The Lincoln Navigator L, just released in early 2008, is a lengthier version of the already-popular Lincoln Navigator. The Navigator was introduced in 1998 to the American public. Lincoln's parent company Ford developed the model to appeal to a buyer in search of a large, luxury SUV. However, the Navigator started getting negative reviews when new-year models did not respond to consumers' desire for better fuel economy, also lacking in the the Isuzu Ascender, at 14mpg city, 20mpg highway. The Navigator L hasn't answered that cry either. It adds 25 cubic feet of cargo room, but doesn't make up for it in estimated gas mileage. Unfortunately, the Navigator L only reaches 12 city MPG and 18 highway MPG.
Outfitted with the same 5.4L SOHC V8 as the other Navigators, the L's only claim to fame is its ample cargo room. The L adds about an inch and a half to the hip room in the already roomy third-row seating area of the Navigator. However, the L certainly adds in general third-row shoulder space with an additional 15 inches. The overall length of the SUV jumped from around 208 inches to a massive 223 inches. The wheelbase is also wider with an added 12 inches. So, if your idea is that bigger is better, the Navigator L will certainly meet your demands.
The Navigator has kept its recognizable down the road graphics. The same clean lines and rounded edges are apparent in the L version. A classy simple grille graces its front end. In 2007, when the third generation of Navigators hit the sales lots, many were impressed by its newly muscular build. Somehow Lincoln had redeveloped the Navigator to appear tough yet elegant, not an easy feat. The L version is available in both a 2WD and 4WD platform, just like the original Navigator. The L also produces the same 300 horsepower as the base Navigator. With an increase in size, one would think that Lincoln would also increase the engine size and performance; however, they've stuck with the same, and only time will tell if this is to their detriment.
Rumors have been flying that in 2009 a Lincoln Navigator Boss edition will become available. Hopefully they'll think to put this more powerful engine into the Lincoln Navigator L as well. The Navigator L is sure to garner as much attention as its predecessor, and it will probably get as much negative publicity regarding its fuel efficiency as ever. With the possibility of a new engine introduction, Lincoln would do best to improve upon the poor gas mileage at the same time.
