LINCOLNNAVIGATOR.NET - 2007 lincoln navigator

Air might be free, but if packaged well and put in all the right places, it can fetch a premium. That's at least what the folks at Ford Motor Co. are hoping with their new 2003 Lincoln Aviator, and judging from the success we had using this mid-sized luxury SUV for a week, they may be on to something.

As a baby brother to the mammoth Lincoln Navigator (see CFI May 2003), the Aviator is an AWD SUV that comes in six (2-2-2) or seven (2-3-2) passenger versions. Like the Navigator, this baby is 100% Lincoln luxury, from the leather and wood wrapped steering wheel to the stunning centre console and heated/cooled milled pebble leather seats. The 302-hp Lincoln engine (300 lb.ft @ 3 250 rpm) and 5-speed auto transmission are smooth, and given the smaller package the ride is even more responsive than the Navigator, itself no slouch on the highway. It holds the road very well, even when pushed (for an SUV of course). In several late winter snow storms, it ploughed right through the ugliest passing lane slush, allowing the driver to arrive relaxed even after two hours of full-on winter driving.

Practically Perfect

CFI had its Aviator tester for March break, allowing a true road test in all kinds of conditions - long treks to the relatives through winter storms, short hauls fully loaded to the ski hills, running errands around town with all three kids in tow, trips to the rink with all the gear, and a few off-road jaunts to get to the better ski/hiking trails. And despite the incontestable luxury, this is where the Aviator really shines - as an extremely flexible people/cargo mover that can be bested in convenience and ease of use only by the ubiquitous mini-van.

The third row seat is a perfect example of Lincoln's careful design approach with the Aviator. Third row seats in mid-sized SUV's are a great idea, giving drivers some of the people-moving flexibility once reserved for mini-vans or super-sized SUV's. Yet they are often a series of compromises, offering restricted leg room, leaving little cargo space behind when in use, and making access difficult for all but the most lithe teenager. Though designed with children in mind, 3[Symbol Not Transcribed]-row seats often feature access mechanisms that few children can master.

In most of these areas, Aviator has raised the bar. It offers significantly more space than most - 6 inches more leg room and 3 inches more headroom than the segment leading Acura MDX, and 27% more than the full-sized Cadillac Escalade are the examples Ford gives. Getting in and out is a breeze thanks to a one-hand, shock-assisted release mechanism that instantly flips the 2[Symbol Not Transcribed] row seat up and right out of the way. My five-year old could work this one all by herself, and that's a first.

Such practical elegance, as the marketers call it, extends right through the vehicle. Storage capacity is very good, even with the seats up. Ours was the 7-passenger version, and the 40/20/40 split 2[Symbol Not Transcribed] row seat and the one-piece folding 3[Symbol Not Transcribed] row seat allow countless combinations to carry a family of five with a variety of cargo or awkward gear (i.e. skiis, hockey sticks, signs, golf clubs, fishing gear etc...). The 2[Symbol Not Transcribed] row centre console on the bucket seat version is fantastic for gathering all the kids' paraphernalia, or for a 2[Symbol Not Transcribed] row business centre, but even the bench seat version allows the centre 20% portion to fold flat for a decent console. Other storage touches include two door pouches on each side up front - a flip-out map-style rack that works very well and a smaller, sealed arm-rest compartment. The multi-purpose centre console/business centre up front flawlessly met our needs.

Practical design touches also include running boards that make access easy, but that are protected under the closed door during driving (these are not the power running boards of Navigator fame, but just as effective); exterior lighting that is very effective front and to the sides; intuitive steering wheel function controls; adjustable foot pedals; power door control button up on the door for easy access, rather than being jammed out of reach by the floorboards where you can't reach without opening the door; and a flip glass opening on the tailgate for throwing in a few quick items.

The Aviator does offer a few other surprises, like over 7 300 lb of towing capacity, which is very good for this segment and blows away the mid-sized Euro-luxury SUV's.

There are one or two hurdles for many wishing to use this as even a partial work truck. First, it has limited off-road prowess, which is not surprising given the target audience. Clearance is respectable at almost 9 inches with little to get hung up, but the AWD system has no low setting or locking differential, and the stock tires are mild mannered. Like most mid-sized SUV's, the Aviator has a modest tank for a limited range - 85 litres with the thirsty 302-hp V8. Still, anyone riding a Durango, Blazer, Explorer or Grand Cherokee into the bush now could do the same with this.

Second, it's priced like a Lincoln, with a sticker of $58 950. Add the moon roof and full-feature DVD entertainment system we had, and you're at $62 905. It could be a tough sell to the accountant when a loaded, leather bound Ford Explorer V8 can be had for just under $50 000 (but not with the 302-hp V8 exclusive Lincoln engine).

Yet at the end of the week, we never once said, "Now why would they do that," which is about the best tribute a fussy vehicle tester can muster. That oughta be worth something.

LINCOLNNAVIGATOR.NET - 2007 lincoln navigator

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