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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Never an issue - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By abqlincoln - April 9 - 12:43 amWe have loved this for 2 years and have loved it. A lot of people complain about the mileage but for a full sized SUV to get 21 mpg on the highway at 80 mph I have no complaints at all. Around town we get 15 mpg but again, I never expected this to be an economy car. It has been very reliable and has never given us an issue.
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BEST DAMN SUV - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By BARR Y ALVES - March 25 - 2:00 amiT IS BY FAR THE BEST PERFORMING SUV ON THE MARKET TODAY!
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avator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By mayer - March 14 - 10:00 amwonderful car love it best SUV i ever had
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Love my Aviator (Kittyhawk) - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By Sugar - March 8 - 2:00 amProud to own it and Proud to drive it. Im blessed
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Shake and rattle - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By Pierrot - March 8 - 2:00 amThe day after I took delivery of this vehicle was in the shop. It has been in the shop on 6 different occasions for over 30 days. There is a vibration throughout the drivetrain including the steering wheel which manifest itself by shaking when driving down the road. It is noticed by noise and feel. Ford says that all Avaitors are this way so be aware. If you feel your hand shaking or hear vibrations it is not in your head. Other problems include oil, leaks tire sensor failures and bad tires.
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Great truck - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By michael - March 2 - 3:06 amThis truck amazes me every single day. The engine is remarkable, handling is precise (especially for its weight and size), and its extremely comfortable. Towing capacity is great--eclipsing most other SUVs in its class. Gas mileage is actually pretty good for the engine and weight of the vehicle.
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poor customer service - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By clarksalmo - March 1 - 2:00 am540 miles on the car the transmission went out, 500 miles from home. Lincoln customer service is non-existent. Basically was told I was on my own. Wont be buying any Ford products again. Very disappointing experience.
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2003 Lincoln Aviator premium Edition - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By Rancher - February 10 - 2:56 amThis vehicle rocks. purchased new I now have over 130,000 miles and still going strong. The ride and comfort is still exceptional. While this model does not have stability control or the roll over features it is a great vehicle. The car can be at a comfortable 70-75 miles per hour, and then go into passing mode quickly with no lag and hit over 90 with ease, and yeah I have done that both new and with current total miles. The engine is strong and sure. I am now having an issue with the differential and am looking for another Aviator to purchase. I have towed a 21 ft boat, two jet skies, with this car,(no, not all at once) and it still tracks smoothly with no sway. Would buy this again.
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Questioning my purchase... - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By rbcastle - February 5 - 10:00 amI purchased my car on March 1, 2003 and since that time I have had my vehicle in the service department four times. The most recent incident was for a defective power steering rack, which needed to be replaced. Since this is such a new car, the power steering rack was not available and had to be stripped off of a new car in currently being built. Took almost a whole two weeks to get it back, which is better than the 30 days they originally told me. Hopefully I can overcome my thoughts about the car and finally begin to enjoy my purchase.
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Very Satisfied - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By NaXXX - January 31 - 10:00 amThis vehicle was purchased for my wife. She loves the car and I know that she is safe in it. It is spacious even at the third row. Design is gorgeous. Only drawback is the fuel economy due to weight but I can live with it.
