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2004 Lincoln Aviator Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2004 Lincoln Aviator Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2004 Lincoln Aviator Review
This gilded version of the Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer gets a standard tire-pressure monitor and optional antirollover technology for 2004. Aviator's styling mimics Lincoln's bigger Navigator, and it differs from Explorer and Mountaineer in engine power, suspension tuning, and cabin decor. Two models are offered: Luxury and Ultimate, both with a 302-hp version of the 239-hp V8 that's optional in the Ford and Mercury. A 5-speed automatic is the only transmission. Aviator offers rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Midyear, the optional antiskid/traction-control system gained Ford's Roll Stability Control, which is designed to detect an impending tip and activate the antiskid system to reduce chances of a rollover. Aviator's standard 17-inch wheels, wood interior trim, and 2nd-row bucket seats with center console are unavailable on its Ford and Mercury cousins. A folding 3rd-row bench seat is standard, and a 3-passenger 2nd-row bench seat is available for up to 7-passenger capacity. Standard head-protecting curtain side airbags serve the 1st and 2nd seating rows. Power-adjustable pedals, rear-obstacle detection, and dual-zone climate system with rear controls are also standard. Options include a sunroof, navigation system, and rear DVD entertainment.
News
Due to disappointing sales, Aviator will morph from Explorer-based SUV to a car-based crossover for 2007. The new model takes after the "teaser" concept from the 2004 Detroit Auto Show and targets the likes of Chrysler Pacifica and Infiniti FX in size and price. It's based on the adaptable Mazda-developed "CD3" platform that will serve several upcoming Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and sportwagons. Front-drive and all-wheel-drive versions should mate a 3.5-liter V6 (Ford's new "Duratec 35" corporate engine) with a new 6-speed automatic transmission. The concept's four individual seats and movable front/rear center consoles will probably be optional to a standard 3-person rear bench seat. The concept's instrument panel and exterior styling pay homage to the "classic" 1961 Lincoln Continental, and should survive to the showroom pretty much intact. So, too, a split tailgate. Look for standards to include a full complement of airbags, expected luxury-class trim and conveniences, and options like navigation system and rear DVD entertainment with dual screens.
2004 Lincoln Aviator Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Only AWD models made available for test so far. Test Luxury version did 8.3 sec 0-60 mph, just 0.1 sec quicker than V8 Explorer; blame Aviator's greater weight for sapping its extra power. Midrange and passing response is decent, though transmission a bit slow to downshift. Towing capacity is 7100 lb with AWD.
| Ultimate AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.8 |
Only AWD models made available for test so far. Test Luxury version did 8.3 sec 0-60 mph, just 0.1 sec quicker than V8 Explorer; blame Aviator's greater weight for sapping its extra power. Midrange and passing response is decent, though transmission a bit slow to downshift. Towing capacity is 7100 lb with AWD.
Fuel Economy
Test AWD models averaged 13.8-14.6 mpg in city/highway mix. Lincoln recommends premium fuel.
| Ultimate AWD | Class Average |
| 2 | 3.3 |
Test AWD models averaged 13.8-14.6 mpg in city/highway mix. Lincoln recommends premium fuel.
Ride Quality
A more trucky feel than car-type luxury competition, such as Lexus RX 330, but reasonably compliant, laudably devoid of sloppy steering and body motions. Pleasant absence of side-to-side rocking over uneven surfaces, too.
| Ultimate AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.9 |
A more trucky feel than car-type luxury competition, such as Lexus RX 330, but reasonably compliant, laudably devoid of sloppy steering and body motions. Pleasant absence of side-to-side rocking over uneven surfaces, too.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Lincoln-specific steering and suspension tuning, in combination with 17-inch tires, helps Aviator feel more precise and nimble than Ford/Mercury cousins. Relatively little body lean in tight turns for an SUV. Sure-footed grip on twisty roads. Progressive brake-pedal action.
| Ultimate AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.2 |
Lincoln-specific steering and suspension tuning, in combination with 17-inch tires, helps Aviator feel more precise and nimble than Ford/Mercury cousins. Relatively little body lean in tight turns for an SUV. Sure-footed grip on twisty roads. Progressive brake-pedal action.
Quietness
Wind, road noise unobjectionable, and low for an SUV. Smooth V8 quiet at idle and cruise, somewhat noisy under full throttle.
| Ultimate AWD | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 |
Wind, road noise unobjectionable, and low for an SUV. Smooth V8 quiet at idle and cruise, somewhat noisy under full throttle.
