Lincoln Aviator

ext25

I noticed in the brochure that Lincoln offers a remote start feature on a keyfob as a dealer installed accessory. Has anyone installed this feature, any idea on price?

ext25

Ok, last post...for now. The 04 brochure has lots of pictures of the DVD-based Navigation system. It looks pretty nice.

My question is, the brochure says the system is Voice Activated, has a touch screen, and that it understands 174 voice commands and talks back to guide you. Is this different than the '03 system? Did the '03 system take verbal comands from the driver? And just what are these 174 commands that it recognizes?

mlwlk

Thanks to everyone who is generously sharing information about this rear axle whine issue. I took my new 2003 Aviator in for it's 5,000 mile servicing and asked the dealer to look into the rear end noise, supplying him with background information I learned from this site. Below, I have pasted in exactly what was printed out for me on my work order from Lincoln's OASIS data base:

"SPECIAL SERVICE MESSAGE #17054:
2002-2004 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEER/AVIATOR - REAR AXLE WHINE. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AXLE WHINE AT CRUISE OR DURING ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION. TO SERVICE, PERFORM NORMAL DIAGNOSTICS. IF A SPECIFIC ROOT CAUSE IS NOT IDENTIFIED, BE AWARE THAT ENGINEERING IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING VIA THE QUICKER SERVICE FIX {QSF} PROCESS. A SERVICE PROCEDURE WILL BE PUBLISHED AS SOON AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE. PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUBMIT CONCERN REPORTS {EDSR} FOR ANY VEHICLE WHICH EXHIBITS THIS CONDITION. MONITOR OASIS FOR UPDATES. THERE ARE NO TSBS FOR SYMPTOM ENTERED."

I SINCERELY HOPE THAT THIS FRESH INFORMATION HELPS EVERYONE MAKE A LITTLE PROGRESS IN GETTING THIS REAR END WHINE ISSUE RESOLVED. AS ALWAYS, PLEASE CONTINUE TO SHARE ANY AND ALL NEW INFORMATION ABOUT OUR DILEMMA AS YOU RECEIVE IT. THANKS, MLWLK.

georgefarmer

To those who may htink this noise is just normal or smoething only some would hear, its very loud especiallt in the rear seat. I have 1/3 hearing loss and I can still hear it well. The first time we had a repair the mechanice only rode a mile and said oh yeah that the differential because its goes w away when you take your foot off the gas. They repalced that and now its back. We have noticed it's worse on a hill and does stop when you let off the gas. seems to come in at about 35 -40, get worse up to 60-65 then goes away at 70 or more., usually.

akirby

I have the whine on mine but I only hear it between 55-60. I can live with it til they get it fixed.

Mine was built in July (2003 model - Job 2) and yes, it has voice commands. I believe the earlier versions may not have the extended set of voice commands - at least that was the case with the 2003 LS. Not clear whether it can be upgraded with just a new DVD.

lee1000

Mine is more than a whine. It is a low pitched roar that is accompanied by vibration. It feels like an "old-time" 4 wheel drive that has not been disengaged. It begins at about 55 and gets consistantly worse up to about 70 then levels out, but doesn't go away. Initially I just had the vibration, but now I have both.

ANT14

September Sales for the Aviator were 3260 units, 61 units more than the Navigator (maybe the media will doom the Navi because of it's sales aren't good enough for them).

For those just joining us....

I'm posting this is reference because of the incorrect speculation of the media about the Aviator demise and "slow sales"... Actually this puts the vehicle on pace to sell 25K units as planned.

brian1000

I have talked to several people regarding the lack of controls for the DVD system in my Aiator Kitty Hawk edition. I'm told by some that it was a misprint in the manual which shows "Chapter, FF, etc." controls for the DVD through the Nav screen. Lincoln customer service told me that they had no info that led them to believe there was misprint. On another note, does anyone know if the new bluetooth wireless feature can be retrofitted to the 2003 Aviator which has the late model year DVD Nav/voice command system.

hapstar1

Are the cars exhibiting this whine both 2 and 4WD? Just curious...

