Due to its stylish appearance and abundance of luxury features, the Lincoln Navigator has become one of the most popular high-end sport utility vehicles on the market. Like most SUVs, the Navigator is versatile enough to perform a number of tasks, ranging from taking the kids to school to heading off the beaten path for a weekend camping trip. Unlike most other vehicles in the category, however, this SUV cleans up very well and is also a stylish and appropriate means of transportation for attending high-end restaurants, clubs, and other luxury venues.
The Navigator has been manufactured in three distinct generations. The first came with a four-speed automatic transmission, while second generation Navigators came with both four-speed and six-speed transmissions. The third and most... View more recent generation is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission. All three versions feature a powerful V8 engine capable of 310 horsepower and 365 foot-pounds of torque. The vehicle is very large and offers seating for up to eight people. The third row is spacious enough to comfortably seat adults, a rare feature in an SUV. Cargo space is also plentiful.
The Ford Motor Company first introduced the Lincoln Navigator in 1997. It was directly based on the Ford Expedition but was intended to provide consumers with a more luxurious option in the SUV category. With upscale luxury features inside and out, the Navigator did not disappoint. When the second generation was released in 2003, it came with a number of upgrades, including a completely redesigned interior, rack and pinion steering, and independent rear suspension. In 2006, the Navigator underwent even more changes, including a drastic redesign of the body, further changes to the interior, a standard rear-view camera, increased horsepower, and flex-fuel capability. Heated second row seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and Park Assist also became standard features.
Lincoln currently offers that Navigator in two trim packages: the base Navigator and the Navigator L. Both versions are packed with luxury features and advanced safety equipment, and are capable of up to 20 miles per gallon on the highway. Both come standard with Lincoln SYNC, Sirius TravelLink, and HD Radio. In fact, the primary difference between the Navigator and the Navigator L is the inclusion of a cargo management system. Since there is so little difference between the two models, many shoppers choose to save some money by purchasing the base Navigator model.
The Lincoln Navigator has been in production for more than a decade, and during that time, it has received numerous awards. In 2009, the Navigator won the AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Award;" and it has consistently received top ratings in terms of safety and customer satisfaction. View less
