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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  23000 and few problems - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Mongo - August 9 - 7:16 pm

  Such a nice highway cruiser. Pulls a medium size RV nicely as well. A few petty problems, but the dealer has done very well to handle them.

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  My Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By bobland - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Best riding SUV Ive ever driven, had a 2000 Mercury Mountaineer, cant even compare to the Lincoln. I do a lot of driving down south on 95, and the Mercury would vibrate and really drive like a truck over 65mph. In the Lincoln, I have to keep looking at the speedometer because the ride is so smooth.

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  Aviator - Its not my grandmas Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By RD in the foothills - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Love the Aviator. My wife spent months researching vehicles on the net and narrowed it down to the Aviator. I just wish the mpg were better and the vehicle used regular gasoline.

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  Nice Driver - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By nvbanker - June 6 - 12:43 am

  The Aviator has the distinction of being the Navigators younger brother in design and looks. Most of the features you can get in the Navigator are available. The magic of the Aviator is the way it drives. The steering is easy and the power is extraordinary. Its the most fun SUV Ive ever driven.

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  Simply the best! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Alisons SUV - June 2 - 1:26 pm

  We have had either family vans or SUVs for years, and our Aviator is the best overall car weve ever had. It has great power, is extremely comfortable in town or on a trip, and is fun to drive. Additionally, the dealer took great pains to be sure we knew how to use everything on it before turning us loose!

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  My Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By maltese - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I love the lumbar support, the navigation system is easy to use

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Nikos - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with the performance, looks and comfort. Ive had my 2003 Aviator for 3 months, and Im extremely pleased with it. If youre in the market for a powerful luxury SUV, one that will fit in your garage, look no further.

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  Nothing better - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Sharlex - April 22 - 1:06 am

  This is the most enjoyable vehicle I have ever had the pleasure of owning. I love the luxurious interior, the beautiful exterior and flawless ride and handling. The bright cathode lights on the dash are gorgeous and it was worth every penny. I test drove many SUVs and nothing comes remotely close to the Lincoln Aviator.

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  This aint no Explorer - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By E. Mayer - April 19 - 2:00 am

  We were in the market for an SUV with 3rd row seating. If this is you, do yourself a favor and test drive this SUV. Youll understand why most limos are Licolns - its all about the ride and this SUV delivers.

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  A Lemon With Hubcaps - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By GAIL POWERS - April 9 - 10:00 am

  My beef is not with the vehicle, but with Lincoln itself. Their customer service is deplorable. I paid $2,000 for an upgrade with Navigational System. The Navigational system is extremely poor and inaccurate. My husbands portable Garmin works better. I called for a new disc to see if the new one was improved. Customer Service said they are not responsible for it because they bought it from another company. If I want a new one I can call this company and get one for $169. They didnt mind taking my money the first time, but dont call them with a complaint. My Durango was a better value overall and far more comfortable.