mp19fan

I found an '03 AWD locally, and the internet/fleet manager is offering $100 over invoice, which comes out to $45,200. It's a silver/med. ash, AWD, NAV, upgraded audio, heated/cooled seats, tow package. She says current specials are $4k back or $2k back plus 0%. Is this a good deal, or should it be better? I've heard many on this board getting Aviators for $34-36k. Thanks for any help and ammo for when I meet her in person to check out the vehicle.

explorerx4

have an '02 explorer v8 awd/4wd. have the whine(throttle on, reminds me of noisy fuel pump), and the vibration which seems to be more noticeable as the temp drops into the 60's(65-70 mph). will happily drive most of the time with no vibes, especially during the summer. i only seem to notice the whine for a while.
have goodyear tires, dealer said mich's would fix most of the vibes.
mlwlk and lee1000, thanks for the info and good descriptions.
btw local dealer offering new '03s, list 42xxx for 299xx.

ext25

Akirby, what are some of the commands that the Nav system recognizes?

ext25

As you noted, the Aviator outsold the Navigator in Septembner, even with the Navigator having sales that were up 11.7%.

The Aviator also outsold the Volvo XC90, 3260 vs. 3082. At this rate the Aviator is currently selling at a 39,120 a year rate.

akirby

mp19fan - that's exactly like mine except mine is 2wd. I got it for $44,070 minus $5K rebate. The rebate varies by zip code so it may only be $4K. $100 over invoice is a good price - you might do better if it's been on the lot for awhile.

whine - mine's 2wd/3.55 regular axle. It only makes a high pitched whine between 55-60 - no vibration.

Voice commands - cd, am, fm1, fm2, map, radio, destination, track up, track down, seek up, seek down, disc up, disc down

hospitals, restaurants, gas, ATM, police station, hotel, rest area, home, bank, casino, I'm Hungry

The list goes on and on.

lee1000

My vehicle is an AWD. Like "exlorerx4", mine was much worse with lower temps, although now it is all of the time when one drives above 55 mph. I really hope that Ford will look carefully at this problem, more importantly, to fix it.

mlwlk

Here's a paragraph from the Lemon Law in my state. You can find out about your state's Lemon Law easily enough by using your ISP search engine.

"(c) If the manufacturer, converter, or distributor is unable to conform the motor vehicle to an applicable express warranty by repairing or correcting any defect or condition which creates a serious safety hazard or substantially impairs the use or market value of the motor vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer, converter, or distributor shall (1) replace the motor vehicle with a comparable motor vehicle; or (2) accept return of the vehicle from the owner and refund to the owner the full purchase price less a reasonable allowance for the owner's use of the vehicle and any other allowances or refunds payable to the owner."

I hope Ford comes up with a "fix" for the Aviator's Rear Axle Whine very shortly and nobody has to invoke their state's Lemon Law, but the advice I'm receiving clearly points to that as a viable option in this situation.

Good luck to all you Aviator owners! Ps. Other than the Whine, I really love everything about my Aviator. I think it's a great SUV!

ext25

Akirby,

Regarding the voice activation feature, do you press a button first to make the system listen to your commands? If so where is that button located?, and how well does the system work?

ext25

I noticed in the 2004 brochure that one of the radios pictured has a button for satellite radio. It looks almostthe same as the regular radio but a couple of the buttons are different. Has anyone researched this option, I guess it is dealer installed.

mp19fan

Thanks for the reply, akirby.
Is the NAV option available only on the Premium edition, or can it be had on the Lux edition? I'm trying to figure out exactly what price I should offer/stick to. Does an invoice price of $45.1k sound like Prem. or Lux? Thanks.

nvbanker

I really love the Aviator, but am quite distressed by this howling, whine, vibration stuff that nobody seems to be able to fix. My friend has one with the wierd intermittant howling coming from the back. It really bites the joy out of enjoying your $50,000 car. Ford needs to get all over this fast, or the car will die a rather ignominious death. And that would be a real shame. It's an amazing vehicle otherwise.

mp19fan

Thanks for the reply, akirby.
Is the NAV option available only on the Premium edition, or can it be had on the Lux edition? I'm trying to figure out exactly what price I should offer/stick to. Does an invoice price of $45.1k sound like Prem. or Lux? Thanks.

ext25

On the 2004 Aviator the Nav is only available on the Ultimate model, not the Luxury model.

