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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  Best SUV for the Money - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Lincoln is Best - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the best SUV you can buy for the money. While some complain that gas mileage is poor, it is even poorer in the $60,000 plus crowd. So, if you want cruise with the best vehicles made you have to spend money for gas. Ask anyone who owns/owned a range rover.

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  LUV this SUV! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By April - December 12 - 11:50 pm

  I own the 2003 Aviator, and am quite satisfied with it. The one drawback, as anyone may guess, is the fuel economy. This vehicle is fun to drive, is very comfortable, and attracts a lot of attention as the "baby Navigator". Dealer service is great, as the 2003 model came with an excellent warranty package. One of my favorite features of this vehicle is the steering wheel- mounted controls for the audio system, A/C, etc. I also like the second-row captains chairs with the roomy console. The Aviator has a generous cargo capacity with the third-row seats folded flat into the floor. The V8 engine is very powerful, which a former 4-cylinder driver like myself has to ge accustomed to.

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  good car - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By george9009 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  very nice car, i like it next time will get a navigator

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  Excellant All Around Vehicle - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Great Vehicle - December 5 - 12:23 am

  Go anywhere SUV, Go several times a year on out of state trips. The Aviator is the ultimate in comfort! Hit that seat warmer after a long day and ahhh! Our Aviator has 42K on it and has only needed the regular maint performed on it. I did replace the tires to one size up and that helped on the milage-AVG 19 mph allaround and up to 21 on the road. I also had the computer upgraded thru the dealer on a new program that has made it perform even better. No gripes here glad we have it as our all around veh and well worth the price!

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  Brake gear shift release - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By mrcatpr - December 4 - 3:43 am

  I have problem with brake gear shift release and is too expensive to correct this problem.

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  I Love This Car - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Deann - November 23 - 1:13 am

  We have had it for almost a year now and its ran great. We had a problem with the steering wheel locking up. The car itself is very comfortable but the leather gets dirty very easily. We have had Lincolns for 13 years and they take care and own up on their warranties. We would have gotten the Navigator but it was just to big for us. Overall this car is the best Lincoln weve had.

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  It Could be Better - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Dave - November 4 - 10:23 am

  Ive put 14,000 miles on my Aviator and it has run well except for a few problems. The steering shudders badly while making left turns at low speeds on level ground. Dealer says pretty much "theyll do that". Says its caused by power steering sucking air while turning on incline. Been to the shop twice and it improved the first time for a month, then came back. DVD player ate DVD within first 3 months. Parts had to be back ordered. They never have a Lincoln for you to use when your is in the shop. I did get 19.5 mpg on a 1300 mile trip averaging 75 MPH.

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  An SUV that drives better than most cars - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Jules301h - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Head turning good looks, and sedan like driveability. Aviator really does drive amazingly well for its size and weight. The engine is very powerful, steering is extremely responsive, ride is perfect-very smooth, handles very well on corners, little body lean. Turns well in parking lots. Ride very quiet. A/c works really well. Cooled seats dont do much. Havent tried the heated seats yet. DVD is great, wireless headphones too. But the PS2/Xbox hookup is on the ceiling. The navigation sys is $2500-buy a map. Great car, go it under invoice w/ 0%.

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  Great All Around SUV - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Chuck - October 10 - 6:00 am

  We could not be happier with our Aviator. We are the original owners and have had little trouble since our purchase. I wanted a luxury AWD SUV to last us 8-10 years. Well we are half way there and still love it. The fuel mileage is pitiful but we were aware of that at time of purchase. Thats what you get when you put a Mustang engine in a heavy SUV. Duh? The AWD and Traction Control are excellent. I feel that my wife is safe in a heavy, well built American SUV. The comfort and ride is totally "Lincoln." The THX sound system is fantastic too. I just put new tires and brakes on. Also updated the Navigation DVD and purchased the extended warranty through Ford. Were keeping it!

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  Just hit 3300 miles - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By chaalz - October 6 - 10:00 am

  The 3 SUVs we considered were the Aviator, Volvo XC90 and BMW X5. The Aviator won easily. Great look, lots of power, 7- passengers, very fun to drive. Whatever you do, go test drive this SUV.