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2009 Lincoln Navigator Performance Review

March 16, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

sheer size and weight tame most surface imperfections
ConsumerGuide

still lacks the standout performance expected of today's luxury SUVs
Edmunds

the engine seems woefully lacking in the power department
Cars.com

The 2009 Lincoln Navigator can’t compete with the Cadillac Escalade in terms of horsepower, but the big SUV does possess competent handling.

When it comes to driving the big "Gator," it's easy to see that Lincoln knows what it's doing. The four-wheel independent suspension provides a smooth ride, but there's a fair amount of roll in corners. Ultimately, the handling is secure, but this isn't a truck that likes hustling. AutoWeek says, "steering response and overall body control make the big ute a surprisingly agile handler." According to Cars.com, "the ride was pleasant on most surfaces, but nothing spectacular"; in any event, the Lincoln Navigator 2009's "sheer size and weight tame most surface imperfections," reports ConsumerGuide.

Cars.com says that while the Lincoln Navigator "has the looks part down...the 300-horsepower V-8 engine seems woefully lacking in the power department, especially at takeoff." Edmunds warns the 2009 Lincoln Navigator "still lacks the standout performance expected of today's luxury SUVs, as its 5.4-liter V-8 feels a bit breathless next to the V-8s in the Escalade, Infiniti QX56 and Mercedes-Benz GL450," and ConsumerGuide agrees that it "is not as muscular as rival Cadillac Escalade."

The 2009 Navigator compensates for its gutless engine with an excellent transmission. Cars.com says this "six-speed automatic is the sole transmission, and the Navigator can tow up to 8,950 pounds when properly equipped."

Rear- and four-wheel-drive versions are available. The Navigator's maximum tow rating is a very impressive 9,100 pounds. Fuel economy, though, is no strong suit. ConsumerGuide reports that their test Lincoln Navigator "returned just 12.5 mpg, low even for this class." This source notes that 2009 Lincoln Navigator "4WD models are too heavy to be rated in the EPA fuel economy program."

Conclusion

The 2009 Lincoln Navigator handles much better than it accelerates.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:sheer size and weight tame most surface imperfectionsConsumerGuidestill lacks the standout performance expected of today's luxury SUVsEdmundsthe engine seems woefully lacking in the power departmentCars.com The 2009 Lincoln Navigator can’t compete with the Cadillac Escalade in terms of horsepower, but the big SUV does possess competent handling. When it comes to driving the big "Gator," it's easy to see that Lincoln knows what it's doing. The four-wheel independent suspension provides a smooth ride, but there's a fair amount of roll in corners. Ultimately, the handling is secure, but this isn't a truck that likes hustling. AutoWeek says, "steering response and overall body control make the big ute a surprisingly agile handler." According to Cars.com, "the ride was pleasant on most surfaces, but nothing spectacular"; in any event, the Lincoln Navigator 2009's "sheer size and weight tame most surface imperfections," reports ConsumerGuide. Cars.com says that while the Lincoln Navigator "has the looks part down...the 300-horsepower V-8 engine seems woefully lacking in the power department, especially at takeoff." Edmunds warns the 2009 Lincoln Navigator "still lacks the standout performance expected of today's luxury SUVs, as its 5.4-liter V-8 feels a bit breathless next to the V-8s in the Escalade, Infiniti QX56 and Mercedes-Benz GL450," and ConsumerGuide agrees that it "is not as muscular as rival Cadillac Escalade." The 2009 Navigator compensates for its gutless engine with an excellent transmission. Cars.com says this "six-speed automatic is the sole transmission, and the Navigator can tow up to 8,950 pounds when properly equipped." Rear- and four-wheel-drive versions are available. The Navigator's maximum tow rating is a very impressive 9,100 pounds. Fuel economy, though, is no strong suit. ConsumerGuide reports that their test Lincoln Navigator "returned just 12.5 mpg, low even for this class." This source notes that 2009 Lincoln Navigator "4WD models are too heavy to be rated in the EPA fuel economy program." ConclusionThe 2009 Lincoln Navigator handles much better than it accelerates. 2009 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR STYLING | [8 out of 10] MotherProof: "distinctive, stylish, and decidedly Lincoln ...discreet, however, it is not" Cars.com: "about as big, bold and flashy as they come" Edmunds: “most amount of chrome on the nose of any current production vehicle.” According ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The big Lincoln Navigator offers more interior gadgets than most of its competitors, with styling that outdoes both of the competitors from Infiniti and Lexus. Frankly, it's hard to beat the Mercedes GL-Class if you can afford it; the GL has a very well-appointed interior and solid driving experience, even if it is somewhat bland on the exterior. The Land Rover Range Rover is smaller than the Navigator, and it drives smaller too. However, it's big enough, and if you plan to venture off-road, the Land Rover is simply amazing, though reliability is an ongoing concern. The most immediate competitor to the 2009 Lincoln Navigator is the Cadillac Escalade. The Caddy has stepped out ahead of the Lincoln in several key areas, including engine power and interior appointments. However, the Navigator wins with slightly better handling, a more useful third-row rear seat, and a more affordable price.

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See the Lincoln Navigator in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998

Comments (1 total)

  1. By lashbera #1, Posted: 10/18/2009

    I couldn't disagree more. As usual you idiots will never pick anything north american because it is american. Time to get your head out of your but hole and realize that U.S. vehicles are not only better than most foreign vehicles but they can be fixed if it is ever necessary and at a price that doesn't break the bank like your mercedes shit

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