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Comments
gunz1 - it's not clear at all. Lincoln's website says it's optional but it's not an option on either the luxury or premium model. I THINK it's a standard feature on all Aviators now but at one time it may have been planned as an option. You may have to check with the dealer.
My dealer told me that his first Aviator was built last week, that it is in what he called "storage hold" while quality control issues are addressed... and that he expects it on his showroom in 4 weeks...
Steve
upcoming acura gx470?
Just read the Edmunds "Road Test" on the Aviator. You'll find it's link on the "Home" page above.
Not to be critical, but the review left a lot to be desired. (I am not saying that the Aviator left a lot to be desired.) I'm disappointed that the writer did not spend more time discussing the merits of the Aviator on the road. Guess it'll be up to members of this site to put some meat on the bones after we get into the driver's seat...as for me, I'm placing my '01 Navigator into the newspaper in 2 weeks since I have positive equity in the lease buyout...
Best regards to all,
Steve
Steve, Host
I really do enjoy the Town Hall comments. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new Aviator! Lincoln Division told me it would be on the showroom floor in December, 2002. I hope there is not any delay. I have a 2000 Lincoln LS which I really enjoy. I hope I will enjoy the Aviator as much as my Lincoln LS.
"More than simply a gussied up Explorer, the Aviator's structure, suspension and steering is significantly modified. The outcome is an SUV that is easier to place accurately in a corner than sloppy handling rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz M-class and the Acura MDX, both of which suffer from excessive body roll. "
http://www.detnews.com/2002/insiders/0210/16/-613990.htm
Just found this review...best that I've seen to date.
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/ly/03aviator.htm
Steve
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=5436&sid=181&n=157
"After driving the Aviator on Virginia back roads and through a “precision steering exercise” on a wet, foggy mountaintop, we can report that Aviator’s ride quality is hard to match among passenger cars, not to mention a body-on-frame SUV."
www.candiandriver.com/articles/ly/03aviator.htm
Rich
Thanks
I drove and rode in the several 2003 Volvo SUV's at the Chicago Motor Speedway about 10 days ago. They had a demo driver take 3-200+lb passengers on a 60 mph obstacle-in-the-road maneuver with a quick right turn then immediate left turn. UNBELIEVABLE! I thought we were going to flip onto our top, but no muss, no fuss. It is a gyroscope type of operation that immediately kicks in upon impending rollover.
I have Advance Trac on my 2001 Lincoln LS and would not buy a car without it. My 2003 Explorer w/Advance Trac arrived this week to replace my lease extension expired 1999 Explorer. I wanted an Aviator but could not wait for the availability of AdvanceTrac.
By all accounts, the Aviator is a terrific SUV. I envy those who will be the first to own.
"In fact, Aviator seems nicer to drive than the Mercedes-Benz M-class, BMW X5 and Acura MDX SUVs, all on hand here for comparison. Each of those fancy machines can come up with a dominant point, but none felt as good overall as Aviator did in the Shenandoah Mountains along the Virginia-West Virginia border, some of the sweetest countryside there is."
The biggest problem, from a marketing standpoint, is the lack of a strong lease program. This segment usually runs 60-70% lease. Many buyers in the class can not afford the buy the vehicle so they must lease...
October 28th Automotive News Truck Production Report indicates that 99 Aviators have been built YTD thru 10/26, but only 16 built last week. Boy, talk about a slow ramp-up! I guess there should be no quality-challenged Aviators delivered now.
I guess this means dealers should see them very soon.
http://www.auto.com/reviews/iwirk2_20021102.htm
The only one I could find on carconnection is from 10/26.
I've been waiting to find out when Advance Trak and the navigation system are going to be available and the review answered by questions.
"Besides Advance Trak, the navigation system from the Lincoln LS will be added as an option on Aviator, along with an optional tire-pressure monitoring system, in December."
Maybe they meant the '03 LS model or maybe they meant it would share the nav system of the Navigator truck which seems to make more sense as the interiors are similar.
Any ideas or seen any pics of interior with nav system?
-Andrew L