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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  Navigator - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By elmview - June 17 - 1:16 am

  I just got my new Navigator and find that is nice improvement over the previous model. It has almost all the features that I was looking for. the exterior styling looks fresh.

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  Satisfied Owner of several Navs - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By jack - June 12 - 8:13 am

  This third Nav I have owned. Very satisfied with this and other Navs. Fuel economy is only fair with an Avg. 14.2 MPG.Very good dealer support with few required service items. Dealer has "tires for life" program and recently replaced 4 Mich. tires for Fl tax and labor only. Only feature I did not like, the elec. window controls in center console, has been relocated to door for 07.

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  Our Navigator - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By Randys Wife - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I am not a car fiend, but I love this vehicle. My husband bought it for me for Christmas, and now I look for an excuse to drive. It handles very well, and is super comfortable.

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  AWESOME SUV - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Rick - June 7 - 10:06 am

  Drove many different SUVs, ranging from Lexus 470 to Expedtion. This by far was the best SUV.

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  Luv my Nav!! - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By 3houndz - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the most luxurious SUV ever! It has exceeded all my expectations. I was one of the first to own the Ultimate in my area, Ive had it now almost a year. I still enjoy the looks it brings. Never had one problem with it. Everyone should be so lucky!

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  Nothing but problems! - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By LaceyP - May 21 - 5:23 am

  I would NEVER buy another Navigator. I have had nothing but problems with mine. The air suspension went out and is NOT cheap to fix. Also Ive had transmission problems. Something in the transmission gets too hot and causes the seal to break and the transmission fluid to leak so transmission had to be rebuilt. The only positive thing about this vehicle is the room and seating but unfortunately I cant keep it running long enough to even enjoy that. If you have a ton of money to fix on ongoing repairs then this car is for you! These vehicles are bad for their suspension and transmission problems...I wish I would have known this before I wasted money buying mine.

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  2007 Lincoln Navigator - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By david j janich - May 17 - 3:36 am

  outstanding refinement. very smooth and quiet. if they offered a higher powered option i would have ordered it. after trying a couple of the competitors, i went for the Lincoln and besides it is an American vehicle so the profits stay in our country.

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  PRACTICAL, SAFE, COMFORTABLE, AND FUN! - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Ted Bliss - May 12 - 12:10 pm

  I spent many months checking out various vehicles before deciding on the Lincoln Navigator. Starting with no limitations on price, make or manufacturer, I initially ruled out many vehicles that did not meet my basic criteria, then proceeded to rank the remaining vehicles on a basis of safety, practicality, comfort, and lastly the "fun" factor. My basic criteria:- minimum seating capacity of 7 or 8, to accomodate family and friends- 4 wheel or all wheel drive available, to visit my in-laws- available safety, comfort and convenience features for long trips The Navigator met or exceeded these basic "requirements" and did it in style. My favorite features are listed in the next section.

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  LEMON!!! - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By Zibby - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This truck was nothing but problems for me. The airsupension went out at 25000 miles. The rear-end was replace at 32000 miles, but the dealer that I took it to still hasnt fixed the transmission problem. I took it 4 times, they said I needed new tires. The check engine light went on, spark and coil failure. I tried to contact Ford Motor company, but got now response at all.

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  Traded 14 ESV for the L and loving it! - 2015 Lincoln Navigator
  By Phil Calendine - April 30 - 11:12 am

  Yes, we had a brand new 2014 Cadillac ESV Platinum. It was really crap. Transmission issues, electrical issues, upgraded seats were horrible, very uncomfortable. Ride was very poor compared to our previous air suspension 2003 ESV. Engine under powered. Vented seats sounded like a jet landing in the car. Heated/cooled cup holder worked great for the two minutes before it turned itself off. Remote start worked great as far away as five feet. 2015 Cadillac is just plain ugly and "fold flat" seats simply sit up on floor of car...wife literally couldnt reach into car without hitting the bumper. Thats not gonna work in Ohio winters. So we decided to cut our losses and try the Navigator-L. Got a fantastic deal on the outgoing 2015 which is essentially same as the new 2016. I did like the general appearance of the ESV platinum interior better, but the functionality of the Nav over the 14 or 16 ESV is way, way better. The entertainment/nav is infinitely easier and more intuitive than the grossly antiquated non Vue system we had in the 14, and I feel much better than the Vue system in the latest Caddy. Unlike the Vue, Lincoln maintains hard buttons where it makes it easier to use (volume, tuning, HVAC, etc) but still integrates those into its Sync system. The iPhone works seamlessly and intuitively. The old Nav had a grossly underpowered engine. The new ecoboost turbo rectifies that, and easily outperforms the 14 or 16 ESV. In addition, this smart 6 cylinder gets about 15% better gas mileage, which, comcined with the 33 gal tank vs 28 on the ESV, and you can go way further. The brakes are also much improved, and better compared to Caddy. The ride (we have the upgraded Reserve edition with comparable air suspension) has 3 very useful and noticeably different ride selections. The Sport setting is great around town, resulting in a very stable, nearly sway free ride. Hit the highway and select comfort and the road bumps are nearly unnoticeable. The ESV did neither. The back of the L has much easier to use auto down third row, which, by the way is 40/60 split, which means you can actually sit someone in the middle of the back row. Caddy 50/50 split resulted in our huge ESV being reduced functionally to a six passenger! Who wants to sit in a crack? So overall, from my perspective, the 15 or 16 Nav L is an easy winner over Caddy, which gives the feel of an over confident underachiever.