I am new to this forum (as of today) and am currently in the market for a new Aviator (Kitty Hawk Edition).
One of things that I was wondering is if Lincoln offers a turbocharged/supercharged special order option for this vehicle.
I know that Ford/Lincoln has several supercharged engine options on many of their other vehicles. Although the 302 HP engine in the base Aviator is robust enough as it is, I thought that a supercharged/turbocharged version would put this vehicle in a class with other quick SUVs (BMW 4.6, Infiniti FX45, etc.).
I am meeting with the dealer tomorrow to discuss specs and options.
Nothing available from the factory, but if you really wanted to do it I'm sure you could get an aftermarket supercharger for the 4.6L. All it takes is $$$$.
Well it's in a smaller town in Nebraska where the guy still actually comes out and gives you full sevice. Maybe I can get her to go elsewhere, but she's older and stuck in her ways for the most part.
Glad to see that Kitty Hawk is available in the US. At one time is was thought that it was only a Canadian option. I have seen nothing on the internet about that KH edition. Has anyone? My Kitty is scheduled to leave St Louis about March 5TH and I am anxciously awaiting it. Geniaho
I know that this must seem like a biased forum to ask this question in, but I have read several objective opinions here. I have narrowed down my choices to these two vehicles and the choices seem close--too close to call. Any suggestions on what may tip the scale in favor of the Aviator??
Aviator (premium package) Advantages over GX470: 1. Third row seats fold down (almost flat) instead of up along the sides wasting cargo space. 2. Rear hatch opens up instead of sideways. 3. Xenon lights standard 4. Rear parking assitance 5. Much more powerful engine and extremely smooth transmission. 6. Six-way power passenger seat--up + down. 7. Routine maintenance included in the price--a la Mercedes. 8. Front seats are heated AND cooled. 9. 3-zone climate control as opposed to 2-zone.
Disadvantages of Aviator: 1. No power seat-recliner in the front seats. 2. No power stearing-wheel adjustment. 3. Feels more 'crowded' in the front. 4. No 'Lexus Link' service--believe it or not I use the concierge features of the Mercedes Tele-Aid A LOT--extremely helpful. 5. No 'true' offroading capability, but I really don't need this. 6. Quality - Probably my biggest concern of the Lincoln. I never had either a Lexus or a Lincoln before--both my previous cars have been Mercedes--except for my very first car--a Toyota Corolla.
While I do love the Mercedes 'driving feel', I have gotten sick and tired of having to almost constantly take my car to the dealership to repair mostly minor annoyances. Everything I have read tells me that hopefully I won't have that problem with the Lexus GX. I am not sure about Lincoln.
The way I want the Aviator equipped (with DVD Navigation and AdvanceTrac) makes the price of the 2 cars just about the same--so price is not a big factor.
Nice job of listing the advantages of each. I don't own either of these models, and so hopefully I can be a little more objective than some others on either of the two boards. Without telling you which one to buy, and maybe to also complicate your decision-making process a bit more, I would also consider:
1. The dealer where you will having the vehicle serviced.
In most cases this would favor Lexus but not always - you might want to ask some current customers of each dealership to see how pleased they are with the customer service.
2. How long you plan to keep the vehicle and the depreciation factor.
Generally a Lexus will hold its value extremely well, but I don't know about the GX 470. Even if you don't plan to lease you could check the residuals for an indication.
3. If you do plan to keep it for an extended period, past the regular warranty, depreciation won't matter as much as the reliabilty factor.
Again, there is no better make than Lexus, but you could purchase an extended warranty on either.
4. Looks factor and sex appeal.
This is purely subjective, but which one will make you heart beat faster when you get in it each day? As you said the performance on the Aviator is better, and perhaps more fun to drive(?)
5. Interior comfort and liveability.
Do you like lots of wood or do you prefer the brushed aluminum look? Which one feels more at home for the type of driving you do?
Hope these ideas help you tilt the balance towards one of them - they are both good choices from all that I've read.
