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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  Whistles at speeds 60+ mph - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Friscodad - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, handling and power. Expect it to drink more. What do you expect from 300 horses? It needs to drink. It whistles at speeds over 60 MPH. This is common amongst all models and is a design and manufactures defect. Lincoln needs to recognize it and make good on some modifcations and repairs. Back door jams against the front door. Another defect and common design flaw amongst these models.

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  I HATE THIS VEHICLE - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By ihatelincoln - December 9 - 2:40 pm

  Purchased this vehicle used about a year and a half ago. Never really liked it but it was in our price range and had all the amenitied that we required. We owned a Chevy Tahoe prior to this but it did not have a 3rd row seat which is what we needed. Here are the things that I dispise about this car. 1. Even though we have owned this vehicle for over a year still cant get used to the window controls in the center console and the seat controls on the door 2. Even though weve owned this vehicle for over a year still havent gotten used the fact that is doesnt automatically unlock all the doors when you turn it off, I curse this vehicle everyday for this very reason!!!!!!!!!!!

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  FIRST YEAR HAS SIGNIFICANT DEFECTS - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By BEXLEY - December 9 - 2:00 am

  SQUEAKY BRAKES, UNFINDABLE WATER LEAK WITH RESULTING AWFUL LOCKER ROOM SMELL... WOULD NEVER BUY FIRST YEAR OF A MODEL AGAIN.

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  Almost got it right - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Too Bad - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle unless you live in the cold North. The heater does not work right because the ducting is designed wrong. Chest freezes and legs roast. Dealer and Field Service engineers confirm the problem and say there is no fix. Factory supposed to be working on it, but no date on when it will be ready to offer fix to consumers. Blows cold air out side window defrosters after cabin warms up.

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  Lincoln Aviator - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By mark - November 27 - 5:53 pm

  great handling in the snow. I am a former owner of a suzuki grand vitara which spun like a top everytime I encountered a patch of ice. Outstanding handling in all terrain. Optional DVD package with wireless headset keeps my teenage children occupied during the ride to/from school. Third row seat is roomy and comfortable, unlike many other vehicles third row seats in this class

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  WOW AMERICAN IS BACK! LINCOLN AWESOME - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Tim Sare - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely unreal. I drove em all, this Aviator is awesome. I keep looking out the window into my driveway peeking at it, like a newborn. I am so happy to be driving American again. This is the type of build quality that will truly hurt European Imports. Hats off to Lincoln. Homerun!!!!

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  Impressice! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Kalibr - October 3 - 2:00 am

  We literally looked at and test drove all the SUVs in this luxury mid-size catagory, including the new Lexus GX470 and we feel the Aviator beat the competition. Were extremely impressed with the Aviators performance, styling and even pricing.

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  Lincoln - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By hass - September 25 - 1:10 pm

  High quality of materials and great ride. Plenty of power when needed. Great hwy SUV. Love the interior design and air condition seats.

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  Great, ----- but, - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By LWD - August 22 - 6:56 am

  Looks wonderful, better than my last two Navigators which I loved. Drives great, much better than my last two Naavigators. Build quality???? So far, a dissappointment. My dealer has been wonderful in quality and timely warranty repair, but too much has needed repair. 5,000 miles and needed: new differential, new radio, 3 trim pieces, and the front brake discs were warped, and drivers seat has a little slop in the track. All is well now, but - - - Not a great start.

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  A true sport utility (emphasis on sport) - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By douglasbk - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Although the gas mileage is marginal, I am impressed with the Aviator. I have five growing children so a roomy third row was top priority. I didnt want a huge SUV, and the smaler competition had much less legroom. The interior look and the Aviators ride quality is certainly one of the best of all the competition. It truly feels like a luxury sports car and handles so well I am left wondering how they pulled it off. The design is beautiful, the V8 quick, and when I plant the pedal to the metal it sounds just like a Mustang Mach 1.