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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  Excellent American option compare those - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By topo5a - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Drive off[roads like fliying 1st class. Excellent overall performance. Superior safety. Beautiful interiors (only with GPS option). Acceleration feels smooth changes and confortable, responding quickly to your needs.

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By John Correia - July 3 - 10:00 am

  A joy to drive and a huge step up from my Explorer. I have had "zero" problems with the Aviator and its stability, handling, and acceleration are excellent. The internal "creature comforts" are excellent too(dual climate controls, excellent radi/CD, DVD player, cool or warm seat controls for driver and passenger, controls on steering wheel for radio/cd, cruise control).

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  Awesome - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By CHRISTIE - June 28 - 3:33 am

  AS this being my first SUV purchace and may i say a forced purchace (I am a real sporty performance driven girl myself) As a new mother and needing more room I opted for the aviator for not only its looks inside and out, the roomiiness and luxury sold me ... not only that 3rd row seating.... The V8 still got out of its own way...unlike its suv look alikes ( which by the way had no more room than my A6 Audi in the back) still love it one year later, It is my new livingroom. Clee

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  Pass everything but a gas station - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By BrianH - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is simply awesome! Its got everything you could imagine and more. The 302 horsepower engine is more power than you need, like that is a bad thing? Its so much fun to drive and still retains the comfort and class of a Lincoln. Its a dream vehicle for the younger hope-to-be Lincoln owners. I love it and Im a Town Car man.

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  Theres good and bad - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Diane - May 26 - 9:03 pm

  We were on a major highway during a surprise white-out snowstorm. Cars in front and behind us spun sideways. Only way to go was down into ravine between east and west lanes to avoid accident. My husband steered the Aviator down into ravine and after 100 feet we rode out and back up onto the highway, NEVER sliding or spinning out of control. This car has saved our family. The handling in all types of weather has been wonderful. Cons: Very restricted seating-leg room, etc; poor gas mileage; cheap interior materials: leather poor quality, fake wood. Have owned many expensive vehicles, cant understand why Lincoln skimped on these. Front seat backs need to be powered. Heating vent burns legs

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  Hats off to Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Rod S. - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I had examined and researched this vehicle prior to purchase. In the past four months I have had nothing but satisfaction and pleasure in driving this vehicle. It is as comfortable as a luxury sedan, pull my boat with ease, and is an overall pleasure to own. Lincoln has excelled in creating a new model that has all of the features of its bigger brother, the Navigator, without the overpowering size.

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  I love it - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Norman A - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I dont like to drive SUVS. Im a "stick" sporty car driver. My wife has driven two Jeep grand Cherokees and a Lexus rx300. I only drove those when I had to, but now I cant wait for an oportunity to drive this SUV. It handles well, fast and sooo comfortable. My 22 year old son leaves his Musrang covertable in the driveway if he gets a chance to drive the Aviator. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  lincoln aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By preston whitlock - May 20 - 10:00 am

  we have not had it long but fuel efficiency really there dosnt seem to be any and the cover that comes over the radio with lincoln written on it should have a light-up feature as welli think that it adds to the appreance inside....

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  Great SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By rider4387 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the greatest suv you will ever drive or even ride in. Its got class, style, and outstanding monoverability. If you buy this suv driving will actually be fun.

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  very good car - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By abzz - May 20 - 10:00 am

  lincon is one of the best cars in US