I just took delivery of my new Aviator last week! I got Ceramic white with parchment interior, premium 2wd. My previous car was a 2002 BMW 745i. I like the Aviator much more, also better than my MBZ S Class! The reason? The interior is more luxurious, the room is far better and practical, and the ride is almost as smooth! I took the new 7 series BMW to the mountains last year and we got stuck in the snow and could not put on chains due to the factory 19" wheels. That won't happen again! Anyway, My comment about the Aviator interior is that ours came with a significant amount of aftermarket wood, which matches the factory wood exactley( I'm very picky and a car nut!) It makes the allready good looking interior fabulous, far better looking than the Lexus or any other SUV or car, save the RR and Bentley. Ask your dealer or search on line for kits, it is very worth it. I also think that the Lexus 470 SUV only has advatages for those who want an SUV for serious off road use.
I have owned my Aviator since the day after Thanksgiving which probably makes me one of the"grandads" of Aviator ownership. Mine did have an unusual problem the turned out to be the torque converter. My dealer was more than excellent in helping solve the problem and just taking care of me.
I can say this: Driving an Aviator is unlike any other SUV that I have ever driven, and that includes most, but not all of them. Its power and handling are head and shoulders above anything else; maybe with the exception of the BMW X5. When capacity, both towing and cargo, is considered, there is no comparison. Its fit and finish are excellent. By the way mine is Vivid Red and I just love it.
I've been on these boards about this before, and will disclaim right up front - I'm a Ford/Lincoln guy. I don't have the Aviator (yet), I have an 03 Navigator - my wife has an 02 Mountaineer. My best friend however, does have one, and while I'm not sure it's up to the "relentless" standards of Lexus, he's very happy with it. One glitch - an alternator that quit on the test drive - replaced on the spot by the dealer. No other problems have developed.
As big a fan as I am of Lincoln, which is mostly because I just like the design and performance, I have had mostly very very good ones, a couple that were not. They were Continentals. 90 & 92. My Town Cars have been perfect to very good, and my last Navigator was in the perfect category for 4+ years. Most Lincolns are built like a bank vault IMHO. Not sure about my new one yet.
Why don't I buy Lexus? Just don't love the "toyota" style of them as much. They don't rev my engine I guess. No question, they're awesome machines. Certainly, they're wonderful to drive, I have tested them. They just don't excite me. It's a subjective thing.
I too have had an Aviator since Thanksgiving. I just had it in for the 5000 mile service (free). No problems whatsoever. None!
There was an article in the January Motor Trend where they compared the Aviator, the Land Rover Discovery, and the GX470.
The result was they recommended them all, depending on taste and use. The Disco won for off-road, the Aviator won for on-road (acceleration, braking, slalom, and towing), and the GX470 was a happy medium.
The quote that stands out to me from the article (and it is true!) is:
"The Lincoln has the power and style Americans love, but what happens when you throw it into a curve? In a word: magic."
The wonderful Mustang Cobra motor, ZF servotronic II rack-and-pinion steering, transmission (even if it is French!), and fully independent rear suspension make this one amazing SUV.
The last four messages really enthused me about the Aviator. I spent endless hours checking out all the SUV's and only the Lincoln Aviator stole my heart. Mind you I have heard the Aviator called a SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle). I'm awaiting a post from someone who gets a Kitty Hawk, but then it may be me and I hope the Kitty has all kinds of welcome surprises. I note there are no pictures posted in any of the posts. Just how would I enclose a picture if I had one to post. I think there must be a gallery that we all could show of our Av's
Posting a pic is easy - all you need is a place to "host" it, since you can't just upload it to Edmunds. Instructions are in Town Hall Help linked on the left.
Please respect the owner's copyright wishes re stuff you wish to post.
Does the Aviator have these? I'm thinking no. I looked in the owner's manual and it said how to activate them (if equipped), but the instructions were vague I thought.
I went to the auto show this weekend and was disappointed to find that the third row of seats do not come out and when they fold, they do not even fold flat. I would have bought it if the seats came out. I also own a Lincoln LS that I love.
Actually, I'm thinking they all do, and it is a matter of activating them, or deactivating them. Now, why you would want them on is beyond me, but I think you can. My friend has an Expedition, and when he bought it, his were on, he was able to deactivate them through programming, I didn't ask how.
