2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator ▼
- Price Range: $8,600 - $17,300
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Pros
- Passenger room
- Cargo room
Cons
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Lincoln entered the midsize luxury sport-utility vehicle class for 2003 with what amounts to a gilded version of the Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer. Aviator had its own front and rear appearance, however, as well as interior styling, and came only with the V8 that was optional in Ford and Mercury versions. Here, the V8 was tuned for 302 horsepower, versus 240 hp. Inside and out, the Aviator mimicked the look of Lincoln's full-size Navigator SUV. Other than engine tuning and cabin decor, though, the Aviator offered few features that weren't also available on Explorer or Mountaineer. Aviator's standard 17-inch wheels and wood interior trim were unavailable on its Ford and Mercury cousins. Neither was Aviator's Navigator-style optional second-row bucket seats, with a center console. Seating seven, the Aviator came with a five-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Later in the year came an optional traction-control/antiskid system for AWD models. Standard curtain side airbags (optional on Explorer/Mountaineer) served the first and second seating rows, and were designed to deploy in a side collision and in a rollover. A fold-flat third-row bench seat, power-adjustable pedals, rear-obstacle detection, and dual-zone climate system with rear controls also were standard. Luxury and uplevel Premium models were offered, the latter including high-intensity headlamps, heated/cooled power front seats, an in-dash CD changer, and special machine-finish wheels. Options included a sunroof and navigation system, and rear DVD entertainment systems. Competitors included the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX 300/330, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Aviator Ultimate AWD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 57 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Aviator is more than competent, has V8 muscle, and offers an array of features at a relatively reasonable new-vehicle price. Still, BMW and Lexus rivals top this Lincoln for quality of interior materials, overall refinement, and prestige. Because resale values are somewhat low, some tempting used-vehicle prices might be found.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Aviator Ultimate AWD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 57 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $710 |
| Alternator | $470 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $4,495 |
| Brakes | $450 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $0 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $2,440 |
| Exhaust System | $680 |
| Radiator | $620 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $2,940 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $905 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2005 | |||
| Aviator 2WD | $14,500-17,000 | $13,200-15,500 | $9,000-10,500 |
| Aviator AWD | $16,700-19,000 | $15,200-17,300 | $10,700-12,200 |
| 2004 | |||
| Aviator 2WD | $11,700-13,200 | $10,500-11,900 | $6,400-7,300 |
| Aviator AWD | $13,500-15,000 | $12,300-13,700 | $8,000-8,900 |
| 2003 | |||
| Aviator 2WD | $9,500-10,800 | $8,600-9,700 | $4,900-5,600 |
| Aviator AWD | $11,000-12,300 | $9,900-11,100 | $5,900-6,600 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.7 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 193.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.0 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 71.4 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4818 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 81.7 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.8 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 4.6 / 281 | 302 | 300 | 5-speed automatic: 13/18 | 5-speed automatic: 14.6 |
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EPA rating with 2WD is 13/19 mpg. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.








