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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Aviator Owners Review - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By Tim - December 17 - 12:10 pmThis has been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Its reliability is outstanding. Its power and handling is on par with the BMW-X5, and its quieter. I now have 82,000 miles on the vehicle and it runs as well as it did when I bought it. The best way to describe it is its still tight. No rattles. No loose parts. No electrical gremlins. At 60,000 miles I used the Aviator to tow a small car from southern Calif. to Las Vegas. I was pulling approximately 3,600lb and it didnt break a sweat. I even averaged 17 mpg. I disagree with the comment about lacking refinement compared to European SUVs. The Aviator set a new standard for affordable luxury. I paid $10K less than a similarly equipped BMW!
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Great SUV - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By vinny - November 8 - 10:53 pmI bought my 2003 Aviator new. The truck is quick and beautiful looking. I got it in the pearl white with the white leather. Not the best choice with kids but still looks good after 6 years. I did have two problems which the dealer fixed under the warranty .The idler pulley was giving off a whining noise. They replaced it and it fixed the problem . The second problem was a rough idle and it would come close to stalling. It was a vacuum leak that the dealer fixed with the warranty. I have 61,000 on it now and it has started to idle rough again but Im sure it is a simple fix . People who complain about the interior of this truck are crazy. It is very luxurious and comfortable.
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Climate Control Issues - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By TooBad - November 8 - 2:00 amReally like the vehicle, but the 2004 seems to have a fundamental design flaw in the climate control that allows frigid air to flow from the side window demisters. Temperature difference from demisters to floor exceeds 60 degrees, causing the vehicle to be unable to control thermal comfort for the passengers and driver. Really a shame as it is a great truck in all other respects. Factory denies the issue, but it has been verified as a problem in cold climates on all 2004 vehicles tested by the dealer.
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Lincoln Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By R. M. Johnson - November 4 - 10:00 amGreat preformance, handling, and finish
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Why did I buy a Linclon? Why? - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By Jack Melvin - October 29 - 10:00 amRight now I have this Linclon stinkyator, a Honda CRV, and a Subaru Outback. the Honda CRV is 5 years old with 120,000 miles on it and had no problems. The Subaru Outback is 8 years old with 155,000 miles with no problems and tgis 7 month old Linclon with 5,000 ,miles has been in the shop twice. This car doesnt handle well and has the worst gas millalige ever.
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Extremely Poor Reliability - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By Rsmith - October 16 - 2:26 pmEnjoy the vehicle, plenty of power, comfort and overall utility. However, with only 75,000 miles, the following maintenance issues have developed. On three wheels the bearing failed,$1,600, the number eight cylinder is bad, requiring over $4,000 in repairs, transmission failed, over $3,000 repair, driver side window motor failed, $350 in repair, back window hatch cracked, and now the shift lever is bad. The dealer did not treat me as a valued customer, but tried to gouge me and stated that I should get rid of the vehicle. This is by far the most unreliable vehicle that I have ever owned. Wil never purchase another Lincoln or so called American car.
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little problems - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By pam - October 5 - 11:30 amI bought my aviator used it had 22,000 miles. I love it. No big problems. Replaced a coil after 106,000 miles. The dash board lights some times go on & off, but easy to deal with.
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Pure Excellence - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By Lindsey - September 28 - 6:20 amThis SUV is more than amazing. The luxury and capability is just awesome. It drives like a sports car and handles is so smooth and luxurious, I dont even want to complain about the gas mileage. It is not a commuter that is for sure. We just bought it and have been fighting over who gets to drive it everyday since. 50k Miles and drives better than the new Caddy DTS! Love it!
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Great! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
By New Lincoln Owner - September 7 - 2:00 amI love this thing! Interior design stunning and fit and finish are excellent.
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Arctic test - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
By NORTHPOLERMIKE - August 27 - 9:16 pm6200 miles since Dec 1 mostly during harsh,cold(-50F)rough road trips. This vehicle handles OK on ice & snow,tracks well & stops better than 2003 4Runner. But it rides rough at -20 and below, maybe due to monotube shocks and tires. Had the drivers heated seat go out; replaced unitis intermittent.Great power going through the mountains.Leg and hip room are a little tight in the cockpit. Instruments are well lit, easy to read,and laid out smart. The tranny is smooth; accelerates on demand. Leg room in the 2nd row quad chairs is lacking; on an 800 mile/23hr roundtrip hr 1 passenger was so uncomfortable he had to crawl into the rear benchseat to stretch out;2nd row needs to move back 3 inches!
