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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Lincoln Navigator L

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Lincoln Navigator L

Overview

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2011 Lincoln Navigator L Review

By KBB.com Editors

When Lincoln launched the original Navigator, it was America's first full-size luxury SUV. GM soon followed with the Cadillac Escalade, and has followed with much-improved second- and third-generation versions. As expected, the battle was resumed a few years later with the launch of the significantly improved Navigator and long-bodied Navigator L in 2007. Although this long-time rivalry still simmers, a number of new players have joined the game, including the Infiniti QX56, Mercedes GL 450 and Lexus LX 570. Though luxury SUV sales may not quite be where they used to, the Navigator still has much to offer those who need room for eight and/or a desire to tow heavy loads And the Navigator still has some clear advantages over the Escalade, namely the function and operation of its second- and third-row seats. Both rows fold flat into the floor, and the PowerFold feature flattens the back row at the touch of a button.

You'll Like This Car If...

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.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If your needs do not require a large, truck-based SUV (e.g. for heavy hauling and towing), or your tastes and budget don't lead you toward the high-buck luxury-end of this segment or you prefer something smaller and more fuel-efficient, you'll be happier with a car-based "crossover," such as the Lincoln MKT.

What's New for 2011

For 2011, Lincoln adds as standard its voice-activated navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link and HD Radio to the Navigator.

Driving the Navigator L

Driving Impressions This 2011 Lincoln Navigator boasts a stiff structure and fully independent front and rear suspensions. Monotube shocks all around improve the ride and enable more precise tuning, while a variable-boost...

power steering pump reduces low-speed effort and improves higher-speed feel and feedback. The Navigator is rock-solid yet surprisingly agile and comfortable on the road, even on rough surfaces. Performance is more than adequate, with appropriately large brakes to haul it down with authority and improved pedal feel thanks to a dual-bore master cylinder. The extra-long L version feels heavier (because it is), yet drives "smaller" than it looks. Both are uncannily quiet inside due to an acoustic windshield, thicker side glass and copious insulation throughout.

Favorite Features

Power Running Boards
This vehicle is tall enough that most folks will find running boards useful for climbing in and out. Standard power-deployable units present themselves when any side door is opened and retreat neatly out of sight when all doors are closed.

PowerFold Third-row Seats
Standard on all models is the handy 60/40 split-back third-row seat that folds flat into the floor at the touch of a button.

2011 Lincoln Navigator L Details

Interior

The Navigator's ultra-quiet, leather-lined cabin is divided by a "flow-through" center console that sweeps up into rectangular "eyebrows" that frame both sides of the dash. Night-time driving is aided by the visually stunning white LED lighting that permeates the dash, door panels and steering wheel controls. First and second-row seating offers good head and legroom, and the power folding third-row seats quickly convert the Navigator into a massive cargo barge in just seconds. Seating is soft but supportive and the fits, finishes and craftsmanship befit a fine luxury automobile and the gorgeous four-spoke leather and wood steering wheel includes audio, climate and cruise control buttons on its spokes.

Exterior

The 2011 Lincoln Navigator is about as big, bold and flashy as they come. It begins with a large retro (from the 1960s) cross-hatch Lincoln grille between huge high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps. Below it, the pattern is repeated in a second full-width grille with fog lamps near its corners, and you can order a big chrome hood cap above it. Chrome strips highlight the beltlines and wide chrome trim decorates the lower doors. Standard wheels are 18-inch machined aluminum, with chrome wheels optional. Lincoln sedan-like tail lamps similar to those on the MKZ wrap around the rear corners and well into the liftgate. Step-in height is noticeably high, as is the reach to gain roof access.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2011 Navigator's standard feature list is generous. Among the major items are automatic high-intensity discharge headlamps, leather-covered seats with 10-way front power adjustment and memory, PowerFold 60/40-split third-row seat that folds flat, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with rear controls, remote keyless entry with illuminated driver's-door keypad, power heated and folding outside mirrors, power-adjustable pedals, voice-activated navigation with SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Travel Link, HD Radio, power liftgate, heated and cooled front seats, heated second row seats, Front Park Assist, SYNC communication and entertainment system, THX II-certified audio with six-disc in-dash CD player and MP3 jack, Reverse Sensing System, power rear quarter windows, Rear View Camera, rain-sensing wipers, power retractable running boards and a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features include AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC), four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), Trailer Sway Control, dual-stage front air bags, seat-mounted side airbags and three-row side-curtain airbags with roll-over protection.

Optional Equipment

The Rapid Spec Package nets a power moonroof, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and the Limited Edition Package, which adds monochromatic accents, ebony wood interior trim and premium leather seats with black inserts and piping. Stand-alone options include a Class IV trailer towing package, rear seat entertainment system, remote start, power sunroof and chrome plated aluminum wheels.

