New 2008 Lincoln Navigator [ 2009 , 2007 ]
Lincoln Navigator - What the Auto Press Says
The Navigator delivers a large presence, acceptable styling, competitive safety features, and a spacious cabin. However, it still can't match the performance and styling of others in its class and ranks near the bottom.
The Lincoln Navigator was substantially freshened for the 2008 model year. The Navigator earns praise for its styling and space, but ultimately ranks near the bottom of its class due to its lackluster performance. Though many test drivers ironically see the Navigator as difficult to navigate due to its large size, the Detroit News asserts: "Lincoln didn't really intend the Navigator L to be a beast of burden. Rather, it's aimed at big suburban families with loads of money and no desire to be seen in a minivan."
The Navigator is available in a base trim and a long-wheelbase L trim, and comes in either two- or four-wheel drive.
- "When you have a load to carry or tow, with the possibility of driving on a soft, sandy beach for some surf fishing, nothing quite cuts it like a Navigator or others of its ilk." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- "[I]f you want versatility, usable cargo space (which is the reason most people buy an SUV in the first place) and supreme comfort, then put on your sunglasses and meet the Lincoln Navigator..." -- The Family Car
- "Some will find Navigator bland. Those who regularly transport lots of passengers and stuff, and those who tow heavy loads, should find it worthy." -- New Car Test Drive
Navigator Performance - 6.9 (Mediocre)
The Navigator lacks power and has less competitive braking performance than its rivals and ranks near the bottom of its class. "Bottom line, the Navigator rides comfortably and handles competently in nearly every situation," says New Car Test Drive. "Just don't try to get racy. This vehicle amounts to a lot of mass to move, and in quick, hard, left-right turns, all that weight wants to sway in the direction opposite of your choosing." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn about the optional Heavy Duty Trail Tow Package. continue
Navigator Exterior - 6.7 (Mediocre)
The Navigator's 1961 Lincoln Continental-inspired front end does little to help its low score for exterior styling. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says, "Compared to the original, the second-generation Navigator has more formal styling, sort of like a tuxedo versus a sport coat and chinos, although the big, new grille exudes a hint of excessive bling." Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn why reviewers don't like the SUV's new grille, or check out our Lincoln Navigator Photo Gallery to see it for yourself. continue
Navigator Interior - 7.8 (Good)
Reviewers praise the 2008 Navigator for having a spacious and comfortable interior, superior cargo room and a long list of modern standard features. Nevertheless, this seven- or eight-seater's retro-style dash and quality of materials leave some test-drivers begging for more -- and its interior ranks in the bottom half of the class. "The gauge package is the weak link in the Navigator's interior," says New Car Test Drive. "The dials look straight out of the 1960s, with black script on white background and white lighting. They're not as crisp as some other, more contemporary schemes." Continue with our Interior Review to learn why reviewers praise the third-row seat's accessibility, or check out our Lincoln Navigator interior photos. continue
Navigator Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
Despite a limited rearward view, the Lincoln Navigator's competitive combination of standard accident avoidance and crash protection features makes it a strong contender in its class. In fact, the federal government awards it a top score of five stars for frontal crash protection as well as four out of five stars for rollover rating in 4x4 trims. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn about the Navigator's standard safety equipment. continue
Navigator Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Lincoln Navigator reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Navigator comes with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn about the Navigator's powertrain coverage. continue