John - I just saw an Aviator commercial that advertised "standard fold flat 3rd row seating" - so it is possible. As sirknightd said you may have to remove the seat cushions. As a current previous generation Expedition owner I can tell you that taking the 3rd row seat out is a major PITA. If you're out somewhere and you want to pick up something but forgot to take the 3rd row seat out before you left home you're SOL. Even if it didn't fold completely flat I'd take it over the removable seat anyday.
AMEN, akirby....... ANY result from the folding vs. removable seats is an vast improvement....but we have a Mountaineer, and while the seats have a slight incline when folded down, it is essentially flat. A lot flatter than the Tahoe I used to have, which had a 4 inch bump between the seats.....
After driving both I had to go with the Lexus. There is really no comparison on the road. I prefer the third row seat on the Aviator but the Lexus is a much more luxurious car. The exterior styling is really just a matter of personal taste. Both are very nice. It was interesting to hear 60 minutes report this week about Ford making HUGE profit margins on the beefed up explorers and Aviators. I believe the Aviator lacks the value that can be found on the Lexus for a similar price.
You think Lexus doesn't make similar profits on their SUVs? They ALL do. And they all share platforms with less expensive models - even Lexus. If you prefer the interior styling that's fine - that's personal preference.
EXACTLY RIGHT, akirby, like the Lexus is an original platform? The Aviator has features none of the others in the class have, and of course, 60 minutes would beat up a Domestic car company for the obscene profits it makes, never Toyota or Honda. They can make as much money selling cars in America as they want to, and send the money back to Japan, but heaven forbid if our own make a buck or two designing a car people love. If it's a hit and people buy it, making Ford some money, that's immoral! 60 Minutes would like to see Ford busted and out of business I guess, and then blame them for the unemployment of 100,000 people. Perhaps that would make them happy.
Has anyone purchased an Aviator within a $1000 from invoice. For discussion have the current gas prices had an effect on the price of this fine SUV with dealerships?
I do not deny that Lexus makes heavy profits too on their suv's. It is estimated by some auto magazines that the Aviator may be one of the most profitable cars in the world. It is believed that Ford makes 20K or more on each one.
Have any of you driven the Lexus GX? The lack of road noise and the quality of the navigation system alone put it in a class of its own. While anyone can prefer the style of one of these cars over the other as a matter of personal preference-- the quality of the Lexus is far superior.
Fortuanately there is a way to determine the best car. They are approximately the same price. Lets look at the selling price of a used similar mileage one in a year. There is no doubt which will depreciate the most and the fastest-- the Aviator.
By the way-- I believe in the free market. There are many US cars that I love. In fact I have an American car too. You can buy stock in Toyota almost as easily as you can buy stock in Ford. I own Ford stock and believe it is a great company and that they make a great product. I just prefer to drive the best car in a class. I also have young daughters and there seems to be little doubt that the safety features on the Lexus are matched only by those on the Volvo xc90. The Aviator is ok but is definitely a few steps behind.
Side air bags, daytime running lights, Standard vs. optional traction control and stability control
Also like full time four wheel drive, limited slip differential, descent control and self-leveling suspension. The Aviator does have the advantage in the operation of the third row seat-- but for me that was not a major priority
I'm as free market as they come, and I'm not offended by your comments either. I think this debate began (and should have ended) over your initial comments about the Aviator being a gussied up Explorer, while the Lexus is built on what platform? That's all. I'll bet you the Lexus is better built. I just don't think it's nice looking, and lacks the features I like. But I'll defend your right to own one to the death. I own NO Ford stock. Now, I invite you to go to the Nirvana boards (Toyota/Lexus) and leave akirby and I alone in our ignorance.
Do you think the Lexus buyer would be as impressed if the lexus label said chevy??? haha
I have never seen a bigger group of buyers interested in the nameplate than the Aviator shoppers we have been seeing....I have worked with alot of fancy brands over the years, Porsche, Audi, Lotus, BMW, etc...but the Aviator is attracting the most label consious buyers I have ever seen. It's really sad so many people are so concerned with impressing their neightbors and friends and not buying the vehicle that is the best for them.
You must be right, otherwise NOBODY would buy a BMW - the ultimate driving machine. Or a Volvo - Drive Safely. But then there's Marlboro, Coca-Cola and Rolex too.
