I have had only one problem with it: the right power-deployable running board stopped working and would not retract. I took it to the dealership and they said that it short-circuited. They ordered a new running board for me and replaced it for free. The Touch Screen Navigation system is very easy to use. The THX-Certified surround sound system is like being in a movie theatre! The power liftgate is a great feature (which, by the way, is not available on the Escalade ESV Platinum which is about $5K more). Xenon headlights make the car stand out.

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  Did not abandon the heritage... - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By Johnny Kakes - June 2 - 5:13 pm

  This is my 3rd Navigator. I have had all three body styles now. Lincoln overall has given me the best ride and reliability. The service at my dealership is phenomenal also.