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:

• 

  Lincoln Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By marmil - January 7 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has outstanding style, performance as well as utility. Much preferred over the Lexus GS 470. Gas mileage could be better as could reliability: power steering pump replaced, a few rattles fixed, poor fit on some body panels.

• 

  Not all its cranked up to be !!!! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By TheCaneMan - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Before buying -- test it for at least a day and I think youll go with another vehicle. I sure wish I did !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 

  One of the Best - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Geroge G - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Great to Drive. Powerful, responsive.

• 

  Good idea - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By mdsamitchell - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Why did they wait? The improvement over my 1997 Merc Mountaineer is incredible. Ride is very car like, but still has the substaintial truck feel. Interior is a retro-American luxury treatment. The interior and exterior treatments let you know that this is not just a dressed up Explorer, but a significantly unique and different truck.

• 

  High Class. Low Price. - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Bojiphil - December 14 - 9:30 am

  This SUV is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have 90000 miles on it and its suspension still holds tight. No leaks. I am very pleased with my purchase. Even with gas over $4.50 a gallon the space and comfort is well worth it.

• 

  14-18 mpg is honest - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By driver - November 7 - 7:50 pm

  The 2005 Lincoln Aviator is easy to drive and they have thought of almost every amenity to make driving comfortable from heated/cooled seats and zoned climate controls to all radio and cruise contols on the steering wheel. The sensors in the rear bumper are a plus for me since this is the first non sedan type for me. I havent owned it long enough to have an opinion about the build quality or reliabilty. My average is 15 mpg and I have driven 3,000 miles (1/2 city and 1/2 highway). Lincoln indicates 14-18 mpg which is true. I make trips to the airport often and it has plenty of room for 4 engineers and their gear plus me the driver.

• 

  heater problems - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By joel - November 5 - 6:16 pm

  In very cold weather the side window defroster malfunctions. It sends a stream of cold air. Lincoln is familiar with problem and is not willing to fix. As a result of problem front seat riders have a constant stream of cold air in their face! This is an obvious defect that may be a problem in other Lincoln products.

• 

  Intelligent Design defines Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By valuehunter - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The Aviator is an intelligently designed mid-sized SUV with class- leading functionality and performance. The exterior and interior design is simply superb. With few exceptions, the fit and finish of both the interior and exterior are on par with the best that the Japanese and Germans have to offer. The problem with the Aviator is that most people willing to spend 40k plus for a midsized SUV want the cache that goes along with a Japanese or Gernman moniker. That is too bad, because the Aviator really packs world- class luxury, functionaliy and performance. This is the first American car I have ever owned and I must say that I am very pleased.

• 

  nice car - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By terry - October 7 - 8:50 pm

  just bought the car, and it broke down the first 3 hours I had it. They gave me another one and so far so good I just love a Lincoln. Its the first Lincoln I have owned I just hope I still love it.

• 

  Lincoln Aviator - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Herb - October 5 - 10:26 am

  So far, and except for the poor gas mileage, a great SUV! Plenty of power. Drives better than any other SUV that I have driven. Drives like a luxury car, but has plenty of room.