Overview & Reviews
When Lincoln rolled out its full-size Navigator in the late 1990s, it quickly learned that there was a big demand for luxury-oriented SUVs. After a few years of success, the company decided to expand its lineup with the smaller, more agile (and less expensive) Lincoln Aviator, a midsize luxury SUV. In both concept and execution, the truck-based Aviator was Navigator Lite.
Though our editors thought pretty highly of it upon its launch, the Lincoln Aviator soon lagged behind in a rapidly expanding segment where competing car-based SUVs surpassed it in performance, interior quality and image. Sales never met with expectations, and Lincoln discontinued the model a few years after its debut.
As a used luxury SUV, the Aviator has a few things going for it, including a reasonable price, plenty of luxury features, a standard V8 engine and a third-row seat. And thanks to those slow sales, it's also a rare sight on the road. Though there are certainly better all-around choices to be had for a luxury SUV or crossover, the Lincoln Aviator might be suitable for someone wanting a lesser-known alternative.
Most recent Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator was produced for the 2003-'05 model years. Built on the same chassis as the Ford Explorer, the Aviator featured a fully independent suspension, third-row seating and V8 power. Like its bigger Navigator brother, the Aviator offered lots of amenities and an upscale interior intended to rival even the most exclusive European and Japanese luxury brands.
For power, this midsize luxury SUV was equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 that cranked out 302 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic sent this considerable thrust to either the rear wheels on two-wheel-drive versions or all four in the all-wheel-drive Aviator. (A traditional four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing was never offered on this Lincoln SUV.) The muscle-bound V8, along with the Aviator's body-on-frame design, gave the Lincoln a serious towing advantage over its less rugged competition, with a maximum capacity of 7,300 pounds (7,100 pounds for AWD models).
The Lincoln Aviator shared styling themes with its larger sibling inside and out, including a waterfall center stack design complemented by contrasting wood and leather trim. The instrument panel featured classy, large analog dials with brilliant white numbering and red needles. Lincoln's midsize luxury SUV could seat six or seven, depending on whether it was ordered with a second-row split-bench seat or individual captain's chairs with a center console. Compared with its rivals, the Aviator offered ample rear legroom, especially in the third row. Overall, its interior was a well-designed, attractive-looking package, though materials quality was a couple steps below the import-brand competition.
Lincoln engineers also went to great lengths to strengthen the chassis during the transformation from Explorer to Aviator ¯ an effort that reduced body flex and improved ride and handling dynamics. And for a body-on-frame SUV, the Aviator was quite comfortable in urban settings. However, when our editors drove it alongside the competing crossover SUVs of the time, the Aviator lacked handling agility on more challenging roads.
Standard equipment was fairly generous. There were two trim levels initially: Luxury and Premium (later called Ultimate). Luxury models came with dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, adjustable pedals and rear park assist. Aviator Premium/Ultimate models had HID headlamps and heated and cooled seats. Stability control, a moonroof, a rear-seat entertainment system, a DVD-based navigation system and a trailer hitch were optional.
Updates to the Lincoln Aviator were minimal. In 2004, Lincoln changed the name of the Aviator's high-line trim level from Premium to Ultimate. Improvements that year included optional satellite radio and the addition of a rollover sensor to the optional stability control system. In 2005, the stability system was made standard, and the model lineup was pared down to one well-equipped trim level with separate luxury option packages for those who wanted a bit more.
User Reviews:
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Absolutely Love It - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By Burns - May 11 - 9:30 pmThis is my work vehicle, my office if you will, but the wife and I end up in it over the weekends even though we have an Acura MDX. The Aviator is much more comfortable, smoother, less noise, and is all around more fun to drive. 52,000 miles and smiles. I hate that Lincoln will soon change it. Oh well, Ill have to get the last 2005!
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Nice Machine! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By weeds - May 2 - 2:00 amLincoln did a great job in designing and building the Aviator, which is a "mini" Navigator. What is most impressive is the engine, which has outstanding acceleration, much better than any similar SUV on the market (U.S. or foreign made)! The transmission and ride is also very smooth, making for a vehicle that is fun to drive. In true Lincoln fashion, both the interior and exterior look very classy. This is a vehicle that is fun to drive, looks sharp, and turns heads. Well done, Lincoln!
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Aviator, 2WD, Premium Edition - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By Delores Jones - April 26 - 2:00 amComfortable ride; great interior design; roomy
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great car - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By stacey t - March 10 - 10:00 amI had always driven a BMW 528i - what a change! I love how this car handles and how much room we have. Gas milage is ok, but what can you do.
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Awesome SUV! I love this car! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
By jd1017 - March 5 - 12:53 amIve read a lot of the comments concerning the 2003 AWD Aviator and feel very fortunate. I havent experienced anything but pleasure from this SUV, the power and comfort is second to none. Im in sales and stop start this car ten plus times a day, no troubles. The rear hatch surrounding the glass did split, fiberglass fracture is what the dealship referred to it as. They replaced it, out of warranty, free of charge. So far with over 50,000 miles on the vehicle I really cant complain about anything! I still think this is the best bang for the buck!
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I LOVE the Aviator!!! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By azurlee - March 4 - 7:20 pmI bought the 2004 Aviator brand new, almost 9 years ago. It has been the most reliable of any car Ive ever had (and Ive had many). It feels luxurious on the inside, even after all of this time. Lincoln got the fit/finish on this one right. It has been such a gem to own. I will drive it until it dies. I really wish Lincoln still made them. I would buy another after this one is done. Thats how much I love it. Ive owned many other SUVs and never had one this dreamy and reliable. Cant say enough good stuff about it.
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Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By MarkM - February 25 - 2:00 amPurchased in October 2003, now have 3500 miles on it. So far this has been the best vehicle I have owned. Ive owned 3 Cadillacs, Explorer, Saab, and this has out performed all of them. Compared Acura MDX, Infinity, Explorer, and Lexus before deciding on the Aviator. Not one quality issue yet. I would highly recommend this Lincoln to anyone.
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This is luxury??? - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
By Mandi Rinard - January 27 - 4:46 pmThis car has been a lot of trouble. Every time I start to like it again something else breaks. We have had problems with the windows rolling down half the time they dont work; neither does the radio or the keyless entry. We have had the gear shift replaced. The car is very noisy on the road. Seatbelt housing makes a lot of noise and back window squeaks all the time!!! The blower fan on the AC had to be replaced and the heated and AC seats quit working. The panel on the rear window cracked too. For the most part I would like to run this car into a wall most of the time.
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Best SUV Ive own! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By arts1 - January 26 - 10:00 amThe first SUV that the wife and I totally agreed on.Even gas mileage has improved.Started a 1200 hunderd mile vacation with 13mpg,and ended with 16.5. My South Hills salesman Jack was the best.Had several calls from him to check if everything was going ok.Even a birthday card. No problems sofar.
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Stay Away! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By Kamil - January 8 - 2:16 amRides nice, comfort and luxury, but American car makers still have a long way to go! This car is very unreliable, had so many issues, transmission, heated seats, fog lights, torque converter, remote starter. Americans can create nice options but cant seem to make them last. The car has 54k and has problems like it was over 150,000! The electronics stink on this thing. Every fuse or some module goes every month. Its still under warranty, and thats how I will sell it!