On the 2003, according to the brochure, it looks like a stand alone option. However I can't imagine a dealer ordering such an expensive option on the 'base' version, but it looks like it is possible.

georgefarmer

Ours is back in shop for second new diferential. Shop thinks its defective parts. The head mechanic cound not believe how loud it was. Be hard to stand it in the rear third seat. Did give us a 2004 Lincoln Town car to drive. So hope this fix works. Our lemon law allows 30 days in shop or 3 attempts.

akirby

Yes. It's on the steering wheel and it works just fine. Amazingly well in fact.

akirby

Click on the "New Cars" link at the top of this page to get invoice and MSRP pricing. (click on the 2003 model when you get to the model selection screen). Also if you go to www.lincolnvehicles.com you can actually find that vehicle in the dealer's inventory and look at the actual window sticker.

ghengisc

ext25,

I have the list of voice commands that the aviator will recognize. Just give me your e-mail address and I'll e-mail them to you. It's about 178 commands and they all work. Navtech said that they are adding more voice commands each year so the list will be continually updated.

saharagal

For an X-plan customer, do you think $100 over invoice, $2000 cash back, and 0% for 72 months sounds about right?

akirby

Yep. The x-plan price is on the invoice and they have to show it to you if you ask. Also make sure they don't add any documentation or other dealer fees - they're not allowed.

ext25

"Aviator Won't Be Dropped"
 
Bob Golfen
The Arizona Republic
Oct. 11, 2003 12:00 AM

"Despite reports to the contrary, there are no plans to ax Lincoln Aviator after the 2005 model year, according to Ford Motor Co., although the sport utility vehicle could undergo some changes.

Sales for Aviator have been growing month to month and the midsize SUV is on track to meet projections, said Sara Tatchio, a Lincoln-Mercury spokeswoman."

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/wheels/articles/1011whee- ls11aviator.html

ANT14

I've been mentioning this for months, NOW is when the media wakes up and realizes it? Ahhh !

nvbanker

Finally, vindication, eh, ANT?

ANT14

Absolutely Yes ! :-)

jmez44

Hello all. I have about 1500 miles on my new '03 Aviator (black with grey interior). Unlike a few on this board, I don't have any hum of any kind while riding. The dealer had the navigation disc on backorder, so I just got that this week. It was worth the wait. The navigation works well, and so does the voice commands. Although its easier just to tap the screen, rather then hit the voice button and speak. My truck came with the auto dimming mirror, so I don't understand some posts here that say they couldn't get it on their 2003 model. If anyone has any questions they want to ask about my experience with the new Aviator, feel free. Everyone who has seen this truck always says they are very impressed with it. Makes me feel good .

Oh yeah...mine is fully loaded (nav, dvd, chrome, tire monitor, etc...) It had 925 miles on it used for a USGA Golf Tour promotion in which a professional golfer was given the truck to drive for a week. So i got this one deeply discounted. I think it was somethng like $7500 off the bat, plus other rebates. I did put 2k out of pocket including gap insurance. All I cared about was that I pay $497 a month for 36 months on an RCO purchase.

akirby

I believe the mirror only came with the Navigation system. On my sticker it actually calls it the Navigation mirror.

raul69

Both crossbars on my Aviator's luggage rack are stuck and won't allow me to slide and move them in any direction on the rail. They get stuck on what looks like a metal nipple enbedded in the rail as if it was not made to go beyond this set point on the rack. This is odd since these crossbars should be able to be moved to a desired position along the rack's rail to accomodate your loads. Anyone encounter this problem and have a solution? Is this a defect? I need to place a cargo box on my roof but I won't be able to with this problem.

akirby

Did you release them per the instructions in the owner's manual? If so and they still won't move then you need to take it back to the dealer.

