2003 Lincoln Aviator

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.

This was my first purchase of a vehicle over the internet. Steve Miller mad my experience real easy. He was up front and honest and sold me an amazing vehicle. The process was simple and it was a great deal! Everyone should be like Steve!! Thanks for a great looking car and thanks for making the experience easy! I would buy again from Steve!!

I like interior and electronic system. Unfortunatelly engine was defective, but autoinsurance helped me, problem to be corrected. My problem is spending money in gas as it is 8 cyl. but I feel confortable drinving it.

My Aviator has 80,000 miles. With regular oil changes I have had no problems with this vehicle. It runs smooth, very confortable, and luxurious.

The V8 4.6 does it's job, even with a 5000lb boat/trailer combo in the back, the car has plenty of power and torque (tow limit 7200 for mine w/ AWD - the 2WD is 7800). The engine runs strong. Idles very smooth and acceleration is impecable. The transmission only fine. I personally think it is a little rough, but with a smooth progressive acceleration, it shifts fine. The truck has an optional AWD version which burns slightly more fuel than the 2WD, but it adds stability in wet or slick surfaces. In some AWD versions there is an option for locking differencials and smart track, which gives you a true 4x4 when requested.

The room in the passenger cabin is ok. The seat has a wide range of motions from a tall person being able to have plenty of room (with a little sacrifice from the back passengers) to a short person being able to move the seat forward and up and still reach all the controls. I'm 6'1 and I never felt cramped, even with passengers in the back, which requires you to move the seat forward a little. As far as amenities, I think Ford made a mistake in not adding power back rest to match the remainder of the Lincoln line, but you learn to live without it. The seats are heated and COOLED with 5 different levels varying from hot as hell to mildly warm, or south pole to slight butt-chilling. Also, it includes dual climate control and a separate rear climate control. Power sunroof, windows, pedals, and mirrors. The third row seat is big enough for small adults, and with it folded the trunk area is incredibly big. Also, one nice thing, is that when the 3rd row is folded, there is still room in the "foot" area for some extra storage, and a cover for that area, which allows for a smooth long trunk floor.

The exterior looks imponent. The Lincoln symbols demands its respect and the car looks much bigger than the Explorer, even though they use the same base. The Aviator is actually shorter than the Town Car, and a lot more car (from experience).

Driving it is enjoyable. The interior noise level is very low and the shocks give you a more car-like ride. I've been able to achieve 19mpg on the highway (60-65mph). If you are in a little hurry, you will see it drop to around 17mpg (75-80mph). In traffic or sit driving, you should see around 12-13mpg. Remember that mine is an AWD, so you should see about 2mpg more on a 2WD for city and 1mpg more for highway.

Feel free to contact me with specific questions.