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Comments
It's funny reading the posts here about ignitions failing right out of the dealer, questions about what color fuzzy hair to put on the dashboard, etc.
I'm sorry folks, I didn't want to join the NBA or have the police think I was a crack dealer driving down the road.
Enjoy your $47,000 vehicles!
"The good: Incredibly smooth and quiet ride, very peppy around town, fantastic in slippery four wheel drive situations, best consumer navigation system on earth, excellent gas mileage for an 8 cyl. (18MPG around town), way better than an ML320 and more comfortable than an X5, great Lexus customer service.
The bad: Brakes on our tester were mushy, handling on the twisties is less than impressive, not enough seat adjustment capability (a problem with ALL Lexus cars and trucks we like a lower cushion that can be raised and angled more, for under thigh support), 4WD should be TOTALLY automatic with no shift levers, etc.
The ugly: Exterior design is as disappointing as the last generation Mitsubishi Montero, third seat is awful at best, is there really such thing as a $50,000 4runner? Because of low residuals, very little ability to get a discount and average money factors, this bad boy will cost you almost as much as a BMW 745 to lease.
Auto Spies Verdict: A very nice exercise in mediocrity.We wish it was the size of the Sequoia, with a more emotional design and had a real third row seat. If you want a Lexus SUV, step up to the LX470. It’s like comparing a Rolex to a Seiko. "
That statement alone makes me wonder about the knowledge of the reviewer!
I m not looking for a truckish interior..the aviator has been acknowledged for a beautiful interior but of course this is subjective
The transfer case lever is superior because:
1. It directly connects to the transmission. Therefore, there is no chance of failure. A dial can fail if the connection fails (electrical, water, etc.)
2. The lever has a NEUTRAL position, which is the safest when towing your truck.
2WD? I rememember reading you add limited slip differential if you add the trailer tow package with 2WD.
I would think with AWD you wouldnt need the limited slip..isnt the limited slip diffential part of the AWD?
thanks
Anyone know where to look for Aviator accessories? I'm thinking of things like: mud guards, all-weather floor mats, tow hooks for the front (can it use ones from an Explorer?), etc.
Thanks!
Rob
Rob
The only thing I noticed about it that I DIDN'T like was that the driver's seat seems too high or the seating area is too cramped. She has the moonroof so that may make a difference, but I'm only 5'11".
Rob
Noticed a gap along the floorboard and carpet by the passenger door (b/t the two passenger doors actually) was letting in quite a bit of road noise.
I went to the website and couldn't find any information on this and the dealers in my area don't seem to know anything either.
Can anyone out there help?!!!!
I know LM is offering 60 month 0% financing right now.
I had the pleasant opportunity to drive both the 2WD and AWD back to back last Saturday afternoon. I went in to look at the Mountaineer, but came away convinced that the Aviator is the way to go.
I have a few observances:
1. Both vehicles are very smooth and POWERFUL. You can really feel the 302 horsepower, and the wide powerband of torque. The engine begs to be driven, but since these cars had less than 30 miles each on them, I felt it was not fair to abuse them before someone else buys them.
2. The AWD, though powerful, just doesn't have the extra "oomph" in all ranges that the 2WD does. It is close, but understandably with the extra weight and complexity of the front axle, and the fact that 35% of the torque is transfered to the front, there is a difference. I live in Southern California, and since I neither ski, or go camping, the AWD would be a waste for me. It steers heavier as well in my opinion, and just feels "bigger". I think I would be happy with the 2WD.
3. I like my cars equipped nicely, and I find that the REALLY nice ones are always AWD's. I guess that is what sells, although most of us dont really use it that much. There is a tire monitoring system available as an option that uses a pressure transducer mounted on the valve stem inside each tire. I wonder how much these things cost if they are damaged by careless tire installers when tires are changed down the road. Seems like it would be useful item, but expensive once something goes wrong.
4. The 5 speed transmission is a bit different than other Ford transmissions of late. If 2nd or 3rd gear is selected at a traffic stoplight, or if the car is shifted manually, it stays in that gear regardless of speed. I selected "3" at a light, fully expecting the vehicle to go 1, 2, and finally holding at 3, but not so. Fords transmissions of late have a feature called "2nd gear start", which locks in second to make takeoff in snow or ice easier without wheelspin, but this takes it a step further.
5. I wonder if there is more of a difference in gas mileage between the 2WD and the AWD than the sticker says. I doubt that anyone will see 19 mpg on the 2WD in any instance. It would be interesting to find out the real difference in gas mileage between 2WD and AWD models.
6. I am in a quandry as to whether the Cadillac Escalade would be better on gas. I do know that the 2WD drive models of that vehicle is equipped with a smaller engine (5.3L vs 6.0L for AWD) that should get better mileage. The Cadillac can also use regular fuel (as the dealer said), but I know that the Lincoln prefers premium. I am not sure if it could get by with 89, but I assume that mileage and power would both suffer as a result of using lower octane fuel.
7. Both Lincoln and Cadillac take big hits for depreciation the first 2 years..( appreciably more than their Japanese and German rivals). Probably an excellent car to buy slightly used, but I think I would like a new one.
8. Quality control in the interior is not up to par with their overseas rivals. I saw leather stitching that was not quite right in a few areas on more than one vehicle.
9. The Lincoln really needs a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel. It seems as though it would be there naturally.
10. The power seats are fine in one respect, but not so good another. The seat backs tilt manually, vice electrically, which seems a bit out of place for a car of his caliber and class. It seems intentional..(so as not to be as good as the bigger Navigator).
11. The inside door release handles are too far down the door to be reached easily...especially in the dark. One should not have to "feel around" for them.