raul69

Both crossbars on my Aviator's luggage rack are stuck and won't allow me to slide and move them in any direction on the rail. They get stuck on what looks like a metal nipple enbedded in the rail as if it was not made to go beyond this set point on the rack. This is odd since these crossbars should be able to be moved to a desired position along the rack's rail to accomodate your loads. Anyone encounter this problem and have a solution? Is this a defect? I need to place a cargo box on my roof but I won't be able to with this problem.

akirby

Did you release the thumbscrews like I suggested? Each crossbar has a thumbscrew on each side that locks it into place. You have to loosen these to get the crossbar to move. Also I haven't checked but sometimes only one of the crossbars can be adjusted. Did you check both of them?

raul69

I have already read through the manual and did again last night and followed the instruction to the letter. The rear cross bar can be moved forward and backwards but the front crossbar will not move past a designated point forward (problem) but can be moved back. This does not help. This designated point on the rail has a metal rivet in it that prevents the crossbar's sliding mechanism from moving past this point as it acts as a stopper. This would be fine if it was located towards the front but it is located on the rail on both ends of the crossbar midway above the rear window. Hopefully this is something the dealership can take care of while I wait and I urge everyone who owns or is getting ready to buy an Aviator to watch out for this issue before taking off the lot or going on your next family vacation.

akirby

Ok, so tell us exactly what you're trying to do that you can't? How far apart do you need the crossbars to be? I'll check mine when I get home.

raul69

The bag I am trying to place on the roof needs at least 41 inches of clearance between the crossbars. currently I only have about 27 inches or less. The crossbar can not be adjusted beyond this point because of this metal rivet on the rail. Thank you again for you help Akirby. This might be an isolated issue but should be checked by everyone if you plan to use your rack.

akirby

Ok, now I understand. Next time say "I can't move them far enough". You said you couldn't move them at all which is a totally different problem. Have you tried turning the bad sideways or tying into the side rails instead of the crossbars? Worst case just get some nylon rope, run two lengths around the bag and crossbars front to back, then run two more from side to side. Not elegant but it will work.

raul69

I appreciate the help on this. I was considering doing this but the bag is also 31 inches wide too. This is too wide to fit in this area as well. I will be doing without them for a trip this weekend but will take my Aviator in to the dealership to have this rivet removed when I get back. I called Lincolns customer support # and they have documented the problem. Did you check to see if you had this metal rivet on your rail. Please let me know.

saharagal

I've been reading posts here for a while now. I finally went ahead and bought the 2003 Aviator. Just couldn't resist that 0% financing any longer! I bought the Ceramic White Premium with Light Parchment interior. My husband and kids love it! I keep torturing myself over the fact that I didn't get a sunroof, though. I told myself I didn't need it, now I'm kinda regretting it. Oh well! I'm really enjoying it, aside from that minor detail. I think I'll get over the sunroof stuff pretty quick. It's such a nice vehicle.

So far, no strange sounds. I sure hope I don't get any!

Laura

mlwlk

It was real nice of you to help a fellow Aviator owner through a problematic issue. You deserve a big "THANK YOU" from all of us Aviator folks out here on America's highways! This is really a cool site. THANK YOU!

nvbanker

and, akirby is always a gentleman and a scholar!

akirby

Gee, thanks guys! I wouldn't go that far but I do try to help wherever I can and wherever the hosts will let me.

I test drove the Aviator pre production at a focus group outside of Atlanta at Chateau Elan. They paid me $125 to drive it back to back with a MDX and X5 and answer questions. Tough job but somebody had to do it. I liked it and said if I was buying a SUV this would probably be it, but I really didn't expect to be in the market and I didn't expect the wife to like it so much. In fact I reminded her of her first comment when I showed her a picture of the interior when it first came out. I think it was "You think this looks good?". Anyway, X-plan and $5K in rebates later and we own one. So far it's been great. Only complaint is the dangling keys hit my knee but I can live with that since I don't drive it every day.

