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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  Flying the Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By brandon - January 25 - 5:03 am

  i love driving this suv. i actually enjoy driving to work now because the aviator is such a joy to drive. the stereo is fantastic, and the ride is so smooth that is feels like you are flying. the steering is easy and smooth as well. the HID lights are a big plus at night as well. the aviator is loaded with all kinds of gadgits and i love gadgits. over all, i love the vehicle. it has a few problems, but since most of the aviators are discounted right now, you can get a brand new one for 20,000 less than a bmw or mb.

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  Its aite - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By samiyasmom - January 18 - 5:43 pm

  I have had my Aviator for a year and a half now and back in january I started having problems with it. Sometimes it would start when you got in it and every time i would take it to the lincoln dealership they would keep saying they could do nothing because when i would get it to the dealership it would start up so i got tired of it maybe starting and sometimes not starting that i ended up getting it towed back to the dealership because one day i got in it and it wouldnt start so i ended up buying a new starter and that ended up not even being the problem it was something else so i was frustrated with that.

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  Aviator - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Susu - January 11 - 9:10 am

  We are a growing family and this vehicle has the room and options we were looking for in a SUV.

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  Aviator experience - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Sandra - January 11 - 3:33 am

  I absolutely love my Aviator, I can not express how happy I am with my vehicle. I am 22 years old and I am a college student, I am always running errands and I have lots to carry and everything fits. Overall its a great vehicle.

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  Love it - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Kevin Lewis - January 1 - 10:00 am

  After owning a 1995 Explorer, weve found the Aviator to be a big step up in ride and comfort. Other than the meager gas mileage, I would definitely buy the Aviator again.

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  Love The Aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Patty - December 26 - 10:00 am

  After owning 3 Explorers (two xlts and one Eddie Bauer) I am really impressed with this truck. This is my first Lincoln and I truly doubt I will ever own anything else. I havent had the chance to test it out in New England winters yet but Im sure it wont let me down.

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  Refreshing! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Kathys Car - December 20 - 2:00 am

  After much hesitation I made the move to a SUV. The Aviator convinced me. My criteria was it couldnt ride or feel like a truck. It definitely does not. The handling, performance and ride are more than I expected. Coming out of a Mercedes C320, I was concerned to move to a larger vehicle, but the experience so far has me less frustrated with my sometimes 1 hour commute in bumper to bumper traffic. After a very disappointing ride with Mercedes, I am truly excited and refreshed to be back to an impressive American made vehicle.

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Kathys Car - December 9 - 10:00 am

  After a very disappointing ownership of a Mercedes C320 - this vehicle is a joy to drive. Its been reliable - only maintenance items required. No problems - what a change from my Mercedes.

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  A few mechanical problems in first year - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By ac_in_cv - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Aviator for a little more than six months. Its making a wind whistle at high speed and the gas door has caused a crease in the side panel. Its a beautiful car, but not economical. 14.5 mpg most of the time. Had a fuel line problem which the dealer fixed in a weeks time. Does not inspire confidence w/reliability.

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  Aviator Rocks - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By abrams - November 24 - 2:00 am

  The Lincoln Aviator is a masterpiece from the ground up. Its fulltime all- wheel drive makes it as though the snow does not even exist on the ground. Its 302 horsepower engine and throaty exhaust is very pleasing when you "step on it". The interior is marvelous and innovatively elegant. It is truly a dream car.