2003 Lincoln Aviator: Road Test
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2003 Lincoln Aviator ▼
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- MSRP: $39,485 -$45,125
- Invoice: $36,392 -$41,468
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Our road test for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Lincoln Aviator from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator help you decide if a 2003 Lincoln Aviator is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Premium AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.8 |
Premium AWD only model made available for test so far. It feels strong, with good passing power aided by the slick-shifting transmission. Expect 0-60 mph in slightly less than the 8.4 sec of test V8 Explorers. Towing capacity is 7100 lb with AWD.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Premium AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 3.1 |
Test AWD Premium averaged 13.8 mpg in city/highway mix. Lincoln recommends premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Premium AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.6 |
A more trucky feel than its car-based luxury competition, such as the Lexus RX 330, but reasonably compliant and laudably devoid of sloppy steering and body motion. Pleasant absence of side-to-side rocking over uneven surfaces, common to body-on-frame SUVs.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Premium AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.1 |
Specific steering and suspension tuning, in combination with 17-inch tires, helps Aviator feel more precise and nimble than its Ford and Mercury cousins. Relatively little body lean in tight turns for an SUV. Surefooted grip on twisty roads. Brakes more than up to the task with smooth, progressive pedal action. We recommend the AdvanceTrac antiskid system; it's designed to apply individual brakes to prevent sideways skids, which can lead to rollovers. Explorer also offers this feature.
QUIETNESS
| Premium AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.4 |
Wind, road noise unobjectionable, and low for an SUV. Smooth V8 is never loud and sounds expensive at full throttle.
CONTROLS
| Premium AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.7 |
Highlighted by lots of silver-finish plastic surrounds. Gauge markings indistinct in sunlight. Controls clearly identified. Most are illuminated and within easy reach, though the center-console-mounted power window switches are hard to operate without a glance down. Materials and finish a step above Explorer and Mountaineer, but still below luxury-SUV standard set by similarly priced Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz models.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Premium AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.3 |
Front seatbacks lack power-recline feature, but standard tilt steering wheel, memory seat, adjustable pedals help custom-tailor driving position. Some testers say leg room only adequate for large adults. Visibility good. Rear-obstacle detection adds a measure of safety when backing up. High step-in is eased by standard running boards.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Premium AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.9 |
Second-row buckets accommodate two adults in reasonable comfort; three can squeeze in with the available bench seat. Either way, there's generous head room and better knee and foot clearance than in most midsize SUVs. Third-row cushion low to the floor and pancake-flat, but head room and leg space surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward in a single, easy motion, but access to 3rd row is for the young and/or limber.
CARGO ROOM
| Premium AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.5 |
Large hatch glass opens separately and dips low into tailgate to aid loading, but tailgate weighty to open or close. Cargo room tight behind 3rd-row seat. Third row does not fold flat, positioning of release makes the process awkward, and presence of 2nd-row buckets leaves open gaps that could swallow small items. Lots of interior storage bins and cubbies.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Premium AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.2 |
The more-than-competent Aviator nicely fills Lincoln's need for a midsize luxury SUV. It provides V8 muscle and an array of features at a relatively reasonable price that should benefit from steep discounts. Still, it doesn't match BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz rivals in quality of interior materials or in mechanical refinement.
Total Score
| Premium AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 58 | 55.6 |
Total Score: 58
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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