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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  Great SUV: they should still make them - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Steve B - November 24 - 2:26 am

  The is an excellent riding & handling vehicle that Lincoln should still be manufacturing. I bought it new and have had a few mechanical problems I wouldnt have expected, like replacing the transmission after 100k miles! Overall, a great SUV.

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  Great truck - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Kenton - October 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife was driving an Explorer and wanted something that was a bit more on the luxury side. This vehicle fit the bill. This is the first vehicle that I got her that she really enjoys.

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  Power - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Kyoo - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This suv has the most power ive experienced in a SUV and Ive had a tahoe and an explorer. The ride is smooth but the engine occcassionally revs very high with noise to match. Middle row is tight but the overall appearance and luxury feeeling surpass the comfort of passengers.

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  Love my Aviator! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By N Lyons - October 24 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Suburban for eight years, the Aviator feels like a sports car! This SUV truly drives like a car. It is very responsive and fun to drive. Turning radius is awesome.

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  Lincoln Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By MHS - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Love it! It is really a great vehicle. I traded, reluctantly, my Acura MDX, now I am thrilled!

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  Aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By dfsreb - October 9 - 12:06 am

  The convenience of a luxury SUV with the performance of a Cobra. Lots of style and comfort. Enjoyable to drive on long trips with the climate controlled seats and power adjustments.

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  hot lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By captmo - October 1 - 10:00 am

  very enjoyable to drive. gas mileage is poor but it will go 90 miles an hour all day long on the road. the thx sound system is great

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  05 Aviator - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By jack - September 13 - 2:26 pm

  This truck has exceptional power and torque for an SUV. Its very comfortable, with ride, steering and handling that is much improved over the Explorer. It steering feel is light, and not truck-like, but more like the Jaguar X-Type we previously owned. The vehicle has a strong down-the-road presense, especially from front 3/4 views.

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  Wow, sure glad I test drove this baby - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Doowop - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Was considering Lexus, or Infiniti, until I drove this. I was pleanantly surprised. More room than the others, yet handles like a sport sedan. Lots luxury and power and a real cruiser. Though premium fuel is recommended, it runs great on regular(87). Averaging just under 17 mpg all around, so Im pleased considering how much power it has and how much fun it is to drive. I couldnt be happier.

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  In love with my Aviator!! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Jacquie - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I test drove just about every SUV out there before purchasing this vehicle, and the choice was crystal-clear for me. The engine has a "snarl" to it, combining great pick-up with a smooth ride. The Aviator handles exceptionally well. The quality and material are luxurious, yet also practical. No feature is over-the-top, or ostentatious. The overall product is elegant, sporty, classy, and functional.