What is it?
2003 Lincoln Aviator
What's special about it?
Lincoln jumps into the midsize luxury SUV with the Aviator. Looking like a three-quarter-scale Navigator, the Aviator is not the reskinned Explorer or Mountaineer that one may assume it to be. There are a number of significant differences between the Aviator and the Mountaineer it will share showroom space with. HID headlamps are optional, and the side mirrors feature integral turn signals and puddle lights.
The cabin features a symmetrical dash that recalls the 1961 Continental, plenty of real wood trim, power-adjustable pedals and leather seating, even for the (standard) third row. Controls are illuminated at night by white LEDs that vary in intensity according to ambient light. Top-shelf hardware is included with the Aviator, as well; the suspension has components such as monotube shocks and a ZF power rack-and- pinion steering system to sharpen handling without sacrificing a smooth ride.
The 32-valve 4.6-liter V8 features a variable intake manifold that helps it cranks out 302 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, a healthy (over 40 horses) increase over the 16-valver available in the Explorer/Mountaineer V8s. A five-speed automatic sends this considerable thrust to either the rear wheels for the 2WD version or all four in the AWD Aviator. Towing capacity shames the competition: the Aviator's 7,300-pound capacity is 46 percent higher than that of the Mercedes-Benz ML500. Safety features are impressive, as well, and include hefty antilock disc brakes (the fronts measure 13 inches and have dual-piston calipers), side-curtain airbags (that also provide protection in a rollover) and AdvanceTrak stability control system.
Why should you care?
With luxury, features and performance that will be equal to or better than its pricey V8 competitors, the Aviator should be able to generate quite a bit of interest among luxury SUV buyers. -- John DiPietro
2003 Lincoln Aviator
What's special about it?
Lincoln jumps into the midsize luxury SUV with the Aviator. Looking like a three-quarter-scale Navigator, the Aviator is not the reskinned Explorer or Mountaineer that one may assume it to be. There are a number of significant differences between the Aviator and the Mountaineer it will share showroom space with. HID headlamps are optional, and the side mirrors feature integral turn signals and puddle lights.
The cabin features a symmetrical dash that recalls the 1961 Continental, plenty of real wood trim, power-adjustable pedals and leather seating, even for the (standard) third row. Controls are illuminated at night by white LEDs that vary in intensity according to ambient light. Top-shelf hardware is included with the Aviator, as well; the suspension has components such as monotube shocks and a ZF power rack-and- pinion steering system to sharpen handling without sacrificing a smooth ride.
The 32-valve 4.6-liter V8 features a variable intake manifold that helps it cranks out 302 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, a healthy (over 40 horses) increase over the 16-valver available in the Explorer/Mountaineer V8s. A five-speed automatic sends this considerable thrust to either the rear wheels for the 2WD version or all four in the AWD Aviator. Towing capacity shames the competition: the Aviator's 7,300-pound capacity is 46 percent higher than that of the Mercedes-Benz ML500. Safety features are impressive, as well, and include hefty antilock disc brakes (the fronts measure 13 inches and have dual-piston calipers), side-curtain airbags (that also provide protection in a rollover) and AdvanceTrak stability control system.
Why should you care?
With luxury, features and performance that will be equal to or better than its pricey V8 competitors, the Aviator should be able to generate quite a bit of interest among luxury SUV buyers. -- John DiPietro
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