2005 Lincoln Aviator: Road Test
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2005 Lincoln Aviator ▼
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- MSRP: $40,635 -$43,585
- Invoice: $37,392 -$40,047
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Our road test for the 2005 Lincoln Aviator includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Lincoln Aviator from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Lincoln Aviator, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Lincoln Aviator help you decide if a 2005 Lincoln Aviator is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6 |
Only AWD models made available for test. Test Aviator 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 is a bit slow to downshift. Towing capacity 7100 lb with AWD.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 3.3 |
Test AWD models averaged 13.8-14.6 mpg in city/highway mix. Lincoln recommends premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.3 |
A more trucky feel than car-based 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.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.4 |
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
| AWD Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.2 |
Wind, road noise unobjectionable and low for an SUV. Smooth V8 quiet at idle and cruise, somewhat noisy under full throttle.
CONTROLS
| AWD Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.3 |
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 trim. Materials and finish a step above Explorer/Mountaineer, but still below luxury-SUV standard set by similarly priced BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz models.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.6 |
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)
| AWD Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.3 |
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/or limber.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.5 |
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
| AWD Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6 |
Aviator is more than competent, has V8 muscle, and offers an array of features at a relatively reasonable price that should benefit from steep discounts. Still, top rivals beat it for quality of interior materials, overall refinement, and prestige.
Total Score
| AWD Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 57 | 59.9 |
Total Score: 57
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