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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  Capable handling and good looks - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Flyer - December 12 - 2:00 am

  After test driving most of the domestic and foreign built SUVs in this price range, I bought the Aviator. Great handling, smooth engine drivetrain combo, suspension is superior to every other SUV I drove, great looks.

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  40,000 and a few more problems - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Mongo - November 26 - 3:20 am

  Still a fine performer, but have experienced a few more issues. New starter, left rear window stopped working both fixed under warranty. Now the ABS light came on and the cruise control stopped working. I guess we will see the value of the extended warranty next. Still, nothing comes close on the highway.

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  Pure Pleasure - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By RudyMATT - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is a pleasure to drive. I love almost everything about this wonderful car. The only downside is the fuel economy.

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  mistake - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Steteven Willams - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car 6 months ago and I have been at the mecanic 9 times for enigine problems. This car is to big and handles just okay. The only thing good about it is its a smooth ride and it has AWD. I awlways buy BMWs and Hondas. My wife still has an 1987 Honda Accord and she also has a BMW 5 series from 1997. Both cars had only 1 problem each. I just sold my 1981 Honda accord for $700 with $300,000 miles on it and one problem in 1990 and one in 2001. Next year I am going to buy myself a new Toyota Avalon.

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  Love my Aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By LD - November 3 - 10:50 pm

  Had my Aviator since 2003 and loved every day I have had it. I cant beleive they dont make them any more. For sure, I would go out and purchase another one. I also thought this about my Mark VII. I guess I am just hooked on a Lincolns.

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  aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Bob volosevich - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Love the suv. lousey on gas a little noisey, but this lincoln more than makes up for it.i would like to see a little more console storage. everone remarks what a sharp looking car"!

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  Excellent Value - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By chris rodriquez - September 27 - 9:36 pm

  I have had nothing but good experience with my Aviator. For an SUV it handles like a sports car around curves, feels solid and planted to the road. Smooth on most road surfaces with little wind or engine noise. The interior design is one of the best for SUVs. Like all the safety features it provides like the rear park assist, the turn signal mirrors with reverse tilt, darn good brakes with ABS, electronic brake force distribution with brake assist.

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  Not My Expedition - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Golfingg - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 2003 Eddie Bauer Expedition for the Aviator. It was a great trade. It has more power and although it is not quite as big, it is still very comfortable for my family of four. The power is unbelievable.

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  Alll in one - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By D and T - August 17 - 11:10 am

  Ive never had a 300hp engine in my control before. I bought my wife this used lincoln aviator and now I drive it half the time! The interior is flawless, the engine is quiet but powerful. The controls are all within distance. I truely believe mpg is more reflective on the driver rather then the vehicle. My wife and I get 17.5 MPG average! We recently learned that driving within a certain speed helps MPG(read the manual) So I dont think the MPG too bad, just try not to be tempted by that 300hp engine. Exterior is decent, looks a bit better then the Mercury or the Explorer. I expected us to buy a Mountaineer, glad I didnt!

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  Love it - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By F.T. - August 14 - 8:26 pm

  Have nothing but good things to say about truck. Lots of power and super handling. Love the third row seat which is standard on the Aviator. The HID lights and the heated and A/C seats are also nice touches. Now the bad - the dealership has not been able to fix the squeak in steering column. The rear end humms and also needs replaced. Still love the truck, will be looking a new dealership the next time.