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:

• 

  03 Aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Mike & Barb - July 15 - 9:36 am

  First off, we love the 4 valve DOHC engine. Have it in a 97 Cobera, 04 Mustang Mach-1 04 Mercury Marauder and the 03 Aviator, After ~25K Barb gets about 20MPG on average, not bad, we think. Sadly, theyre discontinuing this great vehicle, so were turning ours in for an 05 Aviator. We have never had a single service issue, and the dealership has been absolutely wonderful when its time for regular service, free of charge, of course. We usually keep our vehicles for 100K+ miles, but the deals are too good to pass up the last ones.

• 

  Excellent Value - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By mongo1 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  After driving Volvos for the last 20 years due to atrocious domestic build quality and service, I was very pleasantly surprised by the high level of quality in both build and service. My fuel economy, while dismal in the city, actually compares favorably with the 6 cyl Volvo on the highway (19.2 vs. 23 with the Volvo) I have gone from hood badge to tailgate badge, tires to roof rack both inside and out looking for assembly defects and could not find a significant one. It looks nice, it drives nice and I would heartily recommend this vehicle to anyone whose needs require luxury travel with the ability to tow relatively large trailers.

• 

  Great Ride...Love it!!!! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Memphis, TN Aviator - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Just bought 2wd premium with all the options for 43,000. Rides great- has awesome power. If your looking for a mid-sized luxery SUV, you have to check out the Aviator. Helpful hint- dont buy from Gary Davis Lincoln in Memphis,TN. Bad service.

• 

  A/C Compressor - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By David Craik - June 19 - 8:50 pm

  "Grinding noise" when A/C turned on (hot or cold) FOMOCO states this is normal. NO FIX DESIGN FAULT aka DEFECTIVE. FOMOCO says its happening on all Explorer size vehicles. Not true, dont believe it! Only occurs on 03 & 04 Lincoln Aviator units. Considering Class Action Suite

• 

  Beautiful truck! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Brad Schwier - June 12 - 5:43 pm

  This car is beautiful on the inside and out. Its classy interior design makes you feel like you are in the best of the best. With 300 hp you dont even feel like youre driving a big vehicle, it feels more like a sports car when it comes to acceleration. The gas mileage isnt to brag about, but either is a Camaros which was my last car.

• 

  killing time - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By ausagi69 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This SUVis fun to drive and comfortable can be less for larger men but great comfortable ride

• 

  The Lincoln Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By B Braffet - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Fabulous riding automobile. No truck like rides in this car.

• 

  So far so good - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By phillyfromnewyork - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it, great value vesus BMW, Volvo and Mercedes.

• 

  Near perfect - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By new mexico - April 2 - 10:26 am

  I have found the Aviator to be near perfect. It handles well- it simply responds beautifully. It is comfortable for me and I am rather small ( 53" ) and yet my 6 husband finds it comfortable as well. It is a great size- large enough but, not too large. And, when I need power- it is there. Overall, so far so good- I really like this SUV.

• 

  An honest review of the Aviator - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Harley Storrings - February 11 - 12:20 pm

  When you first get in, you immediately notice the luxury and refinement of the cabin. The Aviators cabin impressed me far more than any competitors. The suspension and ride are excellent for an SUV, and the performance, while by no means insufficient, is the cars only weakness. I have had no issues of reliability, and Lincolns service has been top notch.