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:
Showing 171 through 180 of 346.00-
An American Classic - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By little - April 8 - 10:00 amThe fourth SUV that my wife owned, NONE compare with this beauty. leave it to Lincoln!!!
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Aviator - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
By AMY GRESAK - March 8 - 3:23 amMy driving experience is very luxury and it handles the road great. It provides awesome entertainment for children or guests and at the same time makes driving a relaxing experience. Reduces the stress on long drives and short.
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There is a GOD... - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By AV8Rcag - March 8 - 2:00 am...he revealed the Ten Commandments to Moses. Now hes given heavens blue prints to Lincoln. Theyve really done it up right. The Aviator is typical Lincoln CLASS. The ride is superb (whatd ya expect for a Lincoln), but the clincher is the power and handling. This baby is a rocketsled. It will blow my wifes fuel injected Tahoe OFF THE ROAD. Though it rides like a Lincoln it handles like a sports car. The interior is sooooo classy. Almost felt like putting on a tuxedo.
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If you get lucky, Youll Get a great one - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By ghengisc - February 24 - 10:00 amI absolutely love the Aviator. Its very family friendly, easy to drive and looks great. Everyone of my friends that has seen it and drove it absolutely love it.
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Awesome Vehicle - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
By Rose - February 11 - 12:06 pmI am extremely pleased with this vehicle. I wanted to buy an American luxury SUV vehicle and this fit the bill. Am as excited to see the 2007 release.
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2003 Lincoln Aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By JohnWatson - February 7 - 11:03 pmThe performance is outstanding. It feels comfortable, solid and stable. The steering is responsive and precise. The visibilitly is superb forward and rearward, especially with the backup tone warning system. It accepts a top mounted extra luggage compartment allowing long travel with 6 passengers, in comfort. Controlled braking is excellent.
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Not so thrilled - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By EDF - January 6 - 2:00 amIm 50/50 on the Aviator. However, the brushed silver console scartches so easy and if you buy this vehicle to truck kids around, it gets scratched up quickly. If you use all three rows, forget putting anything in the back. I can barely fit an umbrella stroller. Lastly, I never had a V8, and didnt realize how much gas it eats up. If I had to do it again, I would go with a Volvo or Acura SUV. I told the dealer I wasnt happy with my choice and he basically said tough.
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Excellent SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By Thomas - January 1 - 12:30 pmMixed long distance highway and heavy city trafic. Very safe, easy to drive and considering the size, 19mpg on the highway.
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Aviator Review - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
By SD MAN - December 22 - 2:36 amOutside mirrors tend to shake at higher speeds
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Size Matters - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By dacuck@msn.com - December 12 - 2:00 amGood size, good looks, great engine..!! Have not bought American for a few years. Sold 99 Audi A8 4.2q to buy SUV. Looked at everything... wife is principle driver... i might have prefered FX45.. BMW- gets to pricey with opts. Lexus- a little small/cramps front leg room..front wheel drive. Murano-didnt drive..just looked at..??
