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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  classiest luxury suv - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By hollywoodsuv - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This suv is hands down the best.........all around. Drove from kentucky to California with 2 100 pd dogs, 2 kids, and a uhaul...would not have survived in any other vehicle. Love the captains chairs, tv, playstation, smoothride, complete power the whole way..felt like flying first class. The gas milege isnt the best but well worth it for all the bonuss this suv has. A++++ couldnt have chosen a classier suv

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  A Great Luxury SUV. - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By L QJack - March 17 - 10:00 am

  The Navigator is the finest luxury SUV I have driven; the ride is exceptional and the driving experience is wonderful. I was going to buy an Escalade, that is until I drove the Navigator. The Ultimate series has it all. Lincoln must be doing something right to greatly improve this vehicle from the earlier model years. All-be-it one mans opinion.

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  WHAT I FEEL ABOUT MY LINCOLN - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By DIRTYRED - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I THINK FORD MOTOR COMPANY DID AN EXCELLENT JOB ON THIS CAR AND I THINK ITS LIGHT YEARS AHEAD OF THE PREVIOUS VERSION.

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  New to the Lincoln Brand - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Miami Vice - March 17 - 9:56 am

  My wife and I just leased a Navigator and so far we are thrilled. We looked at Acura, Infiniti, Nissan, Lexus, and Mercedes. The Lincoln makes you feel "PIMP" It is very comfortable and the interior is very well layed out. I never thought I would drive a Lincoln, but I am very happy I decided to go with the Navigator. So far so good.

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  2007 Navigator Elite - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By business owner - March 17 - 8:26 am

  I love this truck it has a lot of power. Traded in my Safari for this huge difference. It’s the ultimate SUV. It has power towing and room and comfort. I get about 13.8 in the city and 19.4 on the highway. Better then my Safari which got 12.5mpg and had a Durango Hemi that gave 7.2mpg that was insane. The interior feels like a luxury sedan. Drives like a car. Lots of legroom in the third row. Im 6-2" and I just sit fine. My family loves this SUV.

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  Great Ride! - 2017 Lincoln Navigator
  By K.F. Chow - March 6 - 12:09 am

  The last time bought a Lincoln was in 1977. Through the years all cars have improved in maintenance and ride comfort. Before purchasing this Navigator, I have driven 2 Tahoes for 21 years. My first drive in this new Navigator I notice the quietness of the interior cabin. The ride is very smooth. I am also surprised by the turbocharged engine. The acceleration is smooth and quick. Confidence builder! The only think I felt lacking is the instrument panel. It is on the small side. The font size of wording is too small for my eyes to read quickly. The pinkish lighting color on the word just makes it even harder to read. Other than that I am very happy with the purchase.

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  Great for a Lincoln - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By D Waters - March 1 - 9:03 am

  The Navigator is a hit with us, but now Mercedes and GM are making more economic and Luxurious SUVs, so Lincoln needs to stay int the game. The car is really noisy and (OBVIOUSLY) its a real pain in the neck to fill it up at the pump. Its very comfortable and the third row is actually quite spacious. Overall, if youre someone who wants a luxury full size SUV, I might recommend the Audi Q7 or M-Benz GL450 a tad bit more, but if you need to haul a lot(I mean A LOT!), Id recoomend this car a tad bit more than the GL, Q7, or Escalade (just a tad, because the design of both the exterior and interior isnt as elegant as the Mercedes or Audi).

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  Power and style - 2002 Lincoln Navigator
  By justbe - February 25 - 10:00 am

  Navigator is comfortable to ride in for reasons beyond its leather seats and lots of room. A rear load-leveling suspension adjusts the height of the vehicle according to cargo weight to assist in handling performance, while long wheel base help to provide a stable, cushioned ride. Its also easier to drive than it looks, thanks to a short turning radius, and variable assist power steering. Very comfortable; tons of space; lots of extras; handsome design. The class of the American SUVs. The best part is I paid $39,900 brand new.

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  if you cant afford the gas dont buy it ! - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By steve - February 24 - 7:30 am

  This SUV rides like nothing else on the road a true driving experience the thx radio is like nothing I have ever listen to comfort style lots of room I keep hearing gas mileage if you cant afford the gas then you cant afford the Navigator just dont buy it and I keep seeing comparisons to the Escalade they say it has more power there is plenty of power in the Navigator and the Navigator has more room inside and has a much more elegant look on the road.

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  try THIS ONE & be a proud owner - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By honesto - February 13 - 2:00 am

  winter storm was so terrible on this mountainous part of new jersey where all vehicles just gave up what they are supposed to do. but THIS ONE just kept on going and going and going and going.they say its a guzzler? hey if you can afford this baby you can afford gas.