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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  Hmm? New minivan or used gator - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By Family Truckster - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Wow... Whole family loves this ride. Kids talked us into it (well, not much talking was needed) after testing the Surburban, Excursion and Yukon. No contest. I dont understand why anyone would buy a new one, but the used ones are finally affordable without the risk of massive depreciation when you drive it off the lot. The gas mileage is exceptable for what you get in return, and I rated it with that in mind. A well maintained used gator is worth a look before you rush out to buy a new mini van or suv, especially if you are concerned about getting the max vehicle for your hard earned $.

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  WELL WORTH PRICE - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By hobbyhead - October 31 - 10:00 am

  A real pleasure to drive.Handles well not to bad on gas and as yet not one problem.The dealer I use has a great service dept. free oil changes and very little wait.I love the style nobody else comes close to the classic good looks.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Owned - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Gary747 - October 24 - 11:46 pm

  Very comfortable to travel in, and definately noticed when on the road. Like it or not, people sometimes DO judge you by what you drive. Sound system, remote folding mirrors, retractable running boards, air- conditioned front seats and electric tailgate all get comments. The third row seating is adult sized, and the electric folding seat option is worth having. With judicious driving I get 18 mpg without much effort, but average 15 mpg. There is a big difference between city driving and cruising with this car. Ive maxed 21.7 mpg on one perfect trip to LA.

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  Liked the 03, but love the 06 - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Ken - October 24 - 8:30 am

  I had an 03 and thought that was a good truck, but the 06 drives much better. They improved steering, transmission and the engine.

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  my thoughts - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By sunsational - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my new navigator. I recently traded in a 98 for a 2004 and they are the same but better. The dash is easy to read and the trip computer is far easier to set with the new version. My only complaint is the location on the steering wheel of the radio controls. I seem to often touch the media button and have to then reset my CD player back to what I was listening to. The power lift gate and running boards are supper cool and I like the moon roof.

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  linclon - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By momo16 - October 16 - 12:58 am

  the car has a lot of problems.the first one is the engine coils have to be replaced on a regular basis,the air suspention goes bad,most electical accessories go bad the car is a ticking time bomb.

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  7 passengers at 70 mph and 17 mpg - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By TEichman - October 1 - 7:23 pm

  Exceptional family road yacht with power to pull through heavy mountains

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  FROM FLORIDA . . . - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By LS - September 24 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT RIDE ON LONG DRIVES; NEED ONLY STOP FOR GAS YET ARRIVE REFRESHED. AIR CONDITIONED / HEATED SEATS ARE THE BEST.

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  Whats next for the naviF - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By Ellison-Murrell - September 13 - 7:03 pm

  For the most part its been great a few ups and downs but we made it through

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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.