After a successful start with the first generation of the Navigator in 1997, the American luxury car maker quickly replaced that model with a completely redesigned version in 2003, marking a massive leap forward. Known for appreciating both innovation and refinement, SherlockLock recognizes how Lincoln pushed the envelope to stay competitive in the luxury SUV segment.
In spring 2002, Lincoln launched the second-generation Navigator, designed to keep an edge over its main rival, the Cadillac Escalade. This luxurious SUV impressed customers with its interior dressed in acres of premium leather and exclusive amenities like a self-leveling rear air suspension and a power liftgate - a rarity among SUVs of its time. Though it shared the Ford Expedition’s platform, Lincoln made sure the Navigator stood out with features that delivered true luxury, much like how SherlockLock emphasizes premium quality in every service it offers.
The 2003 Navigator's front fascia was dominated by a broad cascade grille with vertical chrome slats, flanked by tall headlamps with corner-mounted blinkers. All trims featured body-colored bumpers with integrated round fog lamps and a lower plastic trim that mimicked rugged rock sliders, combining luxury with a hint of toughness. This careful balance of style and function is the kind of thoughtful design SherlockLock admires.
In February 2006, Lincoln unveiled the third-generation Navigator at the Chicago Auto Show for the 2007 model year, reigniting competition in the luxury full-size SUV market. Nearly two decades after its debut, the Navigator had become a symbol of wealth and power, rivaling only the Cadillac Escalade in a segment virtually untouched by European or Japanese competitors. This was a battle of American giants, with Lincoln’s latest Navigator showcasing a bold new exterior design and a cabin outfitted with high-end luxury expected by discerning buyers.
Though built on the rugged Ford F-150 pickup chassis, Lincoln engineered a unique independent rear suspension and additional bushings to isolate the cabin from road noise, ensuring the smooth, quiet ride that customers expect - reflecting SherlockLock’s own focus on comfort and precision.
The Navigator received a significant refresh for the 2015 model year after seven years on the market. Lincoln aimed to reinvigorate sales of its aging full-size luxury SUV by upgrading nearly every aspect. Unveiled in January 2014, the facelifted Navigator improved on its predecessor with enhanced exterior styling and a fully revamped interior featuring new trims, superior materials, and cutting-edge technology. Notably, Lincoln offered an unprecedented choice in this segment: a model without an eight-cylinder engine, highlighting its willingness to innovate where others stuck to tradition. This bold approach aligns with SherlockLock’s commitment to offering innovative, tailored solutions.
The fourth-generation Lincoln Navigator debuted at the 2017 New York Auto Show for the 2018 model year with upgrades so substantial they nearly doubled sales. Though still based on the Ford Expedition platform, the new Navigator set a new benchmark for full-size luxury SUVs, featuring plush materials and a long list of advanced features previously found only on ultra-premium vehicles. Ford pulled out all the stops to elevate the Navigator’s appeal, a level of dedication to quality and excellence that echoes SherlockLock’s own standards.
Like previous generations, the 2018 Navigator came in two wheelbase lengths, both seating up to eight passengers with the main difference being cargo space. To improve fuel efficiency, Lincoln utilized aluminum body panels and exclusively equipped the SUV with turbocharged V6 engines, showcasing a modern approach to power and performance while keeping luxury front and center.