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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  Love our Lincoln - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By dbennett - March 22 - 10:00 am

  We have gotten many positive comments about our vehicle and we love it. Most people think it is a Navigator unless they look at the name. It is an elegant but sporty ride.

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  Classy - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Max - February 27 - 10:46 pm

  this car is amazing, ive had it for about 6 months now, i bought it used. its a 2004 model. it is the most luxurious SUV on the market. ive driven in a range rover, and id take this over that. i think it is the best SUV you can buy. i have had no problems with the car, it has never had to go into the dealer in the time ive owned it. the interior is beautiful. the engine sounds amazing as well, when youre accelerating, it sounds like it has an aftermarket exhaust system. the thing handles like a sports car.

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  My Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Rosemarie - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive always wanted a Navigator, but it was way too big for me. After test driving the Aviator, I knew this was the car for me. It is extremely comfortable, plenty of leg room and everything on the dashboard is in reach. I can fit my sons friends in comfort while they watch a DVD or listen to music. The ride is very smooth. A++

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  aviator fully loaded - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By nuno - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I havent ever been as satisfied with any vehicle ive purchased as I am with the aviator! I own a 2003 awd fully loaded edition(no other options available) and I must say I cant think of anything else this suv should/can have. The cooled seats is an option even other suvs in the higher price range dont have. Its power the same way is very difficult to compete with not to mention towing capacity!This suv has amazing handling and cornering. The gps is easy to work with, the dvd entertainment sys is self explanatory also. all and all this is the best "pound per pound" suv out there!!

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  I could have done better! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By backwards - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Interior less user friendly than earlier models. Dome lights dont shine where you need them to. Analog clock, now really...it could at least be readable. Flimsy console. Clumsy info center. Armrests gone! These are only the things that distract you from driving. Overall I think I could have presented a better design inside and outside. They took more steps backwards than they took forward.

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  Aviator Satisfaction - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Aviator - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle...Ideal size...excellent quality...sufficient power...should have dual exhausts.

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  Perfect fit - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By BobSR - January 26 - 8:03 am

  Perfect luxary SUV. Did not want a tank, but wanted the amenities. Strong power train, great interior, and you feel safe.

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  Lincoln Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Eric165 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I think this car has a very good ride. It has a very powerful engine in its class. It has a good price then most European and Jappaness conpetitors. Good handiling has a nice interior trim. After a month theres been noise in the steering wheel.

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  Solid SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By kraff - January 10 - 10:00 am

  With the birth of our first child six months ago, our Inifinit G35 (which we loved) just wasnt cutting it in space department. My wife has always loved sports cars and was aghast at the idea of a Mini Van, so it had to be an SUV with as she says "a lot of bells and whistles". We drove all of the imports and domestics and found this to be the best for the money. Virtually all other vehicles had much more of a truck ride (including the imports suprisingly) while the independent rear suspension of the Aviator really makes for a solid ride. I race cars for fun and if there was an SUV racing class, Id start with this vehicle.

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  UNHAPPY WITH 2004 AVIATOR - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By odalys - January 5 - 3:46 pm

  Ive had the car for almost 6 yrs. This is the 3rd time that the applique on the back of car has cracked. Also, my extended warranty just expired. Now car is at dealer with oil leak and thermostat problem. In the past had to have transmission repaired, the driving gear fixed. Air conditioner problems. Not happy right now. Third row is useless. Small space. Also when third row up, now trunk space. Have 3 kids so its a problem, because not roomy.