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:
Showing 261 through 270 of 346.00-
A great car can be improved. - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
By G. Plummer - May 1 - 10:50 pmEngine larger, and noiser, than necessary; RPM too high for moderate accelleration--a gas guzzler--Explorer better. Windows will not descend at 32-deg. or less. An A-trip & B-trip odometer would help. No gallons-used calculator. Info-center too obscure. Seats 1 1/2 inches too high(thick)--headbumps on entry. Rear seats dont fold flat. Manual puts too much emphasis on entertainment, rather than operating features up front. Manual not easy to use. Electrical schematic, simple, wouldhelp.
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GREAT VEHICLE! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By PJ&BW - April 30 - 2:00 amThe aviator is the best handling amercian vehicle I have ever driven. If you want power, those 302 horses will give it to you. Its not as noisy as other SUVs. Just drive one and youre hooked.
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A great....bigger auto. - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By David M Brown - April 6 - 2:00 amDriven for 6 months before off-center collision @ 50-55 mph with a 2003 Ford Ranger. I walked away with no injury. This vehicle is impressive. Agile for this size: no problems parking in any parking lot or street. Road trips with family and "stuff" are very comfortable:acceleration/passing no problem, even fully loaded with a/c on.I would buy another one of these.The Aviators positive journal reviews are well deserved. One criticism:"plain" heated seats not an option:heated-and-cooled seats is a package. David M Brown kinichiwah@aol.com
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not a crossover, Awd Truck&Mustang - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By darthdaddy - March 25 - 9:54 amthe best midsize suv in the bussiness , mine has been a complete pleasure since i bought it used in 08 with 111km.. now that she has 240k as if same as new i swear it (with some dash lights lit ). i do my maintanance tho , frequent oil changes is a must if you love her or she pings & cries . @ close to 185 to 200k my cats gave me all kind of symptoms like bucking and hesitating to accelerat witch set me on a long expensive adventure with plugs and more pluggs .. since the 3 catylytic change at 205k she has been great & never any other problem .. even the hypitch in the rear diff i bought it with, did go away by itself after some month of me racing the beast .. but also an awsome family truck
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Review - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By Al Mal - March 7 - 10:00 amI think that this car is just wonderful.
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This is the ultimate driving machine - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
By Scott - March 5 - 1:50 pmYou may have higher engine noise slightly but you expect that when all its competitors have v6 and youre driving a 300 horsepower v8 thats what you get with power. It is a true shame that this SUV is coming of the market it is a one of a kind SUV
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Who dont love my Aviator - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
By justoma - February 27 - 12:26 pmI love love love my Aviator! Its the 2005, when I bought it in 2005 I knew the gas mileage was crap, but found the truck solid and full of power. I had the Grand Cherokee which was great too but the Aviator smoked it as far as performance. I have 75,000 miles on it. I do my oil changes every 3-4000 miles. I put tires on it in 2009 and I just put them on again..I never had them rotated and I failed on checking the pressure so they didnt get the wear they should of. I just got new ball joints as they were shot. That is all Ive had to put it in it. Its never been to the shop for anything but oil changes and the ball joint issue. Rear door panal cracked too.
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Too bad 2 - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By toobad2 - February 18 - 10:00 amNice vehicle, but multiple small problems which have taken several visits per problem to resolve. In cold climate, the climate control system is horrendous. When heating, blows cold air on side windows and windshield and very warm air at feet. Makes for very uncomfortable passenger compartment, and also difficult to keep windows defrosted. This results in safety concern. Lincoln says this is "normal" and "within spec". Customer service after the sale is horrible, and dont expect anything when you call the Customer Service Center. Too bad for such an expensive vehicle.
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I Love My Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By ADaville - February 18 - 10:00 amI love my Aviator, I have 3 children, ages 1, 3, and 6. There could be better cupholders, and maybe a console in the third row but other than that, we all love it.
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Love This Lincoln - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By Florida - January 29 - 10:00 amYou have to test drive this vehicle to appreciate it. As a matter of fact at first the ride is noticably good, but as you drive it you get to notice just how great it is. I took a 500 mile trip and was rested when I got there. The other SUVs dont hold a candle to it.