Now, scoff if you want to, but the DNA Ford is trying to build into the Lincoln brand works for me. I like the exhaust note they've put into the LS, Navigator & Aviator. I like the identical interior and exterior design for the 2 -ators. Same with the 24 valve engines and the air conditioned seats. It gives you some value for the Lincoln brand that's above the Ford. You'll either like 'em, or you won't, and it's a gamble for Ford, but it seems to be working just fine so far, as acknowledged here. You are all on the board, aren't you? So there's some interest.
I'll be the next guy to defect if Cadillac or Lexus or anyone else gets my attention more. I'm not married to Ford, don't own their stock, and don't work for them. Just like their products more than most others. Whatever they're doing, works for me at this time. But, so does the Volvo S-80. Never liked a Volvo before, and in fact, hated them. My partner bought an S-80, and left it with me for 2 weeks while out of town. I really liked it, and would definitely consider one for my next Sedan. They've been doing the DNA thing for years. So has BMW and Mercedes. I don't think it's all that dumb....
I found the Aviator to not only be impressive but certainly a world class vehicle that stands tall agaisnt all competetors. This is something we have not always been able to say about some products. I always get exciting when a product exceeds my expectations by so much.
I just traded in my 2002 BMW 745i for the Lincoln Aviator! The BMW was problematic and way to over engineered. I have'nt owned a Lincoln since 1985, mostly MBZ, but when I decided to get an Luxury SUV and get rid of my new BMW with 5,000 miles on it, I thought the SUV I would be getting would be a Lexus, or MBZ, or BMW, or even the new Porsche SUV.I drove the MBZ, the BMW, and the Aviator back to back all within one hour and I was shocked at what I found. The ride was very noticably superior in the Aviator. The interior was certainly the most luxurious, and the features were exactly what I was looking for. I also like the smooth strong lines of the exterior.The Lexus GX was not very good looking on the outside and the interior is always taupe or charcoal and I don't like the looks of the several levers for shifting, reminds me of a 4x4 truck. Also the Toyota touches turn me off. Since Ford really founded the modern SUV, they got the first crack at the design and it was a winner, so everyone else tries to look different and none has come close except the BMW in my opinion, and some are just downright homely. ie: GM, Lexus GX, Infiniti, Acura, etc. I was also suprised at the quality in the new Aviator. It is a pleasant suprize that everything works and works without complexity. The reason that I have never had an SUV in the past was they were always trucky and I like comfortable luxury cars, now I have the luxury that I've always liked in My MBZ with the commanding seating postion and versatility of an SUV. PS for the above posts, a Lexus GX is a Toyota 4Runner with wood and better leather.
GX470 is significantly quieter due to thicker windshield and more soundproofing. Adaptive suspension. Better interior materials. Better stereo. Memory seats. Third row seating. ETc.
I've test driven two Aviators now and like them a lot. I have also driven the Volvo and the new Lexus. Right now I'm leaning toward the Volvo or Aviator. The Lincoln is much more stylish and seems to have a lot of the same, but not all of safety items as the Volvo, it has the rollover canopy, etc. Love the engine and transmission of the Lincoln too. It seems very refined. The Lincoln also has the laminated side glass standard, Volvo charges extra for that. Of course theres the interior, I don't think any would argue that its one of the best out there, finally something different for a change.
The GX was a disappointment, the 3rd row is almost impossible to get into and the way they fold against the wall is very awkward. I think Lincoln really out-engineered Lexus on this. Of the 3, only the Lexus doesn't have an independent rear suspension, which seems to be a safer design for emergency handling. I also thought the Lexus looked too tall and narrow, sort of tippy looking. I didn't care for the off road controls on the floor, looks a little down-market and too trucky.
I've owned mainly Toyotas in the past, but my Sienna has been a disappointment (should have gone with the Odyssey) and am disappointed with the GX.
Though I prefer and bought the Lexus GX, there is little doubt that the Aviator (and the Lexus) are superior to the M-Mercedes and the x5 BMW. I am waiting for the lease to expire on my x5. It is one of the worst cars I have ever owwned. I liked my Nissan Pathfinder more. My in-laws have the M class and have had many quality control issues. I was between the Lexus, Aviator and Volvo. I could not bring myself to get the Volvo as i think it lacks any sex appeal (looks much like my BMW x5). Went with the Lexus for interior appointments and that Lexus soft quiet ride. I also was troubled that the Aviator is really just a beefed up explorer. (The GX may also be a beefed-up Four runner but I think the four-runner is more car than a explorer.) Love my GX-- Aviator a second choice after the test drives.
