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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  Maybe The Best Around - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Henry - July 7 - 2:26 am

  Fast, agile and luxurious. Great ride in snow or sun and fun to drive. Smooth and yet no bulky feel. Plenty of passenger room and comforst.

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  Outstanding - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By LAone - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Test drove the GX470 and the Aviator...surprisingly to me, American wins. Comfort is comparable, handling is comparable, power goes to the Aviator. Interior design goes to the Aviator (just try riding in the third seat of the GX470), also DVD system is great. Exterior design goes to the Avaitor. And finally, the Aviator has complimentary maintenance for 3/36K...which can be upgraded to 4/50K for a reasonable fee.

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  Excellent - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Ray - May 21 - 5:33 pm

  When i first saw this vehicle i liked it right off the bat. The amazing exterior design of this SUV caught my eye in an instant. I drive this car every day and it never fails to impress me. The 302 horsepower really gives you power and makes you feel like you are driving a sports car. With this SUV you get the best of both worlds. You get the features of a luxury SUV and the features of a sports car with its amazing handling. Very good buy. I definitely recommend it.

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  Never Never Never Never again - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Horrible Vehicle - May 11 - 12:36 am

  This car has been nothing but problems. After owning the vehicle for two years the transmission had to be replaced. When the third time repair did not fix the original problem. I have had electrical problems from day one but no one can seem to figure out why. The auto-window doesnt work, the side view mirrors would change positions, the passenger seat heater does not work, the sound system takes about a minute to come on after the car is started. The steering wheel shimmies when braking, and there is a long whining sound when you start the vehicle in cold weather (which they cant seem to figure out why). This vehicle is the most expensive I have owned and yet the worst purchase made.

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  new SUV - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By moms SUV - May 1 - 1:46 pm

  handles well in wet and slushy conditions, plenty of power, comfortable seating and good heat circulation to the rear of the vehicle.

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  Great looks, poor reliability, Finish - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Notrecellars - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Since buying this car the following has gone wrong: 1) The power steering rack leaked all over our garage floor and needs to be completely replaced 2) The car whistles at speeds above 60 MPH 3) The driver side Seat AC has failed 4) The back door is so out of alignment that it rubs on the front door, this required a body shop visit to fix. When we bought the product the dealer gave us the Red Carpet treatment at the sale, even promising a "Lincoln Product" should we have the car in the shop.....well, we have been in our loaner Expedition for a week now. Dont expect the Dealer to treat you the same after the sale. Very disappointing.

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  Gladiators Aviator - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By lfleming - March 27 - 3:53 am

  The only burp Ive had with my Aviator is the DVD player ran my battery down, so I had to get a boost. Perhaps the DVD should run on its own battery. I think that the second set of seats should recline more.

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  Our Aviator Rocks! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Jerry/Carrie Webb - March 24 - 2:00 am

  We had recently purchased a Chevy Suburban as we are a family of 6---4 kids (3 are teens) & 2 adults...well, after owning it for several months we felt it was not for us--too bus-like hard to park, terrible fuel mileage, etc...We had purchased a Lincoln LS in December & loved it, so we looked into the Aviator--what an excellent choice-- we were SOLD!! The dealership bought the Suburban from us & gave us a smokin deal on the Aviator--everyone fits comfortably & no trouble parking it! Its zippy & fun to drive too!! Were definitely a Lincoln family-thank you!

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  Aviator Review - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By skibum 35474 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I Have had the Aviator for one month now and I have been pleasantly surprised. The vehicle is very spacious and the functions are very easy to use which is great with two children ages 6 & 7 who are into sports. I looked at the Aviator on a whim and was glad I did. The build quality has been very good and the interior appearance is very nice. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a full third row seating.

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  Another Lincoln Lemon - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By None - February 16 - 11:30 pm

  I liked the look and the interior, so I bought one used with 60k mi. However, 4 months out of the dealer and Im looking at $1500 of repairs on various plastic engine parts that have deteriorated. It took the dealer nearly a week to diagnose. Conveniently these arent covered under their useless extended warranty. One of the rear doors doesnt unlock. I got the metal panel crack underneath the tailgate window that I read many others got within 3 months. Fuel mileage dips into single digits in city driving. Oh well, another Ford, another shoddy car. At least its not a Chrysler or the bumpers would be falling off by now.