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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  Town Car to Avaitor SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By mrvsr - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Extremely pleased with vehicle. My wife & I both have some health issues and the entry and exit are easy for us both. Wife has driven Lincoln Town cars for years, but this unit has quickly become her favorite. Fits well in the garage, handles great, plenty of power, and its more comfortable than the 2000 Town car we traded for this SUV. We havent taken any trips yet, but are looking forward to doing a 500 mile trip soon. I had wanted a Navigator, but the size was too large for us. Without a doubt, this is the best vehicle we have owned.

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  Tired of Fighting - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By tired owner - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I do alot of driving-23,000 miles in 8 months!I owned a Navigator before this Aviator and loved it. Since 2000 miles, it shimmies at 75mph.Theyve replaced tires, rotored brakes and cant seem to fix it. The drivers seat moves and they say its normal after replacing the seat and track! Im tired of fighting to get a quality SUV for my money! I have not gotten anyone to help - even at Customer Relations Headquarters!

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  I love it - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By mariomick - August 10 - 2:00 am

  My Mercedes ML 500 was stolen, and my 2003 Lincoln LS was a lemon so I had the chance to get into the Aviator. I am so so happy!!!! It is the coolest SUV ever and not to big either. Mine has everything and it just rocks!!!

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  Cant wait to get rid of this vehicle - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Steve - August 3 - 7:06 am

  After sitting a stop lights and shaking and having 2 different dealers...the service managers are brothers...tell me 3 times that this Lincoln should sit at stop lights and shake..yeah right ! and having the rear differential replaced at 3000 miles...the a/c smells and the car still has only 12000 miles on it I cant wait to get rid of this piece of "junk". This is my fifth new Lincoln product in 10 years and it is not only my last Lincoln product but my last American car. No-one seems to care that this car absolutely runs awful including Lincoln customer service.

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  I will never buy a lincoln again - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By gonzo13 - July 12 - 8:00 pm

  I bought this vehicle brand new in Oct 2004. When I bought it I was impressed with the styling more then anything else, but that quickly faded when the mechanical problems started soon after. I kept up on all required maintenance since I bought it. The problems started early on. From the climate control to the spark plug coils going out on me continuously. The gear shift leaver broke when I was putting it into park from drive. On the back tail gate there is a crack right below the back widow. I was told that it is a trend on these vehicles. I will never own another Ford/Lincoln product as long as I live. After all said and done, the dealership goes out of business. How ironic is that

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  good truck, bad on gas - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By joe mcc - July 10 - 10:00 am

  bad gass milage, but great truck.

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  Outstanding SUV - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By MikeyM - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is simply awesome!!! Its ride is quiet and smooth,handling is great, and it has all the luxury of a Limo. The 300+ horse 32 Valve American made V8 along with the five speed O-Drive transmission delivers all the power anyone could want and has too many more nice features to mention here...Driving is actually fun again for me!!

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  2004 Aviator Luxury - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Phil Zima - June 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a very capable, luxurious and performance oriented SUV. Fit and finish is top notch and dealer service has been outstanding. Fuel economy is about what I expected (About 14 City and 21 highway) for a vehicle of this size.

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  Last Car - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Ricverde - June 15 - 7:56 am

  Im getting on in years so this will probably be my last car purchased. I absolutely love the vehicle! The ride is smooth, visibility great, and handling precise. The gas mileage isnt too hot, but I knew it wouldnt be before I bought the Aviator. The black beauty has drawn admiring looks and positive comments from passers-by in parking lots, which sure helps me feel good about spending the money for a vehicle I probably really didnt need.

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  Perfect SUV - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By BG Bob - May 13 - 12:06 pm

  The best way to describe our Aviator AWD with the elite package is an entertainment delight with a great smooth ride. The touch screen GPS and sound system is easy to use. Perfect SUV for short or long trips and easy parking.