They're both based on truck platforms. The Aviator/Explorer at least has independent rear suspension whereas the Toyota/Lexus has a solid axle. So if anything is "more car-like" than the other it would be the Aviator.
If you prefer the Lexus interior design or ride quality just say that - nobody can argue with personal preference. But when you try to state personal preferences as facts then you'll get disagreements every time.
Just wanted to let everyone know that the tire-pressure monitoring system is definitely in production now; I saw a couple of Aviators with this option on a dealer's lot yesterday. The six-spoke chrome wheels, which are required with the monitoring system, look OK to me; I like the machined wheels better, but that's just a personal preference thing.
Incidentally, the window sticker says that they're 5-spoke wheels--somebody can't count. I also noticed that the valve stem is a really hefty-looking metal number. Must be part of the monitoring system.
I did say that. This is a place for discussion not argument. I researched and drove many many suv's prior to buying my Lexus. The Aviator was a close second choice for me. I the the Aviator is an awesome vehicle. I do not appreciate your getting defensive that it was not my first choice. I stated no personal preference as a fact. It is a fact that the Lexus is quieter if that is what you were talking about. Which suv's have you test driven? I test drove the Land rover disovery, Volvo xc90, Aviator, Lexus rx, Lexus Gx, Mercedes M, Pathfinder and have a bmw x5. The GX and Aviators are my favorites. The Mercedes and BMW are my least favorite.
Would anyone care to discuss the lease prices being offered on a premium aviator with dvd entertainment?Please give specifics as to # of months,cash down -etc.By the way,could anyone tell me the residual after 36 months on this car?Thanks to all who respond. bapples@aol.com
Comments
I am new to this forum (as of today) and am currently in the market for a new Aviator (Kitty Hawk Edition).
One of things that I was wondering is if Lincoln offers a turbocharged/supercharged special order option for this vehicle.
I know that Ford/Lincoln has several supercharged engine options on many of their other vehicles. Although the 302 HP engine in the base Aviator is robust enough as it is, I thought that a supercharged/turbocharged version would put this vehicle in a class with other quick SUVs (BMW 4.6, Infiniti FX45, etc.).
I am meeting with the dealer tomorrow to discuss specs and options.
Has anybody even thought of/heard of doing this?
Thanks.
Aviator (premium package) Advantages over GX470:
1. Third row seats fold down (almost flat) instead of up along the sides wasting cargo space.
2. Rear hatch opens up instead of sideways.
3. Xenon lights standard
4. Rear parking assitance
5. Much more powerful engine and extremely smooth transmission.
6. Six-way power passenger seat--up + down.
7. Routine maintenance included in the price--a la Mercedes.
8. Front seats are heated AND cooled.
9. 3-zone climate control as opposed to 2-zone.
Disadvantages of Aviator:
1. No power seat-recliner in the front seats.
2. No power stearing-wheel adjustment.
3. Feels more 'crowded' in the front.
4. No 'Lexus Link' service--believe it or not I use the concierge features of the Mercedes Tele-Aid A LOT--extremely helpful.
5. No 'true' offroading capability, but I really don't need this.
6. Quality - Probably my biggest concern of the Lincoln. I never had either a Lexus or a Lincoln before--both my previous cars have been Mercedes--except for my very first car--a Toyota Corolla.
While I do love the Mercedes 'driving feel', I have gotten sick and tired of having to almost constantly take my car to the dealership to repair mostly minor annoyances. Everything I have read tells me that hopefully I won't have that problem with the Lexus GX. I am not sure about Lincoln.
The way I want the Aviator equipped (with DVD Navigation and AdvanceTrac) makes the price of the 2 cars just about the same--so price is not a big factor.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
BJ
1. The dealer where you will having the vehicle serviced.
In most cases this would favor Lexus but not always - you might want to ask some current customers of each dealership to see how pleased they are with the customer service.
2. How long you plan to keep the vehicle and the depreciation factor.
Generally a Lexus will hold its value extremely well, but I don't know about the GX 470. Even if you don't plan to lease you could check the residuals for an indication.
