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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the aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By t jonas s - January 24 - 10:00 amthe aviator is a great car! i get pretty good gass milage with it and it is extreamly comfortable to ride in! i take it to my realitives house quite frequently who lives 2 states away from me! i love the lincoln aviator!
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what a great truck for your money - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By glenn f 3 - January 24 - 10:00 amits so nice
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ENGINE TROUBLE ALREADY - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By WINTERS - January 17 - 10:00 amI have owned my Aviator for nearly six months and have taken it to the shop four times. When I bought it there was black glue on the headliner, it was replaced but now I am stuck with fingerprints all over it. The rainguards were installed improperly, they replaced them now they are falling off again. Now the vehicle is in the shop because it overheated to the point that I couldnt drive it and I was stranded by the side of the highway. For the price that I paid for the vehicle none of these problems should have happened in the first six months of ownership. Very unhappy.
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good compromise - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By yogidoc - January 17 - 10:00 ambelieve it or not i traded my 03 porsche cayenne s for fully loaded 03 aviator. cayenne suspension was abusive in city and seating position was terrible for my lower back....i was surprised w/ the power and handling of the aviator....not that far off from the porsche. In summary im gettting a kick driving an american suv You get alot of truck for the money. I also dont really worry about the black beast like i did w/ the porsche.However I do miss the stares, questions and tiptronic gearing.You cant have it all and at least im driving in comfort!!!!!!
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Excellent vehicle - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By zwfb - January 5 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is well equiped, very responsive, fun to drive, and comfortable.
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Best SUV I Have Driven - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By A. Olderich - January 5 - 2:00 amHaving leased two Mountaineers, in the recent past, the Aviator is a huge step up in terms of luxury, performance, ride, and overall enjoyment. Recently dropped into my dealership for an oil change on my Mercury Monterey, saw a white, loaded, Aviator on the showroom floor . . . turned in my Lincoln LS (leased) a couple of months early and drove away in the Aviator. No regrets, really love the vehicle.
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Awesome SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By Wo - December 25 - 10:00 amGreat overall vehicle. Smooth ride. Love the navigation system and the sound system. The DVD package is great for kids. Great towing vehicle. Rides like a car, not a truck... but when you need a truck for pulling boat- you can rely on this vehicle.
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Great Value!!!! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By Brians bestbuy - December 23 - 2:00 amAbsolutely outways any other mid-size van in its class including luxury and price.
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Poorly designed seats - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By S. Ward - December 10 - 9:40 amBought this Aviator about 6 months ago and cannot get comfortable in the driver or front passenger seats. Seat bottom wedges you in. Dealer Service Manager and Lincoln Service no help!
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Soooo Happy! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By Marzie - December 6 - 10:00 amWe are so happy we finally found the perfect SUV. We have test driven almost everything out there. Nothing compared to the sports car like feel when you drive it. We did not get the navigation system - wasnt worth the extra money for people that never get lost. The A/C seats are not that noticeable.
