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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Step aside General Motors... - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By Matt Lincoln Owner - March 9 - 10:00 amWith 302 HP standard, the Aviator has an exhilarating power, confident looks, and exceptional performance.
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Excellent - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
By el alami - March 2 - 6:00 pmI am enjoying my Aviator with its excellent road handling and smooth ride and performance, I previously owned two Jeep Grand Cherokee and have numerous problems and expensive repairs. If you are looking for an SUV with performance and comfort and you do not mind the extra bucks for a thirsty engine. Then this is the SUV for you.
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Nice to buy American again ! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By english - February 8 - 2:00 amA great vehicle to drive.Terrific engine and transmission.Be sure to include when test driving your next SUV
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AWESOME RIDE - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By TBD - January 28 - 10:00 amVechicle seems to have excessive wind noise above 55 mph for vechile of this price. It appears to possibly be the side mirrors which are oblong and vertical,which I like , but they should have been set to an angle similar to the windshield to reduce the air turbulence.
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Electrical Problems - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
By bill - January 13 - 8:30 amNot one thing electrical on this vehicle has not broken down. Sound system, Reverse warning system, Navigation System, Heat, Air, Windows have all malfunctioned. Currently looking to bring in again for another heating problem. Also, vehicle is very loud. Vehicle also takes forever to heat up or cool down inside. Seat warmers take at least 10 minutes to start working. SUV also has leaking problems in the back due to poor craftmanship.
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Love my SUVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
By Ken Anzules - January 12 - 4:10 amWe love our 2005 Lincoln Aviator. The mileage could be better,but we knew we were getting into a V8 performance. We searched for over a year for the perfect SUV for our family. We are so glad we found this one.
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2003 Aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By gary rogers - January 3 - 11:36 amGreat motor, good towing, gets a lot of looks, very functional, good people vehicle
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The best - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By nnn - January 2 - 10:00 amThe car combindes luxury, power, and off road capabilties better than any suv out there. Simply the best.
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2003 aviator - 48000 miles. Nice SUV - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
By msh - December 21 - 10:20 pm2003 Aviator owned for 2 years. Have 48,000 miles. Minimal problems (broken light wire problem prevented shifting out of park). Otherwise, a very reliable vehilce. Fun to drive, lots of power and acceleration, Plush interior, but the console plastic/finish should be higher quality. Mine is loaded with Navigation, DVD, etc. For the small amount of warranty work performed the dealer has been very helpful.
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Absolutely wonderful! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
By Scott - December 20 - 8:16 pmI have only had the car for a few days now, but I am sorry that I didnt purchase it sooner. I already had an SUV and wanted to get something newer with less mileage. I can honestly say that I think I made the perfect choice. It is extremely comfortable, the V8 has more power than a lot of sports cars and SUVs, and to beat all, you cant beat the value!!! I echo the sentiments of another reviewer - it should have never been taken off the market. My suggestion: if you are looking for an SUV for comfort, reliability, and ultimate luxury, look no further than the Lincoln Aviator!
