NEW LINCOLN AVIATOR
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Car and Driver website visitor rankings:
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| Here's how our visitors have reviewed this vehicle. |
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Average Rating |
| Overall |
9.62 |
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| Vehicle Styling |
9.62 |
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| Braking |
9.81 |
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| Handling |
9.42 |
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| Fuel Economy |
5 |
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| Interior Comfort |
9.42 |
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| Acceleration |
10 |
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| Dependability |
9.81 |
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| Fit and Finish |
9.23 |
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| Transmission |
9.42 |
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| Ride |
9.62 |
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| Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best
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| To read other User Road Tests or to submit your own review click here |
(Read more of Car and Driver's review here)
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A surprisingly enjoyable luxury sport-ute that takes all that''s right about the Navigator and applies it to a smaller, more manageable package.
Pros
Class-leading power from the standard V8, excellent handling dynamics for an SUV, stylish and feature laden interior that''s doesn''t sacrifice utility.
Cons
Interior lacks the rock solid build quality of equivalently priced luxury SUVs, engine noise intrusive at high rpm.
What''s New for 2004
Lincoln changes the name of the Aviator''s high-line trim level from Premium to Ultimate. More substantive improvements include the addition of Roll Stability Control to the optional AdvanceTrac stability system to ward off rollover incidents during panic maneuvers. The previously optional tire-pressure monitoring system is now standard. Additionally, dealer-installed Sirius Satellite Radio is available on Ultimate and Luxury models equipped with the optional Audiophile stereo.
Overview
Introduction:
With the Navigator firmly entrenched in the luxury sport-utility scene, Lincoln decided to expand the franchise last year. This time, however, it would be a smaller, more agile and less expensive sport-ute -- an SUV for those who want all the luxury but don''t need the biggest vehicle on the block. Thus, the Aviator was born. A midsize luxury SUV with V8 power, this Lincoln competes with a wide range of car- and truck-based utility vehicles, including the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Lexus GX 470, Land Rover Discovery, Mercedes-Benz ML500, Volkswagen Touareg and Volvo XC90. Built on the same chassis as the Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer, the Aviator features a modified version of the lower-line trucks'' fully independent suspension, along with standard third-row seating and a healthy 302-horsepower V8. Like the Navigator, the Aviator offers amenities galore and an upscale interior intended to rival even the most exclusive European and Japanese luxury brands. More than just an Explorer dress-up job, the Aviator delivers a plush ride, smooth, predictable handling and a quiet, comfortable cabin that make it a strong contender in the midsize luxury SUV segment. The Aviator benefits from an upscale interior with metal accents, wood trim and an analog clock that will set it apart from its more mundane cousins. Furthermore, special features like performance-glazed glass that absorbs noise and impacts much better than conventional tempered glass, as well as three-year/36,000 miles full-service maintenance are Aviator exclusives. In addition to third-row seating, the Aviator gives buyers the choice of having twin bucket seats in the second row or an optional 40/20/40 second-row bench that will allow a total of seven in the vehicle. Upscale features include a DVD entertainment system, high-intensity discharge headlights, DVD-based navigation system and rear-seat climate control. Certainly, there are a lot of nice choices in this class. But with an under-$50,000 price tag for the fully loaded version, don''t be surprised if you drive the Aviator and come away thinking that maybe it''s finally time to buy American again.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Aviator comes in two trim levels, Luxury and Ultimate. Luxury models come well-equipped with dual-zone climate control, a CD player, leather upholstery, adjustable pedals and rear park assist. Ultimate models get HID headlamps, heated and cooled seats, an in-dash CD changer and 17-inch wheels. Options for both models include a moonroof, DVD entertainment system, DVD-based navigation system and a class III trailer hitch. The Aviator comes standard with three rows of seating. The second row has two bucket seats, allowing for a maximum capacity of six. However, larger families can opt for a bench seat in the second row, increasing capacity to seven.
Powertrains and Performance:
Powering the Aviator is a 32-valve, 4.6-liter V8 that cranks out 302 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic sends this considerable thrust to either the rear wheels on two-wheel-drive versions or all four in the all-wheel-drive Aviator. The muscle-bound V8, along with the Aviator''s stout body-on-frame design, gives 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).
Safety:
Hefty antilock disc brakes, a tire-pressure monitoring system and side curtain airbags that cover the first and second rows are standard. The optional AdvanceTrac stability control system now features Roll Stability Control that intervenes to prevent a possible rollover following a panic maneuver. Like its Explorer platform mate, the Aviator has been named a "Best Pick" by the IIHS for frontal offset crash protection. The NHTSA has not tested an Aviator, but the mechanically similar Explorer''s scores -- a perfect five stars for side impacts, four stars for frontal impacts involving the driver and five stars for frontal impacts involving the passenger -- are indicative of the Lincoln''s crashworthiness.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The cabin is all Lincoln and features a symmetrical dash (that recalls the 1961 Continental), plenty of real wood trim, power-adjustable pedals and leather seating. In addition to providing a choice of buckets or a bench for the second row, the Aviator also boasts more third-seat legroom than the full-size Cadillac Escalade. Controls are illuminated at night by white LEDs (that vary in intensity according to ambient light), and the steering wheel has controls for the audio and climate control systems. The Aviator can carry 77 cubic feet of cargo, a figure equal to the Lexus GX 470''s capacity.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Around town, the powerful V8 moves the Aviator with authority. Any anxiety about passing or merging is quickly forgotten in this vehicle as it builds speed quickly and smoothly. As impressive as the engine is, what really gives the Aviator an upscale feel is its combination of a precisely tuned suspension, stiff chassis and smooth steering. The result is a vehicle that soaks up even the biggest road hazards with minimal cabin intrusion and a suspension that tracks well over just about any surface.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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