2008 Lincoln Navigator Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Lincoln Navigator gets a revised model lineup following its 2007 revamp. This premium large SUV is a dressed up version of Ford's Expedition and comes in standard-length models and the 15-inch-longer Navigator L. Both versions seat up to eight. Only a single trim level of each body style is offered; the Luxury and Ultimate models have been discontinued. The sole powertrain is a 300-hp 5.4-liter V8 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 8950 lb. All Navigators offer rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Standard are leather upholstery and wood interior trim. Newly standard are a power liftgate and heated/cooled front seats. Options include a navigation system and DVD entertainment. Navigator's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Expeditions.

Competition

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Typically based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium Large SUVs are super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.

Our Best Buy is the Cadillac Escalade. Our Recommended picks are the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus LX 570 and Toyota Land Cruiser.

News

A more-potent 6.2-liter "Hurricane" V8 was planned for the '07 Navigator and Ford Expedition, but has been delayed by Ford Motor's current cash crunch. Sources now say the new engine won't be available until model-year '08 at the earliest. The Hurricane is said to be Ford's answer to GM's largest SUV V8s and Chrysler Group's Hemi.

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2008 Lincoln Navigator Road Test

Pros	Cons

Quietness	Fuel economy

Rear-seat room/comfort	Interior details

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

4WD w/Elite Pkg.	4WD L w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	5.8

This Lincoln is not as muscular as rival Cadillac Escalade. It is still up to the task in any situation, abetted by an adept 6-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy

4WD w/Elite Pkg.	4WD L w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
1	1	2.2

In Consumer Guide testing, a 4WD L returned just 12.5 mpg, low even for this class. On the plus side, Navigator uses regular-grade gas. Note that 4WD models are too heavy to be rated in the EPA fuel economy program.

Ride Quality

4WD w/Elite Pkg.	4WD L w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	6.4

Navigator's sheer size and weight tame most surface imperfections. Float and wallow nonexistent. It's stable on wavy pavement, too.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD w/Elite Pkg.	4WD L w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
4	4	4.2

Accurate, slop-free steering feel and a relatively taut suspension combine for confident cornering for a large truck. There's relatively little body lean in turns. A test of the similar extended-length Expedition shows longer versions of these SUV give up little maneuverability to regular-length models except in tight spaces. Braking is strong, but fast stops induce lots of nosedive.

Quietness

4WD w/Elite Pkg.	4WD L w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
7	7	6.8

Impressively low noise levels. One test Navigator suffered from notable wind noise at highway speeds. The engine is vocal only in rapid acceleration.

Controls

4WD w/Elite Pkg.	4WD L w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
5	5	6

Navigator strays from Expedition's large, clear presentation of gauges with a retro design of smaller, fussier, and harder-to-read shapes. The dashboard otherwise shares the Ford's straight forward arrangement of controls. The navigation system combines pushbutton and touch screen operation, governs too many audio functions, and loses legibility in many sunlight conditions.

Details

4WD w/Elite Pkg.	4WD L w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	7.6

Luxuriously soft leather upholstery and real-wood interior trim are standard. The premium ambiance is let down by low-budget switchgear feel, painted plastic panels, and a few too many unpadded surfaces. Kudos to Lincoln for making a rearview camera available, but it's unfortunately part of a pricey option package.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD w/Elite Pkg.	4WD L w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
9	9	8.6

No shortage of room in any direction. The seats are generously sized and very supportive. The steering wheel is not telescopic, but it has power tilt. Standard power-adjustable pedals help situate the driver well. High step-in is a negative partially addressed by the available power running boards. Visibility is hampered by thick roof pillars and rear headrests.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD w/Elite Pkg.	4WD L w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
8	8	7.1

No opportunity to test with a 2nd-row bench seat. The buckets are too low to the floor and are a bit narrow for optimal comfort. The high step-in complicates entry and exit for smaller passengers. The buckets fold forward for good access to one of the best 3rd-row accommodations among SUVs. The seatback could use more angle, but two adults are surprisingly comfortable thanks to a chair-height bench and good headroom and foot space.

Cargo Room

4WD w/Elite Pkg.	4WD L w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
10	10	8.5

The 2nd- and 3rd-row seatbacks fold flat into the floor, creating a vast storage area. The available power-folding 3rd row is a terrific feature, saves awkward stretching. A big glovebox, large center console, and sizable door pockets furnish abundant small-item storage.

Value within Class

4WD w/Elite Pkg.	4WD L w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	5.4

Navigator is overshadowed by the more glamorous Cadillac Escalade, which has more power and more luxurious interior appointments. The Lincoln holds an edge over the 'Slade in some important measures. It costs less comparably equipped, has arguably better steering and handling, friendlier cargo management, and vastly superior 3rd-row seating. Navigator's real rival is the Ford Expedition upon which it's based. Except for nameplate status, Expedition delivers everything this Lincoln does, all at a lower price.

