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Used 2003 Lincoln Aviator SUV Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
121 reviews
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Pros
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5 out of 5 stars

Bought this car new LOVE IT

v_sanders1, 05/16/2013
2003 Lincoln Aviator Premium Rwd 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
33 of 34 people found this review helpful

I've owned this car for 11 years new and it still looks beautiful inside and out. No problems what so ever and I only change the oil when it says to. It drives wonderful and is very safe (airbags even in back). I would buy this car all over again but they quit making them during our economic slump :( You will not go wrong with this year model 2003

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Only drive while under warranty

Al, 03/24/2010
2003 Lincoln Aviator Premium Rwd 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
20 of 21 people found this review helpful

Its a pretty good bet that the transmission will need some work. At about 35k miles, mine needed to be overhauled while on a road trip out of state. Ignition coils were recalled and I would recommend just getting all 8 original coils replaced, BEFORE they go out, which eventually they will. Overall, I've enjoyed owning this Aviator but now that it's well past the Lincoln warranty and extended warranty expiration, it's time to let this Aviator get some rest before it puts me in the poorhouse.

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4 out of 5 stars

Wheel bearings, wheel bearings, wheel bearings

Jim Wieber, 08/22/2016
2003 Lincoln Aviator Premium Rwd 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

These trucks love to go through wheel bearings

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3.63 out of 5 stars

Extremely Poor Reliability

Rsmith, 07/08/2009
2003 Lincoln Aviator Luxury Rwd 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful

Enjoy the vehicle, plenty of power, comfort and overall utility. However, with only 75,000 miles, the following maintenance issues have developed. On three wheels the bearing failed,$1,600, the number eight cylinder is bad, requiring over $4,000 in repairs, transmission failed, over $3,000 repair, driver side window motor failed, $350 in repair, back window hatch cracked, and now the shift lever is bad. The dealer did not treat me as a valued customer, but tried to gouge me and stated that I should get rid of the vehicle. This is by far the most unreliable vehicle that I have ever owned. Wil never purchase another Lincoln or so called American car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

2003 Lincoln Aviator premium Edition

Rancher, 03/12/2010
2003 Lincoln Aviator Premium Rwd 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
16 of 18 people found this review helpful

This vehicle rocks. purchased new I now have over 130,000 miles and still going strong. The ride and comfort is still exceptional. While this model does not have stability control or the roll over features it is a great vehicle. The car can be at a comfortable 70-75 miles per hour, and then go into passing mode quickly with no lag and hit over 90 with ease, and yeah I have done that both new and with current total miles. The engine is strong and sure. I am now having an issue with the differential and am looking for another Aviator to purchase. I have towed a 21 ft boat, two jet skies, with this car,(no, not all at once) and it still tracks smoothly with no sway. Would buy this again.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Stay Away!

Kamil, 11/20/2008
2003 Lincoln Aviator Luxury AWD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Rides nice, comfort and luxury, but American car makers still have a long way to go! This car is very unreliable, had so many issues, transmission, heated seats, fog lights, torque converter, remote starter. Americans can create nice options but can't seem to make them last. The car has 54k and has problems like it was over 150,000! The electronics stink on this thing. Every fuse or some module goes every month. It's still under warranty, and that's how I will sell it!

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2.75 out of 5 stars

Another Lincoln Lemon

None, 11/06/2008
2003 Lincoln Aviator Luxury Rwd 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I liked the look and the interior, so I bought one used with 60k mi. However, 4 months out of the dealer and I'm looking at $1500 of repairs on various plastic engine parts that have deteriorated. It took the dealer nearly a week to diagnose. Conveniently these aren't covered under their useless extended warranty. One of the rear doors doesn't unlock. I got the metal panel crack underneath the tailgate window that I read many others got within 3 months. Fuel mileage dips into single digits in city driving. Oh well, another Ford, another shoddy car. At least it's not a Chrysler or the bumpers would be falling off by now.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Pure Excellence

Lindsey, 06/27/2006
2003 Lincoln Aviator Luxury AWD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

This SUV is more than amazing. The luxury and capability is just awesome. It drives like a sports car and handles is so smooth and luxurious, I don't even want to complain about the gas mileage. It is not a commuter that is for sure. We just bought it and have been fighting over who gets to drive it everyday since. 50k Miles and drives better than the new Caddy DTS! Love it!

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3.25 out of 5 stars

What's wrong with this Avaitor?

Pierrot, 10/02/2003
2003 Lincoln Aviator Luxury AWD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I have 2250 miles on my 03 Avaitor and it went into the shop the day after delivery. It had a vibration on throughout the vehicle. It has been in the shop for twenty 20 days during the last 35 days. After replacement of many drivetrain parts and tires the dealer says that all Avaitors are like this according to Ford engineers.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Shake and rattle

Pierrot, 11/05/2003
2003 Lincoln Aviator Premium AWD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

The day after I took delivery of this vehicle was in the shop. It has been in the shop on 6 different occasions for over 30 days. There is a vibration throughout the drivetrain including the steering wheel which manifest itself by shaking when driving down the road. It is noticed by noise and feel. Ford says that all Avaitors are this way so be aware. If you feel your hand shaking or hear vibrations it is not in your head. Other problems include oil, leaks tire sensor failures and bad tires.

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