Used 2008 Lincoln Navigator L Review

The 2008 Lincoln Navigator L is a big and opulent SUV for folks who need a lot of room and want a lot of luxury in a chrome-heavy package. However, its underwhelming performance leaves it one step behind its Escalade ESV rival.

In certain ways, humans haven't come much farther than our mastodon-hunting, cave-dwelling forbears. Despite a million or so years of countless advances, shiny objects still have a tendency to leave us mesmerized and strangely impressed. The 2008 Lincoln Navigator L was apparently designed with this principle in mind, because its massive grille attracts attention (for better or worse) like a Las Vegas marquee advertising a $5 steak dinner and Wayne Newton Live! Some will probably find the 'Gator's colossal, chrome-plated front end as tasteful as that marquee, but Lincoln is hoping this sort of brash styling statement will appeal to the types of buyers who have made the Cadillac Escalade ESV such a success.

The Navigator first set sail in 1998 and was the first full-size luxury SUV from a domestic-brand manufacturer. Essentially a Ford Expedition in a tuxedo, the 'Gator inspired a slew of competitors that gradually overtook it in refinement, interior quality and the number of references in rap songs. Introduced last year in conjunction with major updates to the Navigator in general, the long-wheelbase L model is meant to recapture some of the lost attention and sales. Compared to the standard-size model, the Navigator L offers an extra 24 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third-row seat.

This is certainly the biggest, best and shiniest Navigator yet, and we like its quiet ride, relatively low pricing and long list of standard features. However, as large luxury SUVs go, the 2008 Lincoln Navigator L wouldn't be our top pick. The extended-length Caddy offers more performance and better handling, while smaller full-sizers like the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and Infiniti QX56 make compelling cases as well if you don't need quite that much space.

The 2008 Lincoln Navigator L is an extended-wheelbase full-size luxury SUV offered with rear- and four-wheel-drive. There is only one loaded trim level available. It includes 18-inch wheels, parking sensors and a slew of power features including extending running boards, a rear liftgate, a folding third-row seat, leather upholstery, adjustable pedals, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel and 10-way front seats with heating, cooling and memory. There are also a second-row center console, rear-seat climate control and a THX-certified 14-speaker audio system with six-CD changer, satellite radio and auxiliary jack.

Options include 20-inch wheels, a sunroof, upgraded leather seats with contrasting piping, and a tow package. The Elite Package bundles a rearview camera, rear-seat DVD entertainment and a navigation system. A Monochrome Limited Edition package cuts down on some of the exterior's chrome trim and adds unique interior trim.

The Navigator L is powered by the same 5.4-liter V8 that drives other Ford trucks. It's good for 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, and sends its power through a six-speed automatic transmission. While 300 horses may sound like a full stable, the Navigator L's hefty curb weight keeps it from feeling sprightly. When equipped with the towing package, this full-size SUV can pull up to 8,800 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 8,600 pounds with four-wheel drive. Because the Navigator L weighs more than 6,000 pounds, it does not qualify for EPA fuel economy testing; the lighter, regular-length Navigator rates 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway for 2008.

Lincoln offers a comprehensive list of standard safety features for its flagship SUV, including stability control with a rollover sensor, antilock disc brakes with brake assist and traction control. Airbag coverage includes front-seat side airbags and three-row side curtain airbags. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, the Navigator received five out of five stars for its protection of front occupants in head-on collisions.