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SUVs Lincoln Navigator 2007 and newer Lincoln Navigators
180 messages, Last post on Feb 12, 2009 at 6:04 PM
You are in the Lincoln Navigator Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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I've had my 2008 gator for over 6 months and now that I've settled into the beast I wanted to post a few comments on the truck in case anyone out there is interested... Driving impression-- whisper quiet and ultra smooth. No steering wheel vibrations at all -- even at high speeds. I don't know how they could make this truck any quieter or smoother feeling on the road. Nice! Acceleration -- the 300 horses seem fine to me. I never feel like I need more juice -- the truck responds nicely to my foot. I get around 11-14 MPG. Filling up the beast from empty costs over 80 bucks -- regular gas. However, if you're going to complain about gas prices, I don't recommend you get a full size SUV. SYNC -- I am a little annoyed that SYNC was not made available for the 08 model -- and upgrading does not seem to be possible. I miss bluetooth. Rearview camera -- nice and USEFUL feature on the rearview mirror. I can see the logic of putting in the rearview mirror, but the image is a little small though -- I would've preferred it on the nav screen. Brake dust -- HUGE improvement over the '03 model I had a few years ago. The 20 inch chrome wheels stay VERY clean. The little brake dust that does accumulate is a very fine, grayish color that can hardly be seen from a few feet away. I want to thank the folks at ford for fixing that problem. My '03 Gator had a horrible break dust problem -- the rims would become black with soot after a day or two of normal driving. Parking sensors -- FORD.... PLEASE PUT PARKING SENSORS IN THE FRONT END OF THIS TRUCK. I'm always scared that I'll hit the car or wall infront of me when parking. The large, tall hood makes it very difficult to gauge distances infront of you. The rear sensors/camera combo are GREAT! Keys: This truck still uses the conventional key plus key fob system. I hope Ford considers putting in a "smart key" option on future gators. Not having to pull out a key or key fob to open/lock the doors plus turn on the truck would a very nice and useful feature for me. My old Lexus LS 430 with smart key spoiled me rotten! Styling -- Inside: Very luxurious, high quality "looking and feeling" materials throughout the cabin. Everything is well laid out and the center console is pure ART. The seats are thick and fat with a nice leather feel. I'm not crazy about the square instrument gauges though. I would also prefer a more "lexusish" gear shifter -- it's just a personal preference, but I like the thinner, wood knob, zig zag design of other lux cars/trucks. Also, a power telescoping steering wheel (power tilt is there) should've been included. Outside: I had to convince myself to like the front end. I can certainly see why some say the front resembles a shaver or cheese grater! It's one of those unconventional looks though, that with time, grew on me. The rear end is okay, it's just a big square flat butt, nothing special or horrible about it. The power folding running boards, power liftgate, and power fold flat third row continue to be amazing features that you quickly learn to take for granted. When you try out other trucks without these features you'll find it very hard to see yourself living without them. Overall impression -- I could not find another full size lux SUV that offered the room and the luxury that the gator does. Mechanically, the truck has been rock solid so far and it seems like Ford has really taken their "quality is job one" motto seriously. These trucks always seem to be discounted quite heavily, too - -so the price resprensts a decent value. To me, the Escalade looks nicer, but the third row is a joke and a deal breaker for me. The Mercedes GL looks fantastic, but the third row is too small -- even though it folds flat. The infiniti QX is a real contender -- great third row, lots of techno goodies, and a very nice, recently updated interior...but I think the exterior styling is a mess. That truck looks like it was pasted together in three seperate blocks -- and the front is even more of an "aquired taste" than the gator. Overall, I'm happy with the Navigator. For those price shopping, I got the 4X2 version with the elite package and 20 inch chromes. Got it on a 24 month lease (getting new cars every couple of years is my only vice  )), it all came out to a little less that two grand to start and eight hundred bucks a month for two years. These trucks are in plentiful supply so you probrably could do better with stronger negotiation. Local ads in my area have the truck leasing for 39 months at $600 per month plus tax with a TRUE sign and drive. I doubt you get the elite package and the chromes for that price though. Okay, enough rambling..... I hope some nugget in this LONG post helps someone. Oh, and host, how about changing the name of the thread to "2007 and newer Navigators" or something like that? Take care all!!
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Replying to: gteach26 (Mar 25, 2008 8:23 am)  Thanks for the hint, and thanks for the review! |
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what is supposed to fit in the molded plastic tray under the top cover of the center console? the Kleenex Jr. box that fit in the previous generation no longer fits. This is really bothering me. What is supposed to go there? Thanks Troy
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Replying to: gteach26 (Mar 25, 2008 8:23 am) I would add to your review the absence of a cabin air filter. To me, this oversight is not befitting a luxury vehicle of this class. |
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Replying to: troyd75826 (May 06, 2008 1:22 pm) I like and use the pen clips on the sides of the holder, though. Why design a tissue box holder that won't hold any typically found tissue boxes -- I don't know. Ford folks in here... any hints? |
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I just read that Ford has shut down the plant that churns out Expeditions and Navigators until at least late August due to slow sales. Is this true?
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Replying to: gteach26 (Jun 30, 2008 8:12 am) These have to be some of the toughest models to move right now. Very few people actually need the capabilities of the very largest SUVs, and if you don't there are many compelling CUVs out there with greater refinement, about as much usable room and better mpg, Ford provides these two models with only one thirsty and relatively weak (to the class) engine choice, not to mention the dated styling. They could probably close off production for most of the rest of the year and not lose any more $$$ than they are now. |
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I purchased a used 2008 Navigator last month. It has many bells and whistles. What it does not have is the Hands Free Phone option. There is a phone button on the dash, but it does nothing when pushed. Can this option be activated and if so, at what cost? Thanks in advance for your help.
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Replying to: cpoole13 (Feb 12, 2009 5:40 am) By the way.. the Navi has been a GREAT ride so far. I am giving her up this summer at lease end. Has anyone heard if they are still making these puppies? |
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