Background: The all-new, 2003 Aviator is the newest vehicle to join the Lincoln lineup as Ford Motor Company's premium American brand continues to revamp its fleet of vehicles. Lincoln was founded in 1917 and acquired by Ford in 1922. The four-door Aviator is a mid-size, truck-based sport utility vehicle seating up to seven riders in luxury with striking good exterior looks that more than resemble its big brother, the full-size Lincoln Navigator SUV introduced in 1998 and redesigned in 2003. Mechanically, Aviator shares a platform with the long-running and highly successful Ford Explorer sport utility. Rounding out Lincoln's four-vehicle lineup in 2003 are two sedans: the rear-wheel drive Lincoln LS and the long-running full-size Town Car. Recent retirees from the division include the Continental and Mark VIII sedans and the limited-production Blackwood. Promotional literature states the Aviator starts under $40,000, but extras add up quickly and our test model checked in close to $50,000. It's based on a truck platform, not car-based or minivan construction so off-roading adventures are plausible. The Aviator is assembled in St. Louis, Mo. Production started in late 2002. About 30,000 units are expected to be sold in the 2003 model year.
Engine/trim level: Aviator comes with the choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Both are driven by a powerful aluminum block, double overhead cam, 4.6-liter V-8 engine producing 302 horsepower. It's the only powertrain available. The engine, featuring sequential multi-port fuel injection, is linked to a five-speed automatic transmission. The fuel tank holds 22.5 gallons of recommended premium (91 octane) fuel. Both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive editions are available in two trim levels: Luxury or top-line Premium.
Price: The lowest priced Aviator offering, a two-wheel-drive Luxury version starts at $39,485 and the four-wheel drive counterpart checks in at $42,435. The upscale Premium model's two-wheel drive edition starts at $42,175 while the four-wheel drive model checks in at $45,125. Lincoln supplied the Daily Herald with a top of the line Premium edition with four-wheel drive with a $45,125 starting point. After factoring in a towing package ($295), upgraded dynamics ($795), seventeen-inch spoke wheels ($795), tire pressure monitoring system( $295) and rear-seat DVD entertainment system, the bottom line added up to $49,340 including $740 destination charge. By comparison, an all-wheel drive, 2003 BMW X5 with eight-cylinder engine starts at $49,950 while a 2003 all-wheel drive V-8 Mercedes-Benz ML 500 starts at $45,350. Both the BMW and Mercedes seat five passengers only.
Standard features: Both trim levels include: intermittent front and rear windshield wipers, roof rack, rear window defroster, running boards, leather seating, six-way power driver's seat, power windows and outside mirrors, cruise control, speed-proportioned power steering, dual zone climate control and an AM/FM/cassette/compact disc player. Premium models add high-intensity headlights, heated and cooled seats and a six-disc in-dash compact disc player. Popular options include a moonroof and rear DVD entertainment system.
Interior: The Aviator includes three rows of seats standard; something many mid-size competitors do not. Two comfortable bucket seats come standard in the second row; if more room is desired a three-person bench seat can be ordered. The third row bench seat carries two people and the seat back folds flat onto the cushions when more storage room is desired. Headroom is plentiful no matter where one sits in the vehicle. Maneuvering into third row is made easier by two middle row bucket seats with seat backs that fold down, after which the seat tumbles forward. The front dash design is almost identical to that of the bigger Navigator. The handsome interior includesa flat analog instrument panel featuring a black background with white back lighting and red needles A digital message center is in the lower right-hand corner listing miles-to-empty and other assorted information. One practical feature making a return to Aviator and many other vehicles is an analog clock in the middle of the dashboard. The dashboard features wood trim and bushed metallic silver interwoven with leather surfaces for an elegant touch. Power front seats are controlled by buttons conveniently located on the door, not on the sides of the seats, making it a bit easier to get comfortable. Power windows operate from four buttons on the front of the deep storage bin between the front bucket seats. Ahead are a covered cigarette lighter and ash tray, in-line dual cup holders and the automatic transmission immediately to the left. The steering column is manually-operated, not the power variety found in many luxury competitors. The top of the middle dash is where Lincoln locates the stereo and for a clean look, a square door slides down covering the stereo. Secondary controls on the steering wheel also control the radio volume and station preference. Also on the steering wheel are cruise control functions and secondary ventilation functions. Below the radio is the automatic climate control with numerous buttons operating fan speed, temperature and direction. The driver also has input for middle row ventilation with two ceiling dials near the rear-view mirror. A headlight dial is found on the left side of the dashboard while wiper functions are located on the turn signal stalk. The ignition cylinder is on the steering column's right side.
Outside: Running boards adorn both sides of the vehicle assisting egress and ingress. Those over six-feet may not need to use the boards but those of shorter stature will find them handy. The rear side doors open wide enough and are far enough in front of the rear tire for comfortable entry and exit. Sideview mirrors are more vertical in design than most. On the bottom are secondary turn signal indicators, a welcome safety touch. Body-colored, very thick strap-like handles adorn all four doors. Chrome trim strips are under all four side windows. The front grille includes a chrome outline surrounding a vertical, waterfall design and prominent Lincoln logo. Rectangular, band-like headlights flank the grille. Two circular fog lights are below the grille design. In back, the lift gate with standard wiper opens two ways: the entire door, hinged at the top, lifts up from the bottom, or the window area can pop open independently for dropping groceries quickly into the back. Large, square taillights with red tint wrap around to the side. The spare tire stows under the vehicle.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 113.7 inches
Overall length: 193.3 inches
Overall height: 71.4 inches
Overall width: 76.0 inches
Curb weight: 5,002 pounds
Maximum towing: 7,300 pounds (all-wheel drive)
Safety: Dual-stage front driver and front passenger air bags are standard as well as a safety canopy for first and second row occupants. Also standard are remote keyless entry, anti-theft alarm system, child-proof rear door locks, anti-lock brakes and a rear park assist which beeps when in reverse and approaching a low-lying object. A version of Ford's 'beltminder" is also standard. This system "chimes" for a time until front riders buckle up.
Warranty: Ford's powertrain and basic warranties are covered for four years or 50,000 miles (which ever comes first). Roadside assistance is good for the same duration. Also included is a three-year/36,000-mile complementary maintenance program (includes wear and tear items). The rust/corrosion warranty is good for five years with unlimited miles.
Final thoughts: Unlike its big brother, Aviator does not feature such nuances as a power rear lift gate or power fold-down third seat. Like its big brother, it rides remarkably smoothly with an interior cabin void of engine noise. It's smaller size relative to the Navigator makes it a more enjoyable vehicle to maneuver around town. For those with many people and "stuff' to move, the area behind the third seat is not as welcoming as full-size SUVs, but a number of grocery bags can stow there nicely. The trade-off is that the mid-size Aviator includes three rows of seats. Four-wheel independent suspension along with rack-and-pinion steering help maneuver this tall-standing vehicle. Keep in mind, Aviator has a V-8 engine standard while some competitors offer only six cylinders and Aviator sports one of the best towing capacities in its class. Competition in this segment is heating up fast. Buick will introduce the truck-based Rainier SUV in the 2004 model year and German automakers Porsche and Volkswagen are also debuting mid-size, luxury appointed vehicles in 2004 (the Cayenne and Touareg respectively). Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover and BMW already have such products in the lineup. Three recent SUV-like newcomers, the Acura MDX, Honda Pilot and Chrysler Pacifica are roomy but share more traits with minivans than traditional SUVs. |