Under the Hood

The 2011 Navigator is powered by a SOHC 5.4-liter V8 that delivers a smooth 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. The available four-wheel drive uses a two-speed transfer case with optional electronic shift-on-the-fly capability. In low range it shifts the engine's electronic throttle control to a special off-road calibration for more precise torque management in the worst conditions, such as climbing hills under slippery conditions.

5.4-liter V8
310 horsepower @ 5100 rpm
365 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (gasoline, 2WD), 9/13 (E85, 2WD), N/A (4WD)

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2011 Lincoln Navigator L Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 77 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.2/10

Best car we've ever had!

By Kefoss (MO) on Sunday, April 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "lots of room, plenty of cup holders & storage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We bought this as grandparents to hold multiple grandkids safely and its been perfect. It's easy to drive, even for folks our age. Kids love all the room on trips. Holds everything and even satisfied my husband's desire for a pick up truck. I love this car and will always buy a large SUV. We bought it with 17K miles as a certified used car and have had no repairs. I'd probably buy the darker interior next time though since the grandkids are a little hard on the camel interior."

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'08 Navigator Limited Elite

By Thomas R. (WA) on Sunday, April 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 73,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Amazing Ride, Well Equipped, & Reliable Luxury."

Cons: "None as of yet."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We purchased our 2008 Navigator used from its original owner with 60k miles on it. We now have 73k and have had it almost a year. We LOVE it!! From the styling, to the driving and handling, to the dependability, this vehicle is definitely a fun vehicle to own! I've owned 9 Mercedes, a BMW, A Tahoe, A Sequoia, 2 Volvo's, and 3 Honda's... This is by far my favorite! Recently looked at a new one and was amazed at how expensive they are new, but still considerably cheaper than the Escalade, Yukon, Lexus, or Mercedes GL Suv which definitely appeals to me. Ours came with Ford's 100k mile warranty which has been amazing. A few minor repairs which more than made the deductable worth the while. While reliable vehicles, I definitely recommend some type of warranty when purchasing any vehicle, but Ford/Lincoln's service is outstanding, along with their prices. Can't go on enough how much we love our Navigator and will definitely buy another one!"

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Love my Navigator! Very smooth ride.

By princess (OR) on Saturday, March 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Comfort, luxury, easy driving."

Cons: "visablity hard to see out when 3rd row headrest up"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is a great car. My family loves it! Wish I had gone with the L model for more room. (next time!)"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Don't miss my sedan!

By Love it! (CA) on Monday, December 10, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Easy to drive. Quiet. Great stereo!"

Cons: "A lot of car to wash!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I had to buy a new car as my old one was 12 years old. I was hesitant to buy an SUV, but this is no regular SUV, it is pure luxury! It is one of the quietest cars I have ever ridden in. It is so easy to drive and has a fabulous sound system! Also, it is functional with its electric back seats and many configurations. I hope I can keep it another 12 years!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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I already want to trade it in.

By No-no (TN) on Wednesday, November 07, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 5/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"We purchased our 2012 Navigator in Jan. 2012. It was great. The reason we bought it is because the sales person told us all of the features on it, we could not get on a new Expedition. We had owned sever Expeditions. Little did we know, we bought it. Then we found out after buying it that Expeditions have just as many features and are less expensive. At two months old, the power deployable steps messed up and the front passenger door messed up( it would not shut). :((( Then at four months the steps messed up again. Then at 6 months, the steps messed up for a third time. Also we have the DVD player in the headrests and the sound will not play through the speakers. We asked the dealer and they said it is "better" that way. If our kids have friends in the car, not everyone can watch the DVD. Also the headphones do not work in the back seat. We asked our dealer about this also. They told us that is how the car is and there was nothing they could do about it. Being such an expensive car, I thought the interior looked nice. But now I realize it is plain and I want to trade it in but sadly, we can't as the value of the car has already dropped so much."

6 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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2nd Navigator and LOVE IT!

By family (MA) on Thursday, July 19, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 78,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Easy to drive for such a big car, just awesome!"

Cons: "Gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We have owned two Navigator L, a busy family of five always hauling kids, sports gear and traveling and this car is AWESOME! We have never ever had a problem..snow, sleet, rain it runs like a charm! We put on a lot of miles...first one had nearly 70000 and this one is 78000 and never a problem. The exterior is eye catching and flashy but the inside is soooo much more of what we want/need and love. Seats are comfortable, back seats are heated (what a plus for our kids on those cold winter mornings) DVD is fantastic if you travel and have kids, jukebox for your music (download your favorite CD's, IPOD songs and save to your jukebox) NAV system is my best friend...never been lost once in all the years we have owned these cars, touch screen on this is awesome, I can even drive and text message with the phone sync! Safe, reliable, and easy to drive with back up camera and sensors, people always comment "how do you park that?" easy...very very easy, even our daughter who is learning to drive can handle this vehicle with all the user friendly safety features. The only downside is gas mileage, hoping for a Hybrid model when I am ready to trade this one!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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See all 77 reviews