12. The Navigator is simply too big for my tastes, needs, wallet and garage. The Aviator may be just the ticket. I have heard that the 6.0L Escalade engine is quite thirsty, but don't know how bad.
These American vehicles have a different feel than the Japanese and German vehicles. Both are wonderful...just different. I have decided to buy American. Hopefully I will be able to make a decision soon.
GSEREP1
I am in every way happy with this choice and have no regrettes. The Kitty Hawk differences are mainly in the interior black leather seats, dash and wood trim and it looks positively plush.
I exchanged the black walls for raised whites which took away some of the wide board look and I am having a Graphic artist do up a pin stripe to break the sides up even more. It is not a complaint because the whole SUV looks just great as is but the differences just personalize it for me.
Gas mileage may be a choker but if you drive the AV. with a light foot and use the power when needed as it is intended, I am sure the difference will not be that big over what I had (ASTRO VAN). I am sure us SUVers will get a bit of a hassle from the environmentalists but so be it. It is an ELEV anyway.
Geniho.
enjoy your new ride!!
Rich
is IVD a new name instead of advance trac?
or is it a different system..containing for example rollover sensors?
thank you
Rich
I have been to the help section but my limited knowledge of the process gets me nowhere.
I note there is only one picture by dc661 at #423 of the nav system.
My picture is in (my documents my pictures kitty.jpg)Then do I enclose that in <>.
If anyone knows exactly please show a text line and we may have others do the same. Thanks.
I have had my Av now going on 2000 Ks with not a problem but the learning curve is something else but I will get used to it. geniaho
Your ISP may offer a free home page where you can upload photos for internet access or you can do an internet search for free or cheap photo hosting services.
Steve, Host
The Aviator comes standard with an all wheel drive system with a 35/65 torque split, however it seems that when you order Advance Track, you end up with a part time single speed transfer case that is a 0/100 torque split until the back wheels slip.
Is this true or am I confusing it with an older version of Advance Track on the Explorer?
Any links that explain this would be welcome.
Thanks
Advance track essentially compares the drivers intended course with the vehicle's actual course...It compensates for the differences
by combining ABS, traction control and yaw/stability systems...The advance trac automatically applies the brakes to individual wheels and controls engine power to reduce oversteer and understeer. A valuable feature on low-friction surfaces such as wet pavement, snow and gravel.
concerning the torque split. We looked in everything we have, including the shop manuals and nothing gives us the spilt breakdown. But I will continue to seek out the answer.
Aviator uses two all-wheel-drive systems, neither of which requires driver intervention. A permanently engaged all-wheel drive system that uses a viscous coupling to transfer torque fore and aft is fitted to vehicles without the optional AdvanceTrac interactive vehicle dynamics system. In normal driving, 35 percent of engine torque is directed to the front wheels and 65 percent to the rear.
Vehicles equipped with AdvanceTrac (late availability) use an electronically controlled single-speed torque on demand transfer case. On most surfaces, this system operates in rear-wheel drive, but if wheel slip occurs, a clutch pack can send up to 100 percent of torque to the front wheels. The system monitors front and rear driveshaft speeds and throttle position, and can anticipate rear wheel slippage and redirect torque before traction is lost.
All-wheel drive Aviators equipped with AdvanceTrac need only one wheel with traction to move because AdvanceTrac monitors wheel speed at each corner and uses the anti lock brakes and engine management to control wheelspin. This allows engine torque to be directed both fore and aft and side-to-side without heavy locking differentials.
I wonder, does this combo significantly improve Aviators' off-road or snow capability? From your description, it sounds like it to me. That was pretty much the only knock I've had with the Av.
Thanks
Enjoy.
http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosinsider/0305/25/c01-173587.htm
The vehicle has only been out a few months, it has had a slow start, specially being December/January is a slow month on sales for freshly introduced vehicles (most peoples credit cards are a bit drunk from the holidays).
The vehicle hasn't even had half a year, and already people are writting it's obituary without even decent time. JUST because it's a Ford product, they expect it to sell 100K+... REALITY, the vehicles sales target is 25K-30K units. If you do the math, it's ON track....
Another point... If the sales of the Aviator at @ 2400 for last month, is something to be worried about... Here are the list of the following vehicles who's sales were less....
April Numbers....
Lincoln Aviator 2,463
Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2,303
Volvo XC90 2,263
Infiniti FX45 2,111
Ford Excursion 2,022
Suzuki XL-7 2,012
Chrysler Pacifica 1,806
Mitsubishi Endeavor 1,794
Mitsubishi Montero Sport 1,414
Porsche Cayenne 1,353
Land Rover Discovery 1,341
Isuzu Rodeo 1,293
Cadillac Escalade ESV 1,231
Subaru Baja 965
Suzuki Grand Vitara 930
Kia Sportage 911
Land Rover Freelander 826
Oldsmobile Bravada 750
Land Rover Range Rover 749
Lexus LX 470 705
Infiniti QX4 659
Mitsubishi Montero 531
Toyota Land Cruiser 511
Isuzu Axiom 484
Suzuki Vitara 413
Isuzu Ascender 276
Isuzu Rodeo Sport 229
Isuzu Trooper 169
Mercedes-Benz G-Class 165
Hummer H1 77
I don't see any obituaries written for those other vehicles....
You know what dissapointing,... When you have a Suzuki Vitara that sells for around $20K and you can't push them off the lot, and your sales are 413 a month, now THAT's bad. I don't see headlines about the impending doom of that vehicle...
Considering the Aviator is an Explorer underneath, imagine the profit Ford makes off of it at it's price tag of $42-49K. At @ 2400, that's quite a bit...
Conclusion: The vehicle is off to a slow start, let's talk about this at the end of the year and see how it does on it's first year....