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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  One year review - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By cajun - July 31 - 5:43 am

  Ride quality very good, engine is strong and reliable, and has never failed to start. Polymer finish on paint holds up well. Average gas mileage is 19 mpg in combined city/highway commute in Houston, better than EPA estimate. Had trouble with rear differential and one window motor, but replaced by dealer with high quality service. Front passenger space is somewhat limited, could be a uncomfortable for large or obese people. Stereo is excellent Still not up to real quality standards. Interior fit not good in places, only one automatic window, exterior mirrors need constant adjustment, some wind noise, especially in crosswinds. Seats could fold flatter. No luggage cover

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  A few questions, but love it.... - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By dot - July 18 - 7:23 am

  I got this after having a Blazer and I love it to death... It is gorgeous. It had a lot of miles when I bought it and has never been back for service. I have had some problems w/ the car saying that door is ajar and then the light stays on. Causing the battery to go dead Also the hub caps are peeling apart. Cant find replacements anywhere.

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  LOVED IT! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Jackie32391 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Best car you would ever drive

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  Too many problems - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Lolaj42 - June 14 - 7:23 am

  Our Ultimate AWD Aviator has been in the shop every month since weve owned it, mostly due to overall quality (or lack thereof). The most recent being a steering wheel vibration/pulsation that occurs when turning the wheel to full lock when parking. Weve been given a host of excuses over the 3 service visits on this issue, the latest being that its a "design feature" and we have to live with it. To date, weve had the transmission control module replaced, since the one it was originally shipped with was for the Ford Explorer and as a result, we were unable to put our AWD system into a full-time locked mode until it got replaced. Entire NAV system replaced. Too much trouble. Never again

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  FINALLY A GREAT SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By GTMA - May 24 - 10:56 pm

  I DROVE A EXPEDITION AND MY WIFE DROVE A BMW X 5 WE ALWAYS WANTED THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS IN ONE CAR AND WE GOT IT IN OUR AVAITOR. THE TOUGHNESS OF A TRUCK AND THE LUXURY OF A LINCOLN THANKS

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  Warning! Cheap car alert! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Steven Wilson - May 23 - 1:43 am

  My old Aviator died after 94,000 miles. This Aviator is reliable so far but it is very cheap. The fake wood is terrible and the seats have no back support. The whole car is very cheap. You could tell that the Chevy Tahoe is safer and built better and has a smoother ride. This car rides better then a Chrysler but not as well as a Toyota, GMC, or Honda. This car is too powerful. It only gets 15 miles per gallon. This car is a horrible value and cheap.

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  Aviator flies high - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By RaMon - April 29 - 10:00 am

  After a couple of maiden voyage adjustments this car has performed at 100%. I get compliments from my generation (the 50+) club as well as from the younger crowd.

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  Great driving SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By targa - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. I test drove all the luxury SUVs and it was between this and the Lexus GX470. The selling point was the sound system in the Lincoln and the TGX470 had no heat controls in the back for my son! I looked at the Mercedes, Volvo, BMW and Durango. The Aviator won! but I hate the vibrating noise when the windows are open and the driver seat is a bit uncomfortable for me on long trips.

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  nice car - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Leonard Delarue - April 5 - 10:00 am

  this car has a great ride and handles somewhat like a sport car. i love the looks of the car (its the option white that cost an additional $400) and other people must also like the looks also because it turns a lot of heads. there is some slight road noise inside the cabin.

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  Love It!!!!!!! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Deb - April 2 - 11:03 pm

  I love everything about my Aviator. I got a great deal from an excellent dealership.