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 job Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Aviator driver - May 26 - 10:00 am

  The look is sharp and classy. The drive is comfortable and powerful.

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  Poor Quality: Cylinder, Transmission and AC Problems - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By natefromaz - May 18 - 7:33 pm

  I bought a brand new Lincoln Aviator in November 2004 and it now has 82K miles. The quality of teh venhicle in general has been bad after he cross 60K miles. In general the engine pings and the check engine light comes and off and when we come to a stop light, the AC starts blowing hot air. The check engine light came steady on at 78K miles and when I took it to the dealer, it was diagnosed that left side cylinder head and transmission needs to be replaced and there is no warranty and I was given an estimation of $5500 for the cylinder head and $3500 for transmission. I called Ford customer care but they said that they cannot help or cover for these costs. Dont buy Ford!!

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  Great to drive - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Richard - May 18 - 5:36 am

  Fun to drive & dont take up my whole garage. Most of my driving is turnpike avg 17.5 mpg. Not bad for the Navigator look without the bite at the pump.

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  Excellent Luxury Vehicle! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By pop123 - April 20 - 7:00 am

  This suv is a very good value, i love the seats, they are so comfortable, and the ride is amazing, the Engine is very powerful, i love the black clear coat, and Soundmark sound system, heated and cooled seats are Great job Lincoln! shouldnt have ceased production on these fantastic vehicles!also a plus. Never had one problem with this truck yet.

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  Lincoln Lemon? Check It Out. - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Lincoln Lemon - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle has way to many bugs. For example: 1.Car turns off at a stop for no reason. 2.A/C makes a grinding noise and vibrates when turned on. 3.Front drivers seat shifts when exilerating from stop. 4.Rusty seat frames. 5.Heat distribution inside not balanced.

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  New Owner - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By K Hanna - March 23 - 10:20 pm

  I am a recent new owner of a Lincoln Aviator. After owning 1 Explorer, 2 Broncos and 1 Windstar, I am, again, completely enjoying ownership of a Ford - Lincoln product. The Aviator is sporty and rich looking, both inside and out. It has all the "bells and whistles", most of which are standard features. The Aviator has a powerful V8 and is very smooth when stepping on the accelerator. It definitely stands out among other vehicles and I have received many comments and compliments on my recent purchase. I am most completely satisfied with this vehicle.

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  My Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By fhlicks2 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my Aviator! Its fun to drive and attractive to look at. The interior of the Aviator is posh, comfortable, and the controls are conventienly located. The exterior is glamorous and eloquent and visibly expressive of emotion.

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  Great SUV --after a slow start - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Bahnanderson - March 12 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car last September. Had trouble initially with the fit and finish -- many of the panels were not installed very well, resulting in a disturbing squeak from the rear lift glass. The dealership was great however, and now my car is perfect. We just drove it over the mountains in the snow and loved every minute. Very quiet, very comfortable, very powerful, and most important--very safe. Even my wife felt comfortable driving it in a snow storm--and she really hates driving in the snow. Great performance on the highway, and a snap to maneuver downtown with the boosted power steering. It handles like a much smaller vehicle.

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  great stuff - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By sammy.g. - February 4 - 10:00 am

  i thought it is wonderfull.hey its big enough to fit my family in and have the kids watch tv in.

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  My Dream Machine - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Ruby - January 5 - 12:02 pm

  I bought mine used in 2015, it had been very well maintained a parking sensor had gone bad and is a pain to replace so I upgraded my radio with a touch screen with Sirius xm and Bluetooth, added a backup camera. However that made my rear dvd not work, soooooo Im getting an aftermarket one installed next week, but I dont care I LOVE this vehicle, and cant imagine why they stopped making it.