3. If you do plan to keep it for an extended period, past the regular warranty, depreciation won't matter as much as the reliabilty factor.
Again, there is no better make than Lexus, but you could purchase an extended warranty on either.
4. Looks factor and sex appeal.
This is purely subjective, but which one will make you heart beat faster when you get in it each day? As you said the performance on the Aviator is better, and perhaps more fun to drive(?)
5. Interior comfort and liveability.
Do you like lots of wood or do you prefer the brushed aluminum look? Which one feels more at home for the type of driving you do?
Hope these ideas help you tilt the balance towards one of them - they are both good choices from all that I've read.
I got Ceramic white with parchment interior, premium 2wd. My previous car was a 2002 BMW 745i.
I like the Aviator much more, also better than my MBZ S Class! The reason? The interior is more luxurious, the room is far better and practical, and the ride is almost as smooth! I took the new 7 series BMW to the mountains last year and we got stuck in the snow and could not put on chains due to the factory 19" wheels. That won't happen again!
Anyway, My comment about the Aviator interior is that ours came with a significant amount of aftermarket wood, which matches the factory wood exactley( I'm very picky and a car nut!) It makes the allready good looking interior fabulous, far better looking than the Lexus or any other SUV or car, save the RR and Bentley. Ask your dealer or search on line for kits, it is very worth it. I also think that the Lexus 470 SUV only has advatages for those who want an SUV for serious off road use.
I can say this:
Driving an Aviator is unlike any other SUV that I have ever driven, and that includes most, but not all of them. Its power and handling are head and shoulders above anything else; maybe with the exception of the BMW X5. When capacity, both towing and cargo, is considered, there is no comparison. Its fit and finish are excellent.
By the way mine is Vivid Red and I just love it.
As big a fan as I am of Lincoln, which is mostly because I just like the design and performance, I have had mostly very very good ones, a couple that were not. They were Continentals. 90 & 92. My Town Cars have been perfect to very good, and my last Navigator was in the perfect category for 4+ years. Most Lincolns are built like a bank vault IMHO. Not sure about my new one yet.
Why don't I buy Lexus? Just don't love the "toyota" style of them as much. They don't rev my engine I guess. No question, they're awesome machines. Certainly, they're wonderful to drive, I have tested them. They just don't excite me. It's a subjective thing.
There was an article in the January Motor Trend where they compared the Aviator, the Land Rover Discovery, and the GX470.
The result was they recommended them all, depending on taste and use. The Disco won for off-road, the Aviator won for on-road (acceleration, braking, slalom, and towing), and the GX470 was a happy medium.
The quote that stands out to me from the article (and it is true!) is:
"The Lincoln has the power and style Americans love, but what happens when you throw it into a curve? In a word: magic."
The wonderful Mustang Cobra motor, ZF servotronic II rack-and-pinion steering, transmission (even if it is French!), and fully independent rear suspension make this one amazing SUV.
I spent endless hours checking out all the SUV's and only the Lincoln Aviator stole my heart. Mind you I have heard the Aviator called a SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle).
I'm awaiting a post from someone who gets a Kitty Hawk, but then it may be me and I hope the Kitty has all kinds of welcome surprises.
I note there are no pictures posted in any of the posts. Just how would I enclose a picture if I had one to post.
I think there must be a gallery that we all could show of our Av's
Please respect the owner's copyright wishes re stuff you wish to post.
Steve, Host
I'm guessing it doesn't have them?
Also, I havent seen any SUVs this size that have a third row and hatchback situation that I like better than the Aviator
from invoice. For discussion have the current
gas prices had an effect on the price of this fine
SUV with dealerships?
Have any of you driven the Lexus GX? The lack of road noise and the quality of the navigation system alone put it in a class of its own. While anyone can prefer the style of one of these cars over the other as a matter of personal preference-- the quality of the Lexus is far superior.
Fortuanately there is a way to determine the best car. They are approximately the same price. Lets look at the selling price of a used similar mileage one in a year. There is no doubt which will depreciate the most and the fastest-- the Aviator.
