Used 2003 Lincoln Aviator SUV Consumer Reviews
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Bought this car new LOVE IT
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
Only drive while under warranty
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.
- Premium 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,900165 mi away
- Premium 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,950613 mi away
- Premium 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,995852 mi away
Wheel bearings, wheel bearings, wheel bearings
These trucks love to go through wheel bearings
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Extremely Poor Reliability
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.
2003 Lincoln Aviator premium Edition
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.
Another Lincoln Lemon
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.
Stay Away!
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!
Pure Excellence
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!
What's wrong with this Avaitor?
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.
I just got my first aviator
I was very surprised with its power and fuel mileage and I'm curious at how well it will tow a boat up and down steep hills because I'm considering getting a small 18' pontoon boat I'm wondering if it can muster it and Lincoln SUVs are the best and are really reliable and i just got my aviator but last year I had the privilege to own my very first Lincoln and I have always wanted an SUV and 4x4 and a Lincoln and I ended up knocking all out with one stone I had a 1999 navigator which was totaled out 9months later I got t-boned by a 21year old and now I have my aviator it's been a blessing from God to have an other Lincoln they are worth it and I walked away from rolling 3 times they are the best it's been a good vehicle very reliable I've had it almost 4 years now small minor complaints nothing big thank God October 11 2019 the engine blew up after 256k miles it was really reliable truck it lasted from 130k miles and died at 256k miles and 5 3/4 years
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Tired of Fighting
I do alot of driving-23,000 miles in 8 months!I owned a Navigator before this Aviator and loved it. Since 2000 miles, it shimmies at 75mph.They've replaced tires, rotored brakes and can't seem to fix it. The driver's seat moves and they say it's normal after replacing the seat and track! I'm tired of fighting to get a quality SUV for my money! I have not gotten anyone to help - even at Customer Relations Headquarters!
Never an issue
We have loved this for 2 years and have loved it. A lot of people complain about the mileage but for a full sized SUV to get 21 mpg on the highway at 80 mph I have no complaints at all. Around town we get 15 mpg but again, I never expected this to be an economy car. It has been very reliable and has never given us an issue.
Excellant All Around Vehicle
Go anywhere SUV, Go several times a year on out of state trips. The Aviator is the ultimate in comfort! Hit that seat warmer after a long day and ahhh! Our Aviator has 42K on it and has only needed the regular maint performed on it. I did replace the tires to one size up and that helped on the milage-AVG 19 mph allaround and up to 21 on the road. I also had the computer upgraded thru the dealer on a new program that has made it perform even better. No gripes here glad we have it as our all around veh and well worth the price!
Never Never Never Never again
This car has been nothing but problems. After owning the vehicle for two years the transmission had to be replaced. When the third time repair did not fix the original problem. I have had electrical problems from day one but no one can seem to figure out why. The auto-window doesn't work, the side view mirrors would change positions, the passenger seat heater does not work, the sound system takes about a minute to come on after the car is started. The steering wheel shimmies when braking, and there is a long whining sound when you start the vehicle in cold weather (which they can't seem to figure out why). This vehicle is the most expensive I have owned and yet the worst purchase made.
This ain't no Explorer
We were in the market for an SUV with 3rd row seating. If this is you, do yourself a favor and test drive this SUV. You'll understand why most limo's are Licoln's - it's all about the ride and this SUV delivers.
Repair,repair,repair transmission,cooling system,
Bot brain new in 2003 $47k on the 3rd year after the warranty was over, repairs started constantly every other month had to visit the repair shop for some problem and currently it has 96,000 Miles and it is seating in AAMCO waiting for front differential ($2500) after changing the transmission cooling system that costed over $1400. No dealers had offered more than $500 to buy it as is (with broken differential) . This the story of my Aviator in nut shell
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Shake and rattle
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.
this truck is great
i have a mercedes ml 320 and it doesnt compare t omy new lincoln. I love everything about this truck
little problems
I bought my aviator used it had 22,000 miles. I love it. No big problems. Replaced a coil after 106,000 miles. The dash board lights some times go on & off, but easy to deal with.
Lincoln. stinking!
