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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  known problems with drive train - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By spdrcrgo - October 19 - 2:00 am

  vehicle performance and utility are adequate, however the rear axle whine that seems to be standard with the vehicle prompted me to lemon law my 1st one (a 2003)ford exchanged it for a 2004 model after apprx. 1100 miles the same problem whine developed. im looking to trade this one in for a quality suv within 6 mos.

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  Have you driven a Lincoln SUV lately - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Leem - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Test drives X5, Toureg, RX330, MDX, XC90, and Aviator. Aviator agreed by ALL family menbers within seconds. Bought right after test drive. Cant imagine Lincolns SUV is with great handling and comfort; enven the quiteness is better than RX330. Have you driven a Lincoln SUV lately?

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  Luv my car - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Terrya - August 8 - 1:23 pm

  I Luv this car everything is nice had a windstar van before now I wanted something in the same size for passengers, this met all of my needs I wish the 04 had navigation but I still luv it. Always wanted to drive a lincoln and I am glad they have a smaller suv the navigator looks too big for me.

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  Kicks Major Butt - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By dlounj - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd SUV and hands down is the best. This car literally flies and can beat almost any other SUV on the road. Interior is beautiful as is the exterior. Ride is real good. Supposedly engineers created this auto with a plane in mind, thus the name Aviator and when you start it up and the light go on, you feel like your at the control panel of your own 747.

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  Comfy - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Haven - July 26 - 2:00 am

  The Lincoln Aviator is a very comfy and luxury SUV that we enjoy a lot. It also has a classy exterior look.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Esmerelda - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Fabulous SUV! I have love it since I first test drove it. Drove many other luxury SUVs, but went back to this one.

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  Aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Big Al - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Lincolns got it right, better than BMW, MBZ and lexus amazing performance

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  A Headache So Far - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Rudy C. - June 20 - 8:03 pm

  I am financing my 2005 Lincoln Aviator and have had it since August 2008 and I have to say that I am experiencing a major problem with my power windows not working (they are now rolled down), the stereo doesnt work, and my AC lights do not work either. I have checked all the fuses both underneathe the dash on under the hood and all checks good, but still I am unable to close my windows or use my radio. This is a very luxury and beautiful vehicle, but I hate the fact that no one seems to know what has caused this problem. Please help!

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  Extremely Dissatisfied - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Filippone, Robert A. - June 16 - 12:36 pm

  My first "luxury vehicle". I have had 12 Ford Motor Co. products in my lifetime. Always had very good luck with each of them. 100000+ miles on each. I keep my vehicles at least 8-10 years. Take excellent care of them. Have never had a complaint about any. When I retired, I decided to upgrade into a "luxury vehicle". Have never had such a vehicle in my life. Thought I owed it to myself. When the Aviator came out in 2003 I was impressed. I purchased a "DEMO" with 1411 miles on it. I was thrilled to death. Immediately I had ignition problems. Not once. not twice, but five times. The same problem. It was solved eventually, but only after being towed and inconvienced five times.

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  1st SUV - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Robert - June 12 - 8:13 pm

  The Lincoln Aviator is the first SUV that Ive owned. I am generally pleased with it, except that it gets terrible gas mileage. The interior is a little cramped when fully loaded with 7 passengers but it is much better than a traditional car. I bought it used with 20,000 miles on it and have had no problems except for the brakes. I may not keep it as long as I expected but that remains to be seen. By the way, the gas mileage improves significantly on the highway.