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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  AFTER PAYING $1800.00, BROKE 5 MORE TIME IN 10 DAYS. - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By msjay1234 - September 26 - 4:35 am

  I bought a 2004 Lincoln Aviator in June the Front differential broke in September. Repaired in November and I paid $1800.00 on December 1,2011. Picked up car on 1st. it broke on the 2nd. Picked up car on the 6th and on the 8th it started licking fluid. returned it and they said that it was fine. Then on the 12th it Broke again. On the 16th I picked it Up and drove it 30 mins. and smelled burning, took it back at 4 pm they said that it was the old smell burning off. At 7pm it broke on the hwy. Several times me and My small kids has broken down on the Road. The car is really unsafe. Thanking God that We got to Safety all these times. and the Car is still in the Shop. My God. What to Do I ask.

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  About My Lincoln - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By womenofgod - September 8 - 10:00 am

  It is the first Lincoln I have ever owned. This SUV rides like a limo and doesnt even seem like a truck.

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  Aviator review - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Aptos - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The Aviator is a powerful SUV, and handles better them my 2000 Navigator. The interior space is less then deired, but overall the Aviator is Ok.

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  Great SUV untill the warranty expires! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By DBachman - August 24 - 3:30 am

  I loved this SUV in the beginning. It has tons of power and a smooth ride, but the reliability is terrible. Now that the warranty has expired and I have to spend a couple thousand a year on maintenance I am looking to trade.

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  Great Performer - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Topeagle - July 27 - 10:00 am

  It is a solid performing car; interior is top-notch. Negatives: the tilt steering mechanism is a step backwards - awkward and it can interfere exiting the vehicle. Rear view mirror is rather cheap considering the price of the vehicle. Lincoln should also have included the automatic emergency brake release that is in the Navigators, tough to bend when you get older and a little heavier! I chose the Kitty Hawk because only way to get black leather seats but the chrome wheels are a must. Tires should have remained OWL instead of solid black. The ride is great. Lincoln should also have designed with dual exhausts!!!

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  wow!!! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Myrtle Beach - July 26 - 11:53 pm

  I did not plan on buying this kind of car when I first wanted to get a car, but when I saw it, I fell in love right away. Amazing design for inside and outside. Lots of power, just like a sport car. If you thinking SUV then this should be your 1st option. It handels the road like it owns it. This SUV get lots of attention and I love it...

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  Great vehical - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Barry Barnes - July 21 - 2:00 am

  It is a fanstastic vehicle that drives great and handles like a dream

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  Nice ride but small - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Remals - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Nice features abound in this car, however the inside space is compromised a bit. The seats are luxurious as long as you are not very large in the derrier. Car performance is excellent - the AWD gets over any snowy or icy conditions. Not much space for hauling cargo even with the 3 row seat folded down. More of a luxury ride than a utility vehicle.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By G. Leiby - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Very secure and comfortable driving experience. The engineers at Lincoln got the suspension just right.

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  Surprised - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Eric - July 17 - 8:56 pm

  I have been one to always buy sports cars but with the pending arrival of my son i thought it would be more practical to look at an SUV. I love my Aviator. I got the Jet Black loaded one and love it. Highly recommed it. Only downside is the gas mileage. So far i am averaging 12 mpg in the city. hope it gets better. My navigator gets 13 to 14.