This is absolutely the worst truck I have ever owned! Ford, Lincoln, stink! Always a major issue with this truck, it has been an issue since day 1! It was always taken care of, but no matter what I do, it is a money pit! I have always owned Fords, never again!!! Ford did not take the buy out yrs ago, However, Ford no longer makes parts to support older vehicles. I asked Ford, what do I do, I can't find parts for my truck. Fords responded by, buy a new truck! I sure will, IT WON'T BE FORD!!!! I have owned Fords all my life, never again! I did buy a new truck, Toyota! Screw you Ford! Lincoln was a beautiful truck, a safe truck. The safest truck you can have, is one that doesn't run!!!! Suspension issues, dashboard lights kept shutting off, rear hatch would not open, 1 transmission, 1 engine, 4 radiators, 4 wheel bearings, drivers seat motor broke, replaced with new motor, died 1 yr later. Upper and lower control arms, good luck.in finding replacement parts. 3 compressors. Ford. Fix or repair daily. I wish I had brought a different vehicle. This truck had low miles, I know why now. It tows well, and constantly! Ford owns the patent on the upper and lower control arms. Friend owns 2012 Ford Explorer, he can't find parts either. Not my problem anymore! So glad to be rid of this piece of junk now! Someone else's problem! I will never buy another Ford ever again! Never, ever again! Glad it is someone else's problem now! Piece if junk! Don't miss the piece of junk! So happy it is someone else's problem! The safest truck you can have, is one that doesn't run! P.O.S!
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Questioning my purchase...
I purchased my car on March 1, 2003 and since that time I have had my vehicle in the service department four times. The most recent incident was for a defective power steering rack, which needed to be replaced. Since this is such a new car, the power steering rack was not available and had to be stripped off of a new car in currently being built. Took almost a whole two weeks to get it back, which is better than the 30 days they originally told me. Hopefully I can overcome my thoughts about the car and finally begin to enjoy my purchase.
Aviator Owner's Review
This has been the best vehicle I've ever owned. Its reliability is outstanding. Its power and handling is on par with the BMW-X5, and its quieter. I now have 82,000 miles on the vehicle and it runs as well as it did when I bought it. The best way to describe it is it's still tight. No rattles. No loose parts. No electrical gremlins. At 60,000 miles I used the Aviator to tow a small car from southern Calif. to Las Vegas. I was pulling approximately 3,600lb and it didn't break a sweat. I even averaged 17 mpg. I disagree with the comment about lacking refinement compared to European SUVs. The Aviator set a new standard for affordable luxury. I paid $10K less than a similarly equipped BMW!
Can't wait to get rid of this vehicle
After sitting a stop lights and shaking and having 2 different dealers...the service managers are brothers...tell me 3 times that this Lincoln should sit at stop lights and shake..yeah right ! and having the rear differential replaced at 3000 miles...the a/c smells and the car still has only 12000 miles on it I can't wait to get rid of this piece of "junk". This is my fifth new Lincoln product in 10 years and it is not only my last Lincoln product but my last American car. No-one seems to care that this car absolutely runs awful including Lincoln customer service.
Not all it's cranked up to be !!!!
Before buying -- test it for at least a day and I think you'll go with another vehicle. I sure wish I did !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great SUV
I bought my 2003 Aviator new. The truck is quick and beautiful looking. I got it in the pearl white with the white leather. Not the best choice with kids but still looks good after 6 years. I did have two problems which the dealer fixed under the warranty .The idler pulley was giving off a whining noise. They replaced it and it fixed the problem . The second problem was a rough idle and it would come close to stalling. It was a vacuum leak that the dealer fixed with the warranty. I have 61,000 on it now and it has started to idle rough again but I'm sure it is a simple fix . People who complain about the interior of this truck are crazy. It is very luxurious and comfortable.
The 2003 Aviator
This SUV is #1 , Looks like the full size Navi but if a small package, it is the benchmark for its segment betas out all the Imports BUY AMERICAN!! comfort and exceptional luxury superb performance agile handling smooth quiet ride heat ed & AC seats , DVD , ALL the options cost $ 49,000.00 Don't be cheap GET the BEST!!!
2003 Aviator
Great motor, good towing, gets a lot of looks, very functional, good people vehicle
'03 Aviator
First off, we love the 4 valve DOHC engine. Have it in a 97 Cobera, '04 Mustang Mach-1 '04 Mercury Marauder and the '03 Aviator, After ~25K Barb gets about 20MPG on average, not bad, we think. Sadly, they're discontinuing this great vehicle, so we're turning ours in for an '05 Aviator. We have never had a single service issue, and the dealership has been absolutely wonderful when it's time for regular service, free of charge, of course. We usually keep our vehicles for 100K+ miles, but the deals are too good to pass up the last ones.
Love my Aviator
Had my Aviator since 2003 and loved every day I have had it. I can't beleive they don't make them any more. For sure, I would go out and purchase another one. I also thought this about my Mark VII. I guess I am just hooked on a Lincolns.
Nothing better
This is the most enjoyable vehicle I have ever had the pleasure of owning. I love the luxurious interior, the beautiful exterior and flawless ride and handling. The bright cathode lights on the dash are gorgeous and it was worth every penny. I test drove many SUV's and nothing comes remotely close to the Lincoln Aviator.
