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:

• 

  Nothing larger or smoother for the dollar - 2012 Lincoln Navigator
  By Mo Blackwater - August 27 - 3:36 pm

  Versus the Cadillac, first you save $20K when optioned out off the dealers lot, thats quite a bit. Second, you can put the Lincoln in 2 wheel drive, giving you better gas mileage and a better ride. Third, you get an independent rear suspension, with the L, long wheel base, nothing rides smoother in this class, period. A Suburban rides like a base pick-up on a gravel road, my previous vehicle. Fourth, the seats dont need to be pulled out (third row). Not only are they roomier, the fold right into the floor. I am a large guy, the third seat is a pain to get out of a GM vehicle. My 5.4 drove over Colorado at 10K feet altitude with plenty of passing power. Love the truck @ 48,000 miles!

• 

  Amazingly better! - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By Tops Escalade - August 2 - 5:26 pm

  Purchased it last month. Since have put on almost 1,000 miles. Rides very nice and handles the road better than any escalade i have owned. The comfort and features are out of this world. Styling is different, but very static. Besides that its a Ford and they really took a big step up making this suv!

• 

  Nice Ride - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By Big D - July 4 - 10:00 am

  This is truly a great find with a few miles on it and in awesome condition! Was able to afford the luxory of a nice vehicle without the price! I look forward to driving it every day.

• 

  Personal Safety Rating Testimonial - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By Michael Summers - June 22 - 10:00 am

  An accident in front of our Lincoln Navigator forced us to come to a complete stop on the interstate. A girl rear ended our Navigator at 70mph. We were completely stopped and it pushed our truck forward the space of 2 parked cars. All 5 passengers in our vehicle walked away from this accident with no broken bones and only stiff necks and joints. This vehicle is more than a pretty ride. Its a steel bubble that saved my family from a potentially fatal accident. I highly reccomend the 1999 Lincoln NAVIGATOR not only for security, but as well as for style, class, and reliabilty. Two thumbs up to Lincoln on a job well built!

• 

  Im tough on it - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Wakeboarder - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I push my truck around alot because Im always hauling around 3K lbs of boat all the time. Ive had some problems. The chrome on the grill was flaking. The back chrome accent the screws started to pop through. The air compressor shocks went out, and the airbag light was coming on too. The silenoid went out.

• 

  best car ever!!! - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By bob587 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car i have ever owned! it is sooo luxurious and has so much space. the braking and handling are so good and feels very carlike. Acceleration is also excellent because i can get maximum torque at very low rpm.The transmission is also very impressive. Shifts are buttery smooth and i cant even detect them. The leather also feels like very high quality. The plastics in the car are also very soft. The stereo is also excellent.

• 

  Envy of the neighborhood! - 2002 Lincoln Navigator
  By runflat - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought Navigator 3 months ago...black with mono-chrome treatment. Beautiful vehicle with great ride. Wife is primary driver and she LOVES it! Got a fantastic deal since 2003 came out...$13,000 off sticker. Initial quality has been disapointing. In 90 days: horn quit working and an interior roof support beam came loose. Was unaware that vehicle requires premium fuel. On top of that, gets 12.1 MPG in city and only 15.5 HWY. Towed an Explorer on trailer with Navigator and did not even know it was there!

• 

  Worst Lincoln I ever owned - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Joe owner - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I hav had and continue to have electricial problems,front end problems,body noise problems. I have owned the car for 4 months and it has been in the shop for almost one month. I have put in a claim with Ford Motor company and will let you know what happens.I also have owned 7 previous Lincolns and never had a automobile so bad. Had car towed when allternator went our, got stopped by the police twice when tail lights were out. Rear tail gate does not always lock. Gas gauge sticks, wheels in front end vibrate steering wheel,hun now in front end.

• 

  baby boomer dream buggy needs more ... - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By wolf490730 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  vechical rides high and smooth .. a secure feeling

• 

  DREAM CAR - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By koolnavigator - April 28 - 2:00 am

  i traded in my 2002 cadillac escalade for this beauty. It has power, LUXURY,and space. so far ive had no problems and hope i dont get any,like my former escalade which had just way too many problems. handling is superb, body roll is at a minimum, acceleration is good, braking is good, and excellent towing capacity.