Controls
Gauge markings indistinct in sunlight. Controls clearly identified, and most are illuminated and within easy reach, though center-console-mounted power-window switches hard to operate without a glance down. Lots of silver-finish plastic instrument surrounds. Materials and finish a step above Explorer/Mountaineer, but still below luxury-SUV standard set by similarly priced Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz models.
| Ultimate AWD | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 |
Gauge markings indistinct in sunlight. Controls clearly identified, and most are illuminated and within easy reach, though center-console-mounted power-window switches hard to operate without a glance down. Lots of silver-finish plastic instrument surrounds. Materials and finish a step above Explorer/Mountaineer, but still below luxury-SUV standard set by similarly priced Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz models.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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 for large adults is only adequate. Visibility good. Rear-obstacle detection adds confidence when backing up. Standard running boards ease high step-in.
| Ultimate AWD | Class Average |
| 8 | 7.4 |
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 for large adults is only adequate. Visibility good. Rear-obstacle detection adds confidence when backing up. Standard running boards ease high step-in.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Second-row buckets accommodate two adults in reasonable comfort. Three can squeeze in with available bench seat. Either way, there's generous head room, better knee and foot clearance than in most midsize SUVs. Third-row cushion low to floor, pancake-flat, but head room, leg space surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward in single, easy motion, but access to 3rd row is for the young and limber.
| Ultimate AWD | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.2 |
Second-row buckets accommodate two adults in reasonable comfort. Three can squeeze in with available bench seat. Either way, there's generous head room, better knee and foot clearance than in most midsize SUVs. Third-row cushion low to floor, pancake-flat, but head room, leg space surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward in single, easy motion, but access to 3rd row is for the young and limber.
Cargo Room
Large hatch glass opens separately, 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, position of seatback release makes process awkward, and presence of 2nd-row buckets leaves open gaps that could swallow small items. Lots of interior storage bins, cubbies.
| Ultimate AWD | Class Average |
| 8 | 7.4 |
Large hatch glass opens separately, 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, position of seatback release makes process awkward, and presence of 2nd-row buckets leaves open gaps that could swallow small items. Lots of interior storage bins, cubbies.
Value within Class
Aviator is certainly competent on the road, has V8 muscle, and offers an array of luxury and safety features at a relatively reasonable price--a price that should benefit from steep discounts. Still, Acura and Lexus rivals top it for quality of interior materials and overall refinement.
| Ultimate AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.6 |
Aviator is certainly competent on the road, has V8 muscle, and offers an array of luxury and safety features at a relatively reasonable price--a price that should benefit from steep discounts. Still, Acura and Lexus rivals top it for quality of interior materials and overall refinement.
Total Score
| Ultimate AWD | Class Average |
| 57 | 57.8 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 36 | |
| Average Score | 57 | |
| High Score | 70 |
2004 Lincoln Aviator Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 08/31/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| 2WD Luxury 4-door wagon | $40,290 | $37,006 | $740 |
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| AWD Luxury 4-door wagon | $43,240 | $39,661 | $740 |
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| 2WD Ultimate 4-door wagon | $42,755 | $39,224 | $740 |
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| AWD Ultimate 4-door wagon | $45,705 | $41,879 | $740 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Luxury
Powertrain
4.6-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, rear-obstacle-detection system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, rear climate controls, tilt wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 4-way power front bucket seats w/power lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), front center console, cupholders, 2nd-row bucket seats w/center console, 3rd-row stowable bench seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn-signal indicators, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, analog clock, tachometer, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear privacy glass, running boards, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Class II trailer hitch, wiring harness, full-size spare tire, 245/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Ultimate adds to Luxury:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated/cooled front seats, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
High-intensity-discharge headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Machined alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Class III Trailer Tow Pkg.
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||
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AWD
|
$295
|
$256
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Safety |
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Roll stability control
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Luxury, Ultimate
|
$860
|
$748
|
|
Includes traction control, antiskid system.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
|
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Ultimate
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$2,495
|
$2,171
|
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Moves available CD changer to lower console.
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Navigation system w/THX sound system
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Ultimate
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$2,995
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$2,606
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Moves available CD changer to lower console.
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Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
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Luxury, Ultimate
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$1,415
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$1,231
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Power sunroof
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Luxury, Ultimate
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$1,595
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$1,388
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
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Luxury
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$895
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$799
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AM/FM/cassette/CD player
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Ultimate
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$0
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$0
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2nd-row split bench seat
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Luxury
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$0
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$0
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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Luxury, Ultimate
|
$395
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$344
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Roof rack
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Luxury, Ultimate
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$60
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$52
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Machined alloy wheels
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Luxury
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$695
|
$605
|
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Chrome alloy wheels
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Ultimate
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$795
|
$692
|
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2004 Lincoln Aviator Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Lincoln Aviator 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. | 1195 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.8 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.6 /281 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 302 @ 5750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 300 @ 3250 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 13/17 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Lincoln Aviator 4-door wagon |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 1/12,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2004 Lincoln Aviator Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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