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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  Wow! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Texas Bubba - January 3 - 2:00 am

  When we first started looking for a new SUV, we looked at what we thought were the market leaders: Acura, Lexus, and BMW. My wife talked me into looking at the Aviator and we never looked back! It felt more luxurious than the MDX, better value than the GX470, and more spacious than the X5. No regrets here!

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  Whats wrong with this Avaitor? - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Pierrot - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I have 2250 miles on my 03 Avaitor and it went into the shop the day after delivery. It had a vibration on throughout the vehicle. It has been in the shop for twenty 20 days during the last 35 days. After replacement of many drivetrain parts and tires the dealer says that all Avaitors are like this according to Ford engineers.

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  Aviator" Performance - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By seon - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Hi, I drove a Ford Explorer Limited and loved it, until I bought the Aviator. All I have to say is simplicity in motion.

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  2003 Aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Shady - November 9 - 10:03 am

  We bought this used with 24,000 miles. So far it has been pretty good. Only issues are seat climate controls that keep failing, a loose drivers seat, and a bit of corrosion on the top, inside edge of the rear liftgate (same spot as our 98 Explorer). The brake rotors also seem like they need replacement. Control illumination is amazingly high-tech looking, but some knobs and controls dont feel smooth when operated. Overall a well built SUV with a lot of nice features. We were most impressed with the innovations, like thicker windows, that reduce noise. It has many features that make it a much improved version of the Explorer, which is what we owned previously

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  JUST SAY NO!!! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By bexley - October 29 - 2:00 am

  FROM SQUEAKY BRAKES TO A LEAKY TAIL GATE THIS VEHICLE HAS NOW DEVELOPED TRANSMISSIONS PROBLEMS. FORD DOES NOT STAND BEHIND ITS PRODUCTS AND SHOULD BE ASHAMED TO MARKET SUCH A VEHICLE. NEXT TIME I WILL BUY A CADILLAC

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  Iam Hooked on Lincolns - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By LincolnBoi2005 - October 24 - 2:26 am

  my experience has been great with my Aviator... recently drove from Ga. to NY .. i couldnt ask for a nicer drive .. Got 22 miles per gallon. the comfort was great since i drove straight through .. Handled great & engine power was like a breeze cutting through the mountains . was able to load everything i wanted to bring in the back cargo area ..

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  Great car - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Frank - October 8 - 10:03 pm

  I have owned 2 limited Explorers and thought this car would ride the same. Was I wrong. This rides better than My Lincoln Continental that I had. I test drove the new 2006 Benz Ml-350 and BMW X5. I found that The Aviator gave me a better more quite and comfortable ride with alot more room and many more toys that the others cars did not offer. The Elite Package is the way to go with this car, You will love the Navagation and DVD as well as the 300 watt Voice command Stereo and AC/heated seats. Gas wise it stinks but it will save you on insurance, besides if you can afford this car, gas should not be a concern. The ride is like a Luxury car should be. Test drive it and you will agree.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By wkeef - October 5 - 10:00 am

  The new Aviator is a great vehicle. It is a pleasure to drive. This is my wifes car and she really enjoys the handling and comfort. If we had one suggestion to make it would be to get rid of the third seat and put more foot room in the second row. The tightness of foot room limits the car to no more than a two person vehicle.

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  Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Lance Smith - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Engine noise is very intrusive and handling is poor. The interior is nothing to tell your friends about and the exterior is outdated. It is always rattling and has been in the shop eight times since we got it four months ago.

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  Disappointed Del - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Disappointed Del - September 7 - 12:50 am

  I am so disappointed in my 2004 Lincoln Aviator. I really wanted a Lincoln Navigator and when I went on the lot and saw the Aviator, I thought I was getting a deal. My warranty ended last year, 4 years came first and 56,000 miles at this point and I have a burnt valve inside the head. $3,000 is the estimated price quote to repair this problem. I have had nice luxury cars all my life and this is my first and last Lincoln. I am so disappointed. I have a 1995 Nissan Maxima with 160,000 miles no problem, I have had a Honda with 200,000 miles and no problems. My first car was a Hyundai and I had a 100,000 + miles and no problems. I think Ill stick with foreign cars in the future.