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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  won out over other test drives - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By justgotanaviator - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I drove the Expedition, Montero, Navigator, Sequouia and Tahoe, all with the decked out packages. The Aviator was a hands down winner. Quieter, more luxurious and more powerful (responsive to the quick spurts of acceleration). AND, the steering is awesome, European comporable for sure. Expensive on the gas but we only put 12k per year on our vehicle. For that, the luxury ride is unbeatable. There is no other vehicle for this price and this total package.

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  Great Vehicle!! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By DAWN - May 9 - 7:36 am

  I love this truck, I went from a Trailblazer to this, what a difference. Smooth ride, classic interior. My son loves the DVD player, the second row bucket seats, and the third row seating for his friends!! Powerful engine, like any other vehicle, owner needs to get used to the handling and especially in bad weather!

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  I Love It - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By JJ032004 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Drove an Explorer for years, looked at Pilot, Highlander, and Explorer to replace. Drove an Aviator on a whim, the family loved it! Fun to drive, pulled a trailer with no effort, ride is great, there was no comparison to other vehicles test driven. Handling is solid, seats very comfortable, even during several hour uninterrupted stretches of driving. Everyone I have had as a passenger has really liked the ride and internal comfort. Buying experience was the best I had ever experienced!

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  Perfect Ten - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Aviator Driver - February 28 - 2:00 am

  The Aviator is at the head of its class. Those who wouldnt even consider an Aviator simply because they are accustomed to purchasing imports such as BMW, and Mercedes Benz are missing out BIGTIME! All it takes is a comparison drive and the Aviator will certainly shine through. Verses the X-5, Acura MDX, Lexus GX470, and the ML500, the Aviator triumphs in ALL ASPECTS!

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  I love it! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By C/Magnus - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I truely love this veh. It is very confortable although whish the drivers seat had more hieght adjustmanet. It handles very well with the full seven passenger load. I have 900 milres on the vehicle thus far and the milage had improved about two miles per gal for a total of 13 mpg in combined city and hwy driving.

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  Partridge - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Donal Partridge - February 4 - 10:10 am

  Its a great car. No problems since I bought it. In my opinion, the best part about this car is its performance. Excellent handling, and its very fast for an SUV. Interior is identical to the new Navigator models, but much smaller.

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  Mongos Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Cdmongo - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The Aviator is just the right size for the V-8 power plant. It is nicely designed with a rich interior, great sound system (6-CDs) and an airconditioning system (including the seats) that can keep anyone cool on the warmest of summer days. Mongo

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  This car is fun to drive - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Carolyn Norklun - January 19 - 1:13 pm

  This car is more fun to drive than an SUV is supposed to be. The acceleration can be head snapping. The vehicle is very stable and handles very well. Fit and finish are excellent. My husband particularly likes the navigation system. All and All a very nice vehicle.

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  Aviator does it right! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Robin - January 12 - 2:20 am

  We just purchased this vehicle and are so pleased! We owned a Mountaineer prior and cannot believe what we have been missing. If you want to feel like you are in a Luxury car and not a truck well then this is the one for you. My sister owned one and we fell in love. we did our research and realized this was the one. Not only do you feel safe, but it handles the road amazingly. It looks good to! heads turn when you are driving this machine. Safety features are all there too. we only regret not buying it sooner.

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  2003 aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By debsbmer - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Love It...Love It...it is a dream to drive. I cant wait to drive it, drive it anywhere