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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  okay - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By cee dee - January 31 - 9:26 am

  this suv is just okay. i would not purchase it again. the air conditioner is too loud and drowns out the music. the locks in the rears seats are too far back for the pass to open it comfortably. i drive the city alot and the gas mileage is the worst. the newest problem is the radio waits about 30 sec to come on when i start the veh. i am not thrilled with this vehicle

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  Great value in a luxury midsize SUV - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By CB - January 9 - 3:30 am

  Im very pleased with my new 05 Aviator so far. The handling and driving performance are excellent, comparable to my previous SUV (2002 Lexus RX300), and thats saying a lot. Very plush, feature-laden interior with excellent use of space. Logical instrument layout. Overall looks are great--definitely like taking all the best things about a Navigator and shrinking it down slightly to a more manageable level, while still having an ample 3rd row for families with kids. Employee pricing and other incentives make this a hard deal to beat in this segment! If youre looking for a luxury SUV with a 3rd row, youd be hard pressed to find a better combo of value, styling and performance.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By MjM - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I have driven a lot of SUVs and this is by far the best. Beautiful vehicle and beautiful ride. It has everything that you could want.

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  Satisfied Owner - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By popepad - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Although weve only owned our Aviator three weeks and 1100 miles, it is a marvelous vehicle. We have a 2001 Explorer V8 AWD which we love, and this Lincoln is a big step upward. This is surely the pinnacle of American SUV engineering. Although the foreign-is- better crowd will turn up their noses at this truck; it is beautiful, well- made, great-handling and powerful.

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  My first Lincoln, great SUV love it - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By ziear - December 3 - 2:56 am

  I bought this Aviator for my birthday and drove it from Philidelphia to Atlanta it drove like a dreams and continues to. Only thing that needs improving is the gas mileage. A fun hot ride.

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  JDH - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By JIMHOFT - December 1 - 2:00 am

  GREAT SUV - BEST SUV I HAVE OWNED.

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  Worth the money - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Lynne James - November 17 - 2:00 am

  It is an excellent vehicle, but it really drinks the fuel.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Megan - November 1 - 5:33 am

  I have enjoyed my Aviator. It has taken my family on many trips and I havnt had any problems. My only complaint is a rattling window that the dealership wont fix because it has been over a year. Overall though, it has been a great vehicle and I love the all wheel drive!

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  The top of the line in SUVS. - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Shriner214 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  We tried the BMW, Denali, Yukon and Volvo before settling with our Aviator. The BMW and Volvo were just too small for traveling plus rear seat room for persons my size (62" 240lbs) was really uncomfortable. The ride wasnt acceptable. The Yukon & Denali were a close 2nd. The mileage was very acceptable for this vehicle. On a trip to Maine from Florida (5100 miles) average mileage of 22.8 per gallon. Air was increased in the tires however to 34 Lbs. to achieve as a dealer Friend had advised. City driving averages 17.5- 19.0 depending on how much is stop & go.

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  Bought this car new LOVE IT - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By v_sanders1 - October 24 - 8:26 am

  Ive owned this car for 11 years new and it still looks beautiful inside and out. No problems what so ever and I only change the oil when it says to. It drives wonderful and is very safe (airbags even in back). I would buy this car all over again but they quit making them during our economic slump :( You will not go wrong with this year model 2003