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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  love it!! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By its just me - May 20 - 10:00 am

  for those of you looking for luxury and 4-wheel drive all wrapped up in a nice neat package..this is the vehicle for you!!! the size is perfect and the performance is awesome. this is my 5th sport utility in 16 years and by far my favorite.

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  Lincoln Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Lilith - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Have had quite a few higher end SUVs including the big Lexus. The ride is FAR superior. The interior is absolutely beautiful. Everyone that drives in it is very impressed with the clean styling. I have horses, and use it to tow. It surpasses every other vehicle I have had for its towing capabilites, without having the extra length of the really big SUVs. Its a great all around vehicle, from carpooling, to the grocery store, to going out to dinner, to going to a horse show, all with style and elegance.

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  Love My Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Pink Lady - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I looked at all SUVs of every make and model before deciding on the Lincoln Aviator. I am extremely happy that I chose it. Not only is it fun to drive with many outstanding features, but other people on the road admire it as well. I was on a road trip with it and stopped at a dinner along the Interstate one day. When I came out, there were other people surrounding my vehicle and checking it out. When they realized that is was mine, they started asking me all kinds of questions about it. They climbed into their brand new supped up pickup truck while still staring at my SUV. It was a compliment.

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  American Prince? - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By chiengrand - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I wanted luxury, 260+ HP, a head- turning design, 3 rows of seats, decent MPG, tight ride and handling package, and American! What won me over was the ride! The combination of power,handling, and comfort was superior to the rest; the looks - an added plus - a bold, clean and sturdy look with no wasted curves and frills, and the best grille on the road! Very American! So I am a very happy driver with a slightly guilty conscience about the MPG, but I have gotten 18 on the highway, and 14 in city traffic. I traded in a Dodge Dakota Quad Cab that had worse MPG, so I keep telling myself that Im part of the solution!!

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  Jeff Aviator - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Jeff - May 14 - 5:20 pm

  Extremely smooth riding, comfortable for long trips, very good acceleration. Poor city mileage,aversge highway mileage

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  Love my Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Don Hendricks - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I love this SUV. I had an X5 and like the Aviator better. I prefer driving it to my E500. I recommend this car. Powerful engine, smooth ride and handles great. Lacks a few features I might like but the plusses make up for any shortcomings.

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  Only drive while under warranty - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Al - May 3 - 5:06 pm

  Its a pretty good bet that the transmission will need some work. At about 35k miles, mine needed to be overhauled while on a road trip out of state. Ignition coils were recalled and I would recommend just getting all 8 original coils replaced, BEFORE they go out, which eventually they will. Overall, Ive enjoyed owning this Aviator but now that its well past the Lincoln warranty and extended warranty expiration, its time to let this Aviator get some rest before it puts me in the poorhouse.

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  The 2003 Aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By 03 Aviator - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is #1 , Looks like the full size Navi but if a small package, it is the benchmark for its segment betas out all the Imports BUY AMERICAN!! comfort and exceptional luxury superb performance agile handling smooth quiet ride heat ed & AC seats , DVD , ALL the options cost $ 49,000.00 Dont be cheap GET the BEST!!!

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  Wife is happy - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By tagco - April 21 - 2:00 am

  It is a rare instance in which my wife raves about a vehicle. She is in love with the Aviator and cant understand why Lincoln hasnt done a better job marketing. I own a Explorer Ltd.V8 and let me tell you...this aint no Explorer. The ride is smooth and tight with none of the harshness of other SUVs I have owned. The engine is strong and smooth. Plus you an interior that gets stares at the car wash. In all, a very positve experience, this is somewhat of a surprise, since my wife picked it out. Linclon has dropped the ball in regard to marketing this thing.

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  I love my Aviator - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Ricardo - April 9 - 1:43 pm

  The Aviator performs exactly as I thought it would. Its a pleasure to drive, and my wife and I look forward to trips in it. The mileage isnt red hot, but I knew it wouldnt be when I decided to buy the vehicle. Its great for hauling groceries, golf clubs, and friends. We love it!