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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  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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  MPG - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By edgar - July 23 - 7:33 pm

  My 2005 Lincoln navigator mpg Gauge is going down. When I bought it was reading 13.2 then 12.9 now is reading 12.8. I would like to hear from some one if this is normal or something is wrong.

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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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  Navigator - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By reltd - July 15 - 2:03 am

  Looked at Eddie Bauer, Expedition, Navigator, and Escalade. Liked the price of Expedition, but the luxury of the two other vehicles. Did not like the fact that the back seat did not lie flat in the Escalade. Was able to get a great deal on Navigator (less then wholesale). Purchased. If I had to do it again, I might not. I might go with the Expedition or Escalade. Im a little disappointed with Navigator. Interior trim work is not quality for the money. The gas mileage is low, not a surprise 13/17, but the need for premium gas was. The air-suspension ride is smooth, but not sure if it outweighs other drawbacks.

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  My Green Gator - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By John T. Holt - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Fuel economy response to outside air temperature change and road conditions is very pronounced. I have gotten as much as 20 mpg on flat road at 60 mph, 60 deg outside temperature. Increase in speed to 70 mph will decrease consumption by 2 mpg or more. City driving economy is as shown on sticker, 13 mpg under most condidions. Rear electric fold down seat in newer models was too long coming. Removing the rear bench can be a real pain, impossible for man or woman of even slightly less strength or stature, but no space for groceries or personal items with seat in place.

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  naughtynavigator - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By ottogrotto - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Little things like auto lights w/ wipers on and more contoured seats which i had in my jeep for 1/2 the price would be nice. In addition side view mirrors should be auto when in park at drivers choice. On the other hand cruising the highway is a limo comfort style ride and the DVD GPS voice recognition system is state of the art.

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  Nothing but Problems!! - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Bear - July 1 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle has 2300 mile on it and has been in the shop for a total 25 days (4 visits). Electrical problems with tailgate, running boards, ignition, moonroof and remote entry locks. Significant amount noise (wind & road) created by moonroof and rear windows. Lincoln has not been ablt to correct the problems. Will probably have to arbitrate under the "Lemon Law"

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  Don’t be Shocked - 2016 Lincoln Navigator
  By Chris Eickhorst - July 1 - 2:20 am

  We purchased a 2016 certified Navigator as we are now retired and planned on making many road trips. We now have 57,000 miles on it with nearly 30,000 of those miles being highway driven. We loaded the SUV down and took a trip from Florida to Yellowstone to California. We were impressed with the fuel economy for such a heavy SUV, averaging around 18-19 highway MPG. Very comfortable ride, superior performance and handling. We were disappointed in oral commands to the navigation and so when choosing a new destination you have to be at a stop. 2017 model has a very much improved command center. Recently we were told we needed new shocks ($1700.00 from the dealership) new brakes and now new calipers. We are 7,000 out of warranty so now on our own for over $2500 in repairs on this SUV. We called Lincoln Support and too bad so sad nothing they can do. Really? Not even discounted parts? Very disappointed in their ability to help out. The shocks were probably bad within the warranty period but it was never mentioned to me even though the dealership completed their multi point inspection. Dealership parts department was not at all surprised at our order of new shocks apparently they’ve sold a lot of them. Our mechanic was shocked at the amount of repairs needed on such a new vehicle as were we. Heck, the bolts weren’t even rusted on the parts removed!

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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.