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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  We love our 2010 Navigator - 2010 Lincoln Navigator
  By ander580 - May 20 - 5:56 pm

  We needed an SUV to replace our minivan. We considered the Infiniti QX56, Yukon Denali, and Ford Expedition. We bought the Navigator because it had every feature we wanted, including fold flat seats, front and rear parking sensors, air conditioned seats, and roomy third row seat. The ownership experience to date has been fabulous. This is definitely the best vehicle weve had. It tows our boat well and the cabin is a quiet comfort zone. My wife and I both want to drive it - thats the only problem so far.

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  Excellent SUV - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By freestyle77 - May 15 - 3:26 am

  Great SUV

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  Smooth SUV! - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By gteach26 - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Having switched from the old Navigator to the new one, this puppy is NICE! The interior is as nice as anything else out there. I have an ultimate with all the toys. Fold flat third row is the best feature. Power liftgate comes in very handy. This SUV also drives very smooth and tight. Lincoln service is on par with anything else in the industry, and you cannot beat complimentary service stops!

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  Awsome Vehicle - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By green2027 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the new Navigator on my first test drive in August of 2002. My wife began saw it at a car show in February 2003 an she had to have it. The truck is loaded to the gills. I believe my 2 year old loves it more than any of us. This is a truck everyone should have.

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  Amazing performer - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By nvbanker - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck because the interior was so striking, and the features (power liftgate, running boards, power folding 3rd row seats, air conditioned seats, independent rear suspension etc.) werent available on the competition. Ive been very satisfied with it, but recently had it on my annual weeklong off road camping tour and really came to love the truck. Really solid truck and a fabulous performer off road.

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  Super SUV - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By K Foster - April 27 - 2:20 pm

  This is my second Navigator. I currently own two Mustangs as well. I have driven many suvs and luxury cars. This Navigator is by far the nicest vehicle I have ever riden in or driven. The comfort of the seats have no equal. I do wish it had a touch more low end torque to move out a little better without mashing the gas so much. It is thirsty and has a much larger blind spot than my 99 Nav did. Biggest problem with buying a Navigator is the price and the fact that if you get one, that is all you will ever be satisfied with. It is that far ahead. I have the black interior with silver exterior. Others considered were the Lexus and Expedition and lastly Escalade.

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  Hard for this one to disappoint - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Ryan - April 16 - 11:10 pm

  Just bought this about a month ago and have driven it about 1000 miles so far. Its a pleasure to drive and really is luxurious. My wife bought a new Lexus Rx330 last year, so I have been comparing both. On the whole, I like the Navigator better because of its size, but there are a few luxury items that the Lexus has that would be nice to have on the Navigator. Overall, I love this new Navigator, and Im glad I chose it over the Escalade. My friend has an Escalade that Ive driven, and I had serious reservations about some of its features. For my money, the Navigator is the best luxury full-size SUV out there, and nearly everyone I know really talks about how great it looks.

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  Overall Overview - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By Pynna - April 15 - 10:00 am

  We had purchased a used 98 navigator and so far it drives so much fun. It takes off and have a lot of power. The downsides were the labor cost of this vehicle.

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  Second time around - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By nvbanker - April 5 - 10:00 am

  My first Navigator was a 99. After 5 totally trouble free years and 65,000 miles, I had to have the new 03 with the schnazzy interior. This truck is a much nicer design, with the 4 wheel independent suspension, the power folding flat 3rd row seats, and the unique interior. Its not as bulletproof as the 99 was for total trouble free ownership, but all the little glitches are minor, not functional. The 04s are a bit better I hear. I am very satisfied still, and havent seen anything Id rather have for the money, or size, yet.

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  Steves Navigator review - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Steven Merrell - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Navigator and it is the best I have had. The ride is better than ever with independent supention in the rear. Style is better this year. It could use more power though.