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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  Dont Buy - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By gennipher - August 27 - 1:33 am

  I have had this vehicle in the shop for a total of 25 days- out of the 3 months I have owned it- It has had the drive shaft repalced, return hose to the power steering replaced, multipe balanacing of the tires, road forced, shimmiy/shaking poor brakes (going to the floor) and the steering wheel turns to the left when braking normally anout 1/2 inch to an inch everytime... it has a shuttering noise when you turn the wheel and when you first satart it- it has a total of 2000 miles on it- I filed arbitration paperwork and the Lincoln rep advised me that the vehicle "ran pretty good" did not think there was any thing else- dealership advised it still needed new tires and lincoln rep said no

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  Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By AviatorLover - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Aviator. Picked it up a week or two ago and its been great. I love the navigation system because it offers so many features. I got the Ultimate Series because I liked the name. LOL!! I think this vehicle is wonderful. The seating is superb unlike the Explorer!!

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  2003 Aviator A/C stinks, - literally! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Carol - August 4 - 3:53 am

  Chose an Aviator as an SUV that wasnt huge but had the power to haul our boat. Like the interior and the ride, but have been very disappointed with the number of problems we have had. Currently experiencing problems with the A/C which blows foul smelling humid air at us. Service rep says this is due to condensation sitting in the compressor creating mildew and is normal. Technicians repeatedly claim they cant detect a foul odor. Have recently met another 03 Aviator owner with the same beef. Wonder what kind of health hazard might be posed by mould or mildew in the air system. Anyone else with this problem? We are taking it to the regional level with the dealer. Will post our results

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  Super Swank SUV - Lincoln Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By super swank - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is Super Swank! Drives likes a sports car! Fun, Fast and Stylish! So comfortable and luxurious! The heated and cooled seats are too cool. Way to go Lincoln! I have test-driven many SUVs and this one is it! The only one that is an SUV, superior comfort and class inside, stylish outside and can haul-buns (as well as kids!) Cool stereo too! I am sooo spoiled!

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  Less than stellar - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By chewie - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I am very disappointed in my 2004 Aviator and the sales experience was horrific. I have had the vehicle two weeks and it has already been in the shop for two days. The ride is nice but the wind noise is unacceptable in a vehicle of this price. The Aviator hesitates when punched getting on the freeways of Houston which has almost caused an accident several times. It drinks gas worse than my son drinks soda. The storage compartments are numerous but small. The leg room in the back seats is tight and not comfortable for the passengers I have taken for a ride. There is more room in my Mountaineer, which is a better buy for the money.

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  smooth operator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By dmoses - July 31 - 10:00 am

  i love my aviator easy to handle very comfrotable smooth ride

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  aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By charles - July 31 - 12:06 am

  the dealer said once I drive it it would be hard to go back, I owned two escape before going to the aviator, he was right, I liked it from the git go, still fun to drive, no plan on getting rid of it even if its a discontinued model, one of the side curtain sensors failed fully covered, otherwise no problems, would I buy it again you bet.

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  this truck is great - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By aprilfire - July 28 - 10:00 am

  i have a mercedes ml 320 and it doesnt compare t omy new lincoln. I love everything about this truck

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  the perfect luxury truck - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By dave lincoln - July 21 - 2:00 am

  out of all the midsize luxury suvs ive seen or drove..this one is uncomparable it has a unique interior design with great furnishings drives like a dream,has lots of power and looks great,it also turns heads some ppl think the navigator shrank until they see the name..its all u get in a navigator just a smaller more agile package

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  Aviator a keeper - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By mdmitchell - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Feels like a Lincoln, not a dressed up Ford. American Luxury and power. Like especially the new Lincoln interior treatment. This and the improved ride set it apart from the Ford Explorer.