2003 Lincoln Aviator
by Cordell Koland

Lincoln sports a new SUV brand for 2003, the Aviator. Based on a rugged
body-on-frame platform with independent rear suspension, Lincoln¹s newest
SUV will be offered in both two- and all-wheel-drive systems in two series,
Luxury and Premium.

There is no doubt that as the SUV market has exploded, the vehicles
themselves are getting further and further away from their roots as outdoor
boulder-busters. The midsize SUV has a high luxury content and will be more
at home parked on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, than near a trout stream.

The luxury SUV arena is marked by frenzied competition. Almost every luxury
brand, including Volvo, now offers its own sport-utility.  The challenge is
not just to offer a luxury SUV, but to put something on the road that will
stand out in a crowded market.  A look at the new Aviator¹s assets indicates
a solid portfolio that distinguishes it as a solid contender.

Styling: SUVs for many buyers are primarily a fashion statement, and by
definition, design would therefore seem like the most important criterion.
Based on the Ford Explorer platform, the Aviator has a number of styling
cues, such as the grille, fashioned to resemble the full-size Lincoln
Navigator.  Body-color mounding wraps around the wheel arches and
integrates with the bumpers, giving the vehicle a smooth appearance, front
to rear. The rear liftgate is a two-piece design. This allows the driver to 
simply flip up the rear window for small items, or lift the top-mounted hatch
for larger packages. 

The Aviator really shines it in its interior design. The dashboard is
particularly striking. Lincoln designers have given the dash a strong linear
context and have utilized an appealing satin-nickel finish for a large
portion of the surface. The audio controls are hidden behind a metal door
that fits flush with the instrument panel. A band of wood that runs the
perimeter of the cabin accents the interior.  The result is one of the most
elegant interiors in any vehicle on the market right now.

Out test vehicle had the optional split bucket seat configuration in the
rear. This treatment is not only visually compelling, but also offers real
comfort to rear seat passengers and underscores the vehicle¹s role as
executive transport.

Engine and transmission: A 302-horsepower V-8 mated to a five-speed
automatic transmission provides the power. With a weight of nearly 5,000
lbs, the performance is impressive. The Aviator accelerated smartly from a
stoplight as well as on steep upgrades. The engine's sound is restrained and
the elimination of noise and vibration throughout is impressive. The
five-speed automatic transmission performs very well and has an advantage
over the conventional four-speed unit by enabling the driver to better
manage engine torque, particularly on mountain roads.

Ride and handling: The Aviator offers rack-and-pinion steering as well as
independent rear suspension for improved handling. It also offers a wide
track and long wheelbase to facilitate comfort.  The car provides a
well-modulated ride quality and acceptable handling. There is no doubt that
handling is enhanced over may SUVs by the installation of 17-inch Michelin
Pilot LTX tires. The tires are meant for responsiveness, not off-road
traction. 

Safety: Our test Aviator was equipped with the optional side-impact curtain
air bag system, which drops down from the headliner if the vehicle is hit
from the side. Given the reputation of SUVs for rollover accidents, a family
that buys a sport-utility ought to demand all of the safety options
available.

I really like one feature on the Aviator, the Reverse Sensing System, which
is a radar-like device that warns the driver when backing too close to
objects at the rear. If you live in the country, this device may be
irrelevant, but in dimly lit urban parking structures, the sensor offers an
extra margin of safety by compensating for the inherent lack or rearward
visibility in a big high SUV.
 

 Vehicle: Lincoln Aviator

Base Price: $39,995

Engine:

         Type: 4.6-liter V-8

         Horsepower: 302 @ 5,750rpm

         Torque: 300 ft. lbs @ 3,250 rpm

Fuel economy, automatic transmission

         City - 13 mpg

         Highway - 18 mpg

Curb Weight: 4,957 lbs.