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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  FINE - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By DesMoines - August 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for driving-plush great ride. Easy to park gets around in all weather. Lots of power. Terrible gas mileage(13-15 max) city/highway. And too small of a gas tank (20 gallon)- I am filling up constantly-once a week.

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  Im in love with this car - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Michael Watts - August 14 - 7:26 pm

  this car is amazing. it handles like a sports car at 105 mph. its amazing. i drive it hard and it can handle it. ive gotten it to 125 mph and the thing handles like im going 0 mph. its amazing. i was on my cell phone even and i had complete control. the 0-60 is amazingly fast too, this cars got major tourque, it just ripps down the road. i would reccoment it to anyone who wants performance of a sports car with luxury of a mercedes s-class. anyways, if you want an suv, this is it. it can be compared to the range rover its so nice, but you can buy it for tons less. it never gives me trouble either.

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  Best of the bunch - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By baffledu2 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This is one great SUV from its similar (to navigator) styling to the Mustang GT engine this vehicle is a winner. Smooth ride lots of cargo space with a fold flat 3rd seat standard and luxury everything. Puts the Europeans and Japanese entries to shame. Not one problem or defect to be found. Great towing capacity great interior just the best out there for the price.

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  My new wheels - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By sugar - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The aviator is nice. It has a good ride,but i am a little surprised that there is no assist handle on the drivers side. also it doesnt have enough room in the console etc, for things you need to put in a car. and for the price you would think that they would include the navigation system,or the vidio thing. and a big thing that they have to change is the controls on the steering wheel. when your hand brushes against it the station changes on the radio,or it changes from radio to cd.

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  My new baby - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Grand Mom - July 30 - 10:00 am

  One great SUV, recently purchased as my 50th Birthday present. This is my 3rd Lincoln, I own a 2000 Towncar and had a 1992 TownCar. I wanted a SUV and my husband said it had to be a Lincoln and the Aviator is right on time. My grandaughter is 4 years old and she travel with me all the time and the DVD player keeps her well entertained. really loves it. It rides smoothly and handles very well.

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  AVIATOR..AMAZING - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By tommy gvili - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I PURCHASED THE AVIATOR IN JUNE OF 2003 .I WAS LOOKING AT THE NAVIGATOR AT THE TIME BUT WHEN DRIVING I FELT IT WAS TO BIG THE AVIATOR HONESTLY "PERFECT"IT COMBINES LUXURY AND RELIABILITY ALONG WITH PRFORMANCE ,,ONE PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE V8 ENGINE GAS IS EXPENSIVE ,,OTHER WISE I REALLY LOVE IT .

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  aviator 04 - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By bob hodges - July 18 - 2:00 am

  looked at volvo,buick,bmw x5 [1999 tec. in 04 world] aviator has it all, baby navigator.

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  Sweet Ride - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Tyrone Martin - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Everything about this SUV is awesome, from the handling to the impressive luxury features. My only complaint so far is the gas mileage.

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  Baby Nav, but better.... - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By J. Davis - July 7 - 11:43 am

  My wife LOVES this vehicle. I really like it as well. Power to spare, kicks down when you really need it. Almost as much seating room as our friends Navigator, but handles and drives much smaller than the Nav. We went shopping for a Mercury Mountaineer, but there is night-and- day difference between the Mercury and the Aviator, and not that much difference in the cost.

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  great - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By KathyHauser - July 7 - 10:00 am

  great car but bad gas price