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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Seats are Hard - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By Jferrell - September 24 - 2:00 amThe vehicle seems ok with the same style as a Ford Explorer. But once you get in, the comfort level is minimal. The layout of the dash is fine, but the flip down cover for the stereo is kind of cheesy. The seats are the most uncomfortable I have ever sat in. The sides are hard and hit right in the thigh. No matter how I turned, I was not able to find a comfirtable position. For a luxury SUV, they did not put a good effort into the seating. There is also a hesitation when stepping on the gas to get on a freeway which could be improved (1 to 1 1/2 seconds)
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its a good vehicle - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By c tucker - August 30 - 10:00 amI have owned Lincolns for 34 years and this is the best one Ive had. Except for a sensor that failed in the first 200 miles, it has been troublefree. It handles well, has superior performance and I exceeded the EPA ratings getting 20 mpg at 70 mph on a trip to Oregon.
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Room to Roam - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By 2X4 off road - August 18 - 2:00 amThe comfort can only be beat by bigger luxery cars.The worst milage is 11.5 mpg uphill in town at low speed and the best on the hwy is 23 mpg with it getting 20.5 easily on the hwy at 70 mph. I just did a long trip and got 19 mpg at 90 mile per hour most of the way.
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aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By 9394n - June 30 - 2:00 ama great car, its a loaded Kitty Hawk edition. mileage at 75 mph on a trip is about 21 mpg. Love the GPS moving map. we will get a new 2006 when it comws out. the engine is quiet and real snappy.
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aviator bad experience - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By enrique gioni - May 31 - 10:00 ami have a problem with the differential.It is whinning starting at 45 miles and hour and increasing up to 75.They change the part at 3600 miles and now(6300 miles)i experience the same problem.Dealer says there is not a solution and that Ford is working on it but dont know how long will take.Too bad.
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Poor seat design - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By tinsoldier - May 31 - 3:56 amFront seats are very uncomfortable. Lincoln should have copied the seat design from its big brother the Navigator. Rear cargo area is not flat when the third seat is layed down. Poor fuel economy.
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Buy One - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By Sam2eggs - May 25 - 2:00 amI have had 2 explorer over the last 8 years. My last one was an Eddie Bauer. Then I saw the Aviator. Ford cant even come close. Best ride,gorgeous inside and out. Easy in and out. I will only drive Lincoln from now on. I drive 30,000 miles a year in Northern New England, and Aviator can handle anything I throw at it! Comfort all the way, handles like a dream!
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styling big time - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By ron b 1 - May 25 - 2:00 amI love the inside and the detail of the seats and the dashbroad the way it lights up at all times. Great color of the dove gray.
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LOVE IT!! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By Susie Bowen - May 18 - 2:00 amI never cared about a vehicle before...as long as it could get me where I wanted to go but now I look for reasons to drive!! I LOVE it and havent driven in a nicer SUV than this. Highly recommend!! Luxury plus!
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Love my Aviator! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By Scott Davis - May 2 - 10:00 amI had no intention of buying this model when I walked in. That day I was only going to "look" at a few different models. When I drove the Aviator, I was amazed. The drive was like a caddy, with a comanding view of the road, and power to spare. The interrior was imacualte, and the sound system was a bonus. I was hooked. Since then I have enjoyed the car SO much. My two-year old son, LOVES the DVD, and it is a joy to travel in. The gas milage is the only draw back, but I knew that going in. With 300+ HP at your disposal its hard to complain... ;) Id give it a 10 out of ten if not for the gas milage. So a 9 out of 10 in overall satisfaction. LOVE IT.
