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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  Very Frustrated - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Cinnamons - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for 4 months and it has been in the shop 7 times for various different things. This has been and extremely frustrating. I love my car I just wish it didnt have so many problems.

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  Lindsey Family Review - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By John C Lindsey - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome vehicle- we looked at Escallade and the Navigator puts it to shame on interior comfort. Exterior appeal is about equal on both, but there is no comparison on the interior superiority of the Navigator. Performance of the Lincoln is just a tiny bit less, but is so much more than you need, the difference is not important. Very nice engine performance.

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  Better Than Expected - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
  By David - August 15 - 2:56 pm

  This is our 2nd version of the Navigator. Our previous was a 2004 and this model is definitely improved. We have a 2007 Escalade as well and except for the larger rear view camera and more powerful engine on the Escalade, the Navigator beats it in all other areas.

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  Best SUV - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By Marti - August 11 - 10:00 am

  The Lincoln Navigator is by far the most superb vehicle I have ever owned or driven.

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  Our SUV - 2002 Lincoln Navigator
  By Shell - July 13 - 5:53 pm

  Bought my navigator in Sept 2004 .. Was worried with the higher miles from Atlanta driving but soon feel in love.. Now with 61.000 miles on it and every option that lincoln offered in 2002 its a dream suv for my family trips. We have 6 in our family and when 1 vehical can keep 4 teenagers happy .. I would say its near perfect. HAd one blow out and replaced one 17in rim.. That was the only thing i have done with the exception of normal oil changes ect.. I do wish it had more pep when you hit the gas.. I expected to pay high prices for gas when i purchased it so that done bother me.. Love the stereo system and all the extras.. Base price on my Navigator was over 51.000..

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  Awesome - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By gynrat - July 5 - 1:16 pm

  So far this vehicle is everything and more in some ways than i hoped for. The ride and comfort of it is amazing. the only negative i have this far would be fuel milage, but when you buy an SUV you can only expect so so milage anyway. i also must say i get as many looks and compliments on my lincoln as any car i have driven, and i have driven many.

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  The one to buy. - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By keith foster - July 2 - 2:13 pm

  My second. Put well over 100K miles on my 99 Nav. It would be nice to have a few more ponies and mileage, but that could be said of most all vehicles. Interior is on mine is black, exterior is silver. Best looking and best finished of any SUV as far as I am concerned. Handling in wet and around sweeping turns above 70mph is very good even though mine is 2wd. Braking is excellent, but with stock pads dust is horrible. You wont be disappointed with the luxury. Service at local dealer is biggest complaint. One small problem becomes many problems after they get done. Selling dealer did a great job, but to far to take it to them for service. I would buy it.

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  Worth the Wait - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Rayw - June 29 - 2:00 pm

  I have waited for a couple of years to finally get a navigator (divorce). It was worth the wait. The ride is amazing, the sound quality of the THX Certified stereo is great. The conveiences abound. I research many vehicles and tried out a number. None came close to the Navigators looks, room or ride.

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  Should Have Known no to buy another Ford - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By gjnockie - June 28 - 7:20 pm

  Should have known not to buy another Ford product. Every one I have had has been trouble. Its amazing that they still have any customers. So far in 7.000 mi. the front seats are falling apart, the windshield looks like it was installed by a 2 year old, the paint quality, interior fit and finish are a joke and the dealer just ordered a whole new rear end because it whines! Someone needs to explain to Ford that when a customer spends 50K plus for a Lincoln it needs to be built better than a Explorer! Why dont these guys get it? My advice is to buy Japanese... its a shame but they just do a much, much better job! I am going to sell this piece of junk soon and go back to Toyota.

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  Luxury SUV - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Dre G - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I truly enjoy driving my Navigator. It is more classic than the ghetto looking Escalade. The controls are easily accessible. The ride is very smooth, handles well for a vehicle that size.