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10 Best Sedans Under $25,000

2009 Lincoln Navigator

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 Lincoln Navigator

Overview

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2009 Lincoln Navigator Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

When Lincoln launched its original Navigator, it was America's first full-size luxury SUV. GM soon followed with the Chevy Tahoe-based 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, which still trail the Escalade in power but boast some advantages, namely the function and operation of their second- and third-row seats. Both rows fold flat into the floor, and the segment-exclusive 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 2009 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," or CUV.

What's New for 2009

Lincoln further simplifies the Navigator lineup by adding more standard equipment to the L and bundling the remaining options into the Elite package. New for 2009 is a Monochrome Limited Edition package that replaces most of the lower exterior chrome trim with body-colored pieces.

Driving the Navigator

Driving Impressions This 2009 Lincoln Navigator boasts a stiff structure and fully independent front and rear suspensions. Monotube shocks all around improve 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 increased 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. These optional 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.

2009 Lincoln Navigator 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 with audio, climate and cruise control buttons on its spokes is shared with Lincoln's MKZ sedan and MKX crossover.

Exterior

The 2009 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 2009 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, SIRIUS Satellite 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, 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), dual-stage front air bags, seat-mounted side airbags and three-row side-curtain airbags with roll-over protection.

Optional Equipment

The Elite Package nets a power moonroof, voice-activated DVD navigation, rear-seat DVD entertainment system and power-deployable running boards. Stand-alone options include a Class IV trailer towing package and chrome plated aluminum wheels.

Under the Hood

The 2009 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 @ 5000 rpm
365 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/18 (2WD), N/A (4WD)

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2009 Lincoln Navigator Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 69 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 Lincoln Navigator models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.4/10

Styling

9.4/10

very nice vehicle-third one I've owned

By navigator (TN) on Monday, March 26, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 46,900

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great space and ease of use; handles very well"

Cons: "needs digital clock, 2nd sunglasses case,"

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

"The navigator is a great luxury SUV. Unlike the Escalade, the back folds completely flat with the push of a button. Everything is very easy to use and the interior is beautifully done. Might be nice to have a digital clock vs the analog clock since the children can read the digital easier. I've owned three navigators (leases) and they have all been great and not given me any trouble at all. The turning radius is superb-better than my husband's BMW! Was involved in a wreck and the Lincoln barely had any damage (a real tank that handles like a car). I ordered my last navigator so I could get color-matched bumpers to avoid the "blingy" look of the chrome bumpers. Some people might like that but I prefer a more understated car. I will get another when this lease is up. Sound system and SYNC are excellent!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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slightly dissapointed

By luxurylover (TX) on Sunday, March 25, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 125,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 4/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Smooth ride, quiet and safe"

Cons: "Too many engine problems, gas milage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"I have owned this 2007 Navigator since new (bought in 06). The first 50k miles were awesome. The ride is fabulous. Quiet and luxurious. Seats not so comfortable on long trips though. The air suspension has gone out 3 times and was repaired twice under warranty. The spark plugs needed replacing at 90k miles and was nothing short of a nightmare and over a week in getting them changed (and $600). Now, it occasionally goes into limp mode with the dreaded wrench symbol and it has a clattering noise. Probably needs 2-3 thousand dollars worth of repairs. Ford's Titan engine is a pretty big disappointment even with keeping up the maintenance, and the gas mileage stinks even for an SUV. I average about 10-12 MPG now where it got 16-19 when it was new. The rest of the vehicle is wonderful. I am a conservative driver and I think it should have gotten more miles before spark plugs and engine clatters started especially for a 60k price tag. Ready to trade it in... and, sadly, probably won't buy American."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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