Total Score

4WD w/Elite Pkg.	4WD L w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
68	68	68.6

Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		55
Average Score		68
High Score		80

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2008 Lincoln Navigator Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 03/26/2008

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD Base 4-door wagon	$48,745	$44,956	$925

4WD Base 4-door wagon	$51,645	$47,566	$925

2WD L 4-door wagon	$51,745	$47,681	$925

4WD L 4-door wagon	$54,645	$50,291	$925

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base/L

Powertrain

5.4-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls and rear controls, power tilt wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 7-passenger seating w/quad bucket seats, heated/cooled 10-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, steering wheel, pedals, mirrors), front floor console, 2nd-row floor console, 3rd-row power-stowable split folding bench seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn-signal lights and tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, THX AM/FM/radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, rear radio controls, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, conversation mirror, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic parking-brake release, power liftgate, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats, 12-inch longer wheel base (L).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, power-deployable running boards (L), xenon headlights, rear privacy glass, fog lights, roof rack, running boards, front tow hooks.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Class III trailer hitch, 4-pin connector, skid plates, full-size spare tire, 255/70R18 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, locking center differential.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Elite Pkg.
Base	$5,460	$4,586
L	$4,460	$3,746
Navigation system w/voice recognition, rearview camera, DVD entertainment system, power sunroof, power-deployable running boards (Base).

Limited Edition Pkg.
Base/L	$995	$836
Unique exterior trim, color-keyed body cladding and grille.

Trailer Tow Pkg.
Base/L	$595	$500
Heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling, heavy-duty flasher, wiring harness, trailer-hitch receiver, load-leveling suspension.

Comfort and Convenience Features
DVD entertainment system
Base/L	$1,295	$1,088


Power sunroof
Base/L	$995	$836


Upgraded leather upholstery
Base/L	$375	$316


8-passenger seating
Base/L	$0	$0
2nd-row 3-passenger split bench seat.

2nd-row console delete
Base/L	$0	$0


Remote engine start
Base/L	$455	$384


Rubber floormats
Base/L	$55	$46


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Power-deployable running boards
Base	$1,095	$920


Chrome hood accent
Base/L	$75	$64
NA w/Limited Edition Pkg.

Special paint
Base/L	$495	$416


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome alloy wheels
Base/L	$1,495	$1,256
Includes 275/55R20 tires.

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2008 Lincoln Navigator Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Lincoln Navigator 4-door wagon	Lincoln Navigator L 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	119.0	131.0

Overall Length, in.	208.4	223.3

Overall Width, in.	78.8	78.8

Overall Height, in.	78.3	78.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	6070	6221

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	103.5	128.2

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	28.0	33.5

Seating Capacity	8	8

Front Head Room, in.	39.6	39.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.1	41.1

Rear Head Room, in.	39.7	39.7

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	39.1	39.1

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	5.4 /330

Horsepower @ rpm.	300 @ 5000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	365 @ 3750

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed automatic	NA/NA

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Lincoln Navigator 4-door wagon	Lincoln Navigator L 4-door wagon

4WD Rollover	4	4

Front Impact, Driver	5	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5	5

Rollover Resistance	3	3

Side Impact, Driver	5	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	6/70,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	6/70,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	1/12,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: Lincoln Navigator
Trim Level: Base/L
Arrival Date: 02/14/2008
Engine: sohc V8
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: Yes
Base Price: $53,655
Price as Tested: $62,650
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 4846
Mileage at End of Test: 5552
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 41.2 gals.

Major Options: White Chocolate Tri-Coat, Elite Package (Power Moonroof, Rear View Camera, Navigation Radio w/THX Audio, Rear Seat Entertainment System), Rubber Floor Mats, Heavy Duty Trailer Tow, 20 in. Chrome Plated Aluminum Wheels, Monochrome Limited Edition Package

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 12.48 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Lynne Richman The combination of ride quality and towing capacity is ideal for hauling an enclosed trailer, but the cost of $62,650 is more than other large SUVs with comparable capabilities. Still, you could justify the cost if you were going to use it for this purpose, but it's impractical as an every-day drive vehicle, especially if you live in the city.

Tom Appel I like the big Caddy Escalade and GMC Yukon Denali better than Navigator, but this big Lincoln has its charms. Though down on power compared to the GM trucks, Navigator offers better handling and vastly more user-friendly cargo and third-row passenger accommodations.

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Also in the 2008 Lincoln Navigator Review:

Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln Navigator Road Test

Lincoln Navigator Prices & Equipment

Lincoln Navigator Specs & Safety

Lincoln Navigator Photos

Lincoln Navigator Full Review

Lincoln Navigator New Car Quote