2003 Aviator
We bought this used with 24,000 miles. So far it has been pretty good. Only issues are seat climate controls that keep failing, a loose drivers seat, and a bit of corrosion on the top, inside edge of the rear liftgate (same spot as our 98 Explorer). The brake rotors also seem like they need replacement. Control illumination is amazingly high-tech looking, but some knobs and controls don't feel smooth when operated. Overall a well built SUV with a lot of nice features. We were most impressed with the innovations, like thicker windows, that reduce noise. It has many features that make it a much improved version of the Explorer, which is what we owned previously
Outstanding SUV
Bought this to replace a beloved Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Aviator is the best combination of performance (300 HP), and whisper quiet comfort along with great deep snow handling that I have ever owned. It was 2/3 the price of the Toyota Land Cruiser or BMW X5 (only 5 passenger) and has superior performance. It is a mystery to me why Ford replaced it with a minivanny MKX. I guess I will be forced to buy German or Japanese next time.
Nice car, not without its little flaws.
Very comfortable inside, a joy to drive, handles so well, lots of power, 3rd row seat. Very poor gas mileage. More rear seat room needed. The only problems I've had since ownership are a piece of plastic near the side back window that became partially unglued and flapped as I drove, and the steering has a squeaky feel to it when parking/driving slow in parking lots. One other thing is that in hot weather, the car often refuses to lock itself and behaves as if a door is open when it is not. I also frequently have to slam the rear gate or the vehicle light will stay on and I get a "liftgate open" message.
A few questions, but love it....
I got this after having a Blazer and I love it to death... It is gorgeous. It had a lot of miles when I bought it and has never been back for service. I have had some problems w/ the car saying that door is ajar and then the light stays on. Causing the battery to go dead Also the hub caps are peeling apart. Can't find replacements anywhere.
My first Lincoln, great SUV love it
I bought this Aviator for my birthday and drove it from Philidelphia to Atlanta it drove like a dreams and continues to. Only thing that needs improving is the gas mileage. A fun hot ride.
Can't go wrong with this suv
I have never been more satisfied with the amount of money I paid for such luxury! I have had zero issues with this car and going on 48,000 miles.
Great Performer
It is a solid performing car; interior is top-notch. Negatives: the tilt steering mechanism is a step backwards - awkward and it can interfere exiting the vehicle. Rear view mirror is rather cheap considering the price of the vehicle. Lincoln should also have included the automatic emergency brake release that is in the Navigators, tough to bend when you get older and a little heavier! I chose the Kitty Hawk because only way to get black leather seats but the chrome wheels are a must. Tires should have remained OWL instead of solid black. The ride is great. Lincoln should also have designed with dual exhausts!!!
Capable handling and good looks
After test driving most of the domestic and foreign built SUV's in this price range, I bought the Aviator. Great handling, smooth engine drivetrain combo, suspension is superior to every other SUV I drove, great looks.
Beautiful Luxury
We have loved our Lincoln Aviator. It has provided us with years of exquisite service. Luxurious ride and comfort, rarely needing any repair. Convenient for trekking the family, guests, on a short or long excursion or picking up groceries or an over-sized item for the house or yard.
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the perfect luxury truck
out of all the midsize luxury suv's ive seen or drove..this one is uncomparable it has a unique interior design with great furnishings drives like a dream,has lots of power and looks great,it also turns heads some ppl think the navigator shrank until they see the name..it's all u get in a navigator just a smaller more agile package
03 Lincoln Aviator
We’ve had our Aviator for 19 years and it’s been a very good vehicle. Haven’t had any major issues with it. Just the routine stuff like brakes, a/c line, plugs, oil changes. And it’s still running very good with no problems. Only has 152,000 miles.
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We just bought a Lincoln Aviator in Dec 2022 so fa
we have had to replace the power steering pump and it cost $800.00. they had to replace something else, but my husband said it snapped when he was pulling his friend out of a snow drift.
It is still an amazing SUV after 18 years
Almost 200,000 miles and absolutely no major issues. I have only replaced the thermostat and normal maintenance items in all this time. I am the original owner
Step aside General Motors...
With 302 HP standard, the Aviator has an exhilarating power, confident looks, and exceptional performance.
GREAT VEHICLE!
The aviator is the best handling amercian vehicle I have ever driven. If you want power, those 302 horses will give it to you. It's not as noisy as other SUVs. Just drive one and you're hooked.
Impressice!
We literally looked at and test drove all the SUVs in this luxury mid-size catagory, including the new Lexus GX470 and we feel the Aviator beat the competition. We're extremely impressed with the Aviator's performance, styling and even pricing.
Aviator flies high
After a couple of maiden voyage adjustments this car has performed at 100%. I get compliments from my generation (the 50+) club as well as from the younger crowd.
Aviator
Lincoln's got it right, better than BMW, MBZ and lexus amazing performance
what a great truck for your money
its so nice
the aviator
the aviator is a great car! i get pretty good gass milage with it and it is extreamly comfortable to ride in! i take it to my realitives house quite frequently who lives 2 states away from me! i love the lincoln aviator!