320cobra

My wife is looking for a new vehicle to replace her '01 Infiniti I30t and wants a vehicle where she can sit higher and see more of the road. So yesterday we test drove a 4Runner(limited V8), Infiniti FX45, VW Touareg (V8 and V6)and the Lincoln Aviator - yes, it was a busy day, but fun!. My wife is only 5'1" tall, so we are looking for something in the mid-sized SUV market that fits her size. The larger ones are just too big and bulky. Here's my opinion on each of these SUV's (both +'s and -'s).

4Runner: smooth and strong V8, quiet and a nice looking vehicle. Headroom was terrible, especially with the moon roof. Availability of product was horrible (Chicagoland market).

Infiniti FX: light and quick vehicle, handles superbly. Can't get used to the looks of the rear-end. Interior is just OK - too much plastic - no wood accents. All of the windows are small, including the side ones (door sills come up too high), making it hard to see around you. My wife has to move the seat up high and too close to the steering wheel to drive it - not safe, even though the sales guy did a nice pitch on the sensors that tell the air bags the sitting position of the driver. Tight back seat for adults, OK for kids.

Touareg: Beautiful interior, except for the area where the cup holders are. V6 makes a lot of noise under a heavy foot and goes nowhere. Smoother in the V8, but still didn't seem too quick. Wife liked the size and handling, but I think it looks like a Honda CRV from the front and sides. Heard that the Germans are having many electrical problems with this vehicle and the Porsche. Dealer actually admitted to this saying "the bugs are being worked out". Staying away from this one.

Aviator: We drove this vehicle last for a reason. I had previously driven this vehicle and loved it - wife had not. After she drove it, she basically said there is no decision for her to make - she absolutely loves this vehicle. Pedal adjusters are wonderfull for her and the inertior is stunning! IMO, hands down, this is the better vehicle in terms of value, looks, performance, safety and reliability. I have read almost this entire message board and there is one thing that I can't understand about this vehicle. Why hasn't this vehicle received the attention it deserves? Is it because people have not given it a chance, thinking that it is just a glorified Explorer or Mountaineer? Big mistake, IMO. I'm glad to read that Ford does not plan on discontinuing this vehicle and that sales numbers are starting to pick-up (maybe the word is starting to get out?). I can attribute the same example to when my brother bought a Lincoln Mark VII LSC in 1986 - the first year of the new Mark VII. Sales started out slow because people thought it was the same thing as a Cougar with a 5.0 engine. As it turned out, it was one of the best selling Mark's ever built ( we know what happened after it became a Mark VIII - no need to go there).

If we can find an '03 or '04 in vivid red with Nav, we plan to buy it (I will thouroughly test drive it to make sure there is nothing wrong with the rear-end diff). I will let you all know what happens.

PS - I own a 99 Cobra convertible that has performed flawlessly for 5 summers. I believe the engine in the AV is the same motor sans the headers on the exhaust, robbing about 15 horses and torque.

320cobra

Sorry I got a little long winded in my previous post, but I forgot to mention why we are not planning on test driving the following vehicles.

Acura MDX - minivan based, front wheel drive and front fascia is ugly.

BMW X5- Tailgate and sides of the vehicle are ugly. Design needs updating.

Lexus 330- Minivan based, front wheel drive and front fascia is ugly.

Caddy SRX - ugliest station wagon I have ever seen!

Caddy Escalade - although it is not much bigger in size compared to the AV(AV is actually wider, but lower and shorter in length), it looks bulky and the third row seat doesn't fold flat.

None of the above foreign made vehicles have pedal adjusters. Amazing that only the American products have this feature (Caddy, Ford, Jeep). This is about a $90 option and I can't figure out why the foreign manufacturer's haven't incorporated this feature yet.

As far as the Jeep Grand Cherokee - we did test drive awhile back and found the seats too soft and uncomfortable. Has good looks, but is currently being redesigned for 2005 - due out in Feb 2004.

This my opinion only! Knowing this is a Lincoln site, I don't think I have offended anyone. If I have, my apologies.

akirby

I checked my luggage rack and did not see any rivet like you mentioned. I do have the chrome rack and the crossbars are currently extended all the way to the front and rear with the distance from front edge to back edge being somewhere around 38" (didn't have a tape measure with me).