Side air bags, daytime running lights,
Standard vs. optional traction control and stability control
Also like full time four wheel drive, limited slip differential, descent control and self-leveling suspension. The Aviator does have the advantage in the operation of the third row seat-- but for me that was not a major priority
2003 Lincoln Aviator vs. 2003 Acura MDX vs. 2003 Lexus GX470!
See you there :-)
Steve, Host
I have never seen a bigger group of buyers interested in the nameplate than the Aviator shoppers we have been seeing....I have worked with alot of fancy brands over the years, Porsche, Audi, Lotus, BMW, etc...but the Aviator is attracting the most label consious buyers I have ever seen. It's really sad so many people are so concerned with impressing their neightbors and friends and not buying the vehicle that is the best for them.
Now, scoff if you want to, but the DNA Ford is trying to build into the Lincoln brand works for me. I like the exhaust note they've put into the LS, Navigator & Aviator. I like the identical interior and exterior design for the 2 -ators. Same with the 24 valve engines and the air conditioned seats. It gives you some value for the Lincoln brand that's above the Ford. You'll either like 'em, or you won't, and it's a gamble for Ford, but it seems to be working just fine so far, as acknowledged here. You are all on the board, aren't you? So there's some interest.
I'll be the next guy to defect if Cadillac or Lexus or anyone else gets my attention more. I'm not married to Ford, don't own their stock, and don't work for them. Just like their products more than most others. Whatever they're doing, works for me at this time. But, so does the Volvo S-80. Never liked a Volvo before, and in fact, hated them. My partner bought an S-80, and left it with me for 2 weeks while out of town. I really liked it, and would definitely consider one for my next Sedan. They've been doing the DNA thing for years. So has BMW and Mercedes. I don't think it's all that dumb....
The BMW was problematic and way to over engineered. I have'nt owned a Lincoln since 1985, mostly MBZ, but when I decided to get an Luxury SUV and get rid of my new BMW with 5,000 miles on it, I thought the SUV I would be getting would be a Lexus, or MBZ, or BMW, or even the new Porsche SUV.I drove the MBZ, the BMW, and the Aviator back to back all within one hour and I was shocked at what I found. The ride was very noticably superior in the Aviator. The interior was certainly the most luxurious, and the features were exactly what I was looking for. I also like the smooth strong lines of the exterior.The Lexus GX was not very good looking on the outside and the interior is always taupe or charcoal and I don't like the looks of the several levers for shifting, reminds me of a 4x4 truck. Also the Toyota touches turn me off.
Since Ford really founded the modern SUV, they got the first crack at the design and it was a winner, so everyone else tries to look different and none has come close except the BMW in my opinion, and some are just downright homely. ie: GM, Lexus GX, Infiniti, Acura, etc. I was also suprised at the quality in the new Aviator. It is a pleasant suprize that everything works and works without complexity. The reason that I have never had an SUV in the past was they were always trucky and I like comfortable luxury cars, now I have the luxury that I've always liked in My MBZ with the commanding seating postion and versatility of an SUV. PS for the above posts, a Lexus GX is a Toyota 4Runner with wood and better leather.
The third row on the aviator is leagues ahead of the GX.
But most of all its the hatchback situation in the GX is what really turns me off.
The only plus i see on the GX is its low gear which is not available on the aviator.
The uphill/downhill jazz doesnt impress me
the active suspension scares me long term as far as break down and major cost.
The GX has some more wood...but not American walnut.
The GX was a disappointment, the 3rd row is almost impossible to get into and the way they fold against the wall is very awkward. I think Lincoln really out-engineered Lexus on this. Of the 3, only the Lexus doesn't have an independent rear suspension, which seems to be a safer design for emergency handling. I also thought the Lexus looked too tall and narrow, sort of tippy looking. I didn't care for the off road controls on the floor, looks a little down-market and too trucky.
I've owned mainly Toyotas in the past, but my Sienna has been a disappointment (should have gone with the Odyssey) and am disappointed with the GX.
Anyway sorry for rambling on.
If you prefer the Lexus interior design or ride quality just say that - nobody can argue with personal preference. But when you try to state personal preferences as facts then you'll get disagreements every time.
Incidentally, the window sticker says that they're 5-spoke wheels--somebody can't count. I also noticed that the valve stem is a really hefty-looking metal number. Must be part of the monitoring system.
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