The 2011 Lincoln Navigator is a flashy sport utility vehicle that is unquestionably noticeable in the road action. Like other luxury vehicles, the Navigator provides a smooth ride quality inside its lavish cabin that isolates you from the outside world in a heart warming way. It offers three-row seats and convenient cargo room that is perfect for any getaway. It also boasts several high tech features.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Luxury SUV | Base Price: $57,665.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 28 gallons (106 liters) | MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy |
| Length: 208.4 in. (529 cm) | Width: 78.8 in. (200 cm) |
| Height: 78.3 in. (198.8 cm) | Wheel Base: 119 in. (302 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 5818 lbs (2639 kg) | Ground Clearance: 9.2 in. (23 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 18.1 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 7 people |
| Engine: 5.4L 3-valve SOHC V8 | Compression Ratio: 9.8: 1 |
| Horsepower: 310 HP | Max RPM: 5100 RPM |
| Torque: 365 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| 0-60 mph: 8.1 seconds | Max Towing Capacity: 9000 lbs (4082 kgs) |
| Option:Navigator L | MSRP: $59,830; MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy |
Performance
The Navigator comes standard with a 5.4-liter, eight cylinder engine and the three-valve v8 engine is capable of generating up to 300 horsepower and 365 pound feet torque at 3750 revolutions per minute. The horsepower may sound satisfactory considering the bulky vehicle, but it still fall short compared to other comparable SUVs in its class. With regard to fuel efficiency, it is above average among other SUVs but is still not good if compared to smaller cars with similar engine power.
Apparently, the Navigator has nothing much to offer in the matter of engine advantage, however, a review says that it’s sheer size and weight tame most surface imperfections, and is stable on wavy pavements too. Amusingly, it is also capable of towing up to 9000 pounds.
Exterior & Interior
Now when we speak of its exterior, the Navigator’s façade undeniably demonstrates dominance in the road considering its size and its flamboyant form. Its best asset is Lincoln’s large signature grille, although the rest of the Navigator’s style might be ubiquitous in its category, it exudes a retro quality to its overall appearance.
The Navigator’s interior is where luxury abounds. It has a spacious cabin, accented with leather and wood, very comfortable, and with a long list of spectacular high technology features such as the Ford SYNC entertainment system with voice command, conveniently allowing you to use your cell phone and/or iPod without taking off your hands from the steering wheel, High Definition radio, CD player, USB jack and satellite radio, Bluetooth, heated seats excellent for cold weathers, parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, perimeter anti-theft alarm, surround speaker and other exciting features. Cargo space on the rear provides 18.1 cu. ft. extendable up to 103.3 cu. ft. when the second and third rows are folded.
Safety & Reliability
As to safety, the government crash tests awarded the Navigator a perfect five stars for both frontal and side impact occupant protection. The Navigator is equipped with Advance high technology Trac complete with Stability Control, the stability control sensors the Trailer Sway Control uses to detect and minimize a trailer’s likability to brush through certain circumstances, rear view camera as well as side-curtain air bags for all seat rows which not every car on its class offers.
It also has the Lincoln’s MyKey system which lets the owner customize the Navigator’s performance like in terms of limiting speed and stereo volume which can be saved. It is a handy system that may also serve as parental controls for parent owners who will share their Navigator with their teenage child driver. Taken as a whole, the Lincoln Navigator is considered as one of the safest bulky sport utility vehicle currently available on the market. It also has a high reliability rating.
The Competition
Other sport utility vehicles to consider are the Ford Expedition (MSRP $36,205; 14 city / 20 hwy), or the Cadillac Escalade (MSRP $63,455; 14 city / 18 hwy) which can be considered as its closes rival with better reviews.
There are also Infiniti QX56 (MSRP $58,700; 14 city / 20 hwy), Mercedes M Class (MSRP $46,490; 16 city / 20 hwy), and Lexus GX (MSRP $53,045; 15 city / 20 hwy), which are worth comparing to the Lincoln Navigator. But if you are really a fan of Lincoln, you may also want to check the Lincoln MKT for you to save yourself from paying some of the Navigator’s dinosaur abilities that you may not actually need. The 2011 Lincoln Navigator may be a little behind in its tough competition with the other competent rivals in the market of luxury SUVs, but it is definitely not a bad choice for the love of luxury.
Overall Rating
67 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2011 Lincoln Navigator is large and lavish, in a uniquely American way, though its powertrains are a step behind those of rival truck-based SUVs.”Car Connection
“Accurate, slop-free steering feel and a relatively taut suspension combine for confident cornering for a large truck. ”Consumer Guide
“The Navigator comes in standard and long versions, the latter 15 inches longer for increased cargo space. The V8 is sluggish and thirsty. The third-row seat is power operated, folds flat into the floor, and is as comfortable as the second-row seats. Three-row curtain air bags and ESC are standard.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“Feels underpowered when loaded down; chrome-heavy styling too flashy for some.”Edmunds
“If you’re looking for a big, roomy, highly capable hauler that’s as quiet, comfortable and civilized as most luxury sedans, you have two logical choices. The 2011 Lincoln Navigator competes well with its Cadillac counterpart in most ways and beats it in some.”KBB
