Yeah, I too love the memory profile on these cars. In fact, I wouldn't be happy without it now that I've had it. But I really hate it when the vehicle is powered down, or the battery goes dead. Takes forever to restore all the settings!
I have a 2002 EB Explorer which is, from what I understand, what the Aviator is built on. A friend of mine is about your size and with my sunroof, his head hits the roof in the passenger's side seat. He fit fine in my 2000 Pathfinder (also with sunroof) which is odd because supposedly it has less headroom. Do you find the fit different in the passenger's seat than in the driver's seat? I'm asking because I wonder if the passenger's seat has more range of movement with the power seats (both driver and passenger seats are powered).
I'm just wondering if I should start letting him drive so he'll be more comfortable )
I personally DO find the fit different in the passenger seat, but can't explain it for the life of me. The Pathfinder used to have less headroom by a lot, so it baffles me too. In fact, I can't fit a Pathfinder, but fit fine in my wife's Mountaineer. Anyway, I recline the seat when I sit there, seems to work.
I am really enjoying my aviator. I drove it down some older roads the other day and it seem that it wasn't very smooth but on nice roads it surely is wonderful. It seems to me that the navigator that I had was a bit smoother but the aviator is easier to drive and more power. I also am missing some storage room that the navigator had on the front dash. I am having fun with this aviator and enjoy driving this auto more than any other car that I have owned.
Negatives for Aviator were: - Pricing. The main reason it rated so poorly. They considered it way overpriced considering you don't get power seatback recliners, traction/stability control, and load leveling, standard items in other tested vehicles that cost up to $8K less - Tight, cacoonlike driving compartment - Cheap seat controls - Poor off-road capability
Is anybody getting the special financing of 1.9% for 3 years 2.9 for 4 years, 3,9 for 5 years 4.9 for 6 years along with a lincoln lease return of $2,000 rebate with the above financing. The Lincoln board says either the financing or a rebate. The dealership I went to gave me both. Is anybody else getting this deal. I am in Dallas, Texas. Please advise.
All of the reviews I have read so far have been very positive on the Aviator.
I'm sort of surprised at how fast it is too. Car and Driver say it was the fastest of the 8 luxury SUVs they tested. 0-60 in only 7.4 secs. Thats seems pretty impressive for a heavy vehicle like that.
It seems be be an extremely well handling vehicle too. All of the reviews I have read praise its steering and refined ride, smooth shifting transmission, and the powerful engine.
Reference head room, I didn't order the sunroof in order to maximize headroom. The headroom is OK without having to use a lot of recline of the seatback. I haven't noticed a lot of difference between driver and passenger headroom, but there is different feel between the two. As noted in a couple of the previous posts, the lack of a power seatback recline is a pain in the a-- as my wife and I like a drastically different driving position. Memory seat, except for the back. The logic escapes me. Regards, Jack
I saw that piece in C and D too. I did not want to bring it up since I am not buying one from that group anyway. My reaction, what were the writers smoking! The GX470 is OVER $50000, didn't see that dragging down its overall score.
Talking about lacking stuff in a luxury SUV, how about the bad 3rd row seat design in the GX470, difficult entry/exit, no cargo space when the seats are folded up against side wall. Or, the swing open rear gate, one can't even load stuff from curb side. Finally, the no power "all torque" engine, which is supposed to be towing happy, what's the max. capacity again? Oh yeah, five mighty thousand pounds.
Normally, speed and handling are all that matters to C&D writers. When a Ford vehicle excels in this area, all of a sudden, the standard changed. Sigh...
Thanks for the info guys! I guess I'll have to let him drive, or lie down in the back seat
This is the first car I've had with memory seats and being 5 feet tall, most everyone's bigger than I am. It's one of those things I didn't realize I needed until I had it! ))
So you guys think it's ok (and you're willing to plunk down your hard earned money) that the Aviator runs close to $50k with no power seatbacks or GPS, no load leveling or traction control, no auto mirror dimming, has a tight cockpit and lousy gas mileage? Is that just because it says "Lincoln" on it? I'm wondering if it were an Explorer with the same features (or lack thereof) priced that high, would you feel the same way?
I bought an Aviator over an Exporer Limited (or Expedition) because it does have options that justify the $9K difference in price. (By the way, I paid invoice on it - $43K w/ moonroof and DVD). It gets 1 mpg less than a V8 Explorer. These options include:
1. 302 hp engine (63 hp more than Explorer) 2. Heated & Cooled Seats 3. "Navigator" look and feel. 4. More refined suspension 5. 17" Wheels 6. 4/50,000 Warranty 7. Free Maintenance 8. Free Rental Car 9. Floor Shifter (rather than column) 10. HID Headlights
I really like the interior - it does not seem "chintzy" - the leather and wood is an upgrade from the Explorer. And it is the only mid-sized luxury SUV that can pull my 5500 lb. trailer comfortably!
This is a quick vehicle, that handles like a car, has the space of an SUV and can tow like a truck!
It competes with BMW X5, Mercedes M Class, Land Rover Discovery, Acura MDX, etc., and it better fits our needs than any of these other vehicles. These all get MPG in the same ballpark.
I don't need GPS or AdvanceTrak, so I didn't need to wait until March. The shortcomings are few and the advantages are great.
Well, if Lincoln wants the Aviator to compete in the upscale SUV against the likes of the "BMW X5, Mercedes M Class, Land Rover Discovery, Acura MDX, etc.", I think it needs to have its own distinctive look. There's no doubt that it is a good truck under the skin, but I can't abide the Pimp Daddy Bling Bling Navigator styling.
To each his own I guess. I like the Aviator/Navigator styling (without the bling bling add-ons). You think the new X3 won't look just like the X5, only smaller? If BMW had a 7-series based SUV it would look basically the same, only bigger. I don't see the difference. The way I look at it you have one Lincoln SUV that comes in two sizes. Just like buying a BMW 3 or 5 series - same look, same features, different size.
Well yes, BMWs have a strong family resemblance, but all BMWs also provide a sporty involving driving experience across the board(in varying degrees, to be sure). I don't think anyone describes the Navigator in those terms, it's an SUV Town Car. I think that's the nut Lincoln keeps trying to crack: How do you attract buyers who are cross-shopping Audis, BMWs, Lexi, and Mercedes without alienating the white belt/shoes plaid pants blue hairs who have been the bread and butter customers for decades. I'd suggest letting Mercury cater to the one-foot-in-the-grave clientele and let Lincoln sell the world class cars we know they are capable of producing. Or vice versa.......; the Mountaineer looks much more exciting and sporty, IMHO.
Sorry, but that's the problem Cadillac and Lincoln face. I simply don't think you can sell sporty sedans and geezemobiles off of the same showroom floor.
Obviously different market segments may not be particularly compatible on the same showroom floor - but we don't need the references to blue hair and white belts!
In the brochure it says latch system with tethers available in 2nd row outboard seats. Does this mean you cant put a carseat in the middle seat of a second row bench? Anybody know>
Also what do people think of the safety of this car? Compared to XC90?
has a car seat that lives in the second row middle. Personally, I think they're plenty safe. But if safety is why you buy, get the Volvo. Safety is their reason to live. You may not actually be safer, but you'll feel safer, and after all, isn't that what its really all about?
My husband and I currently own two Lexus'. I drive the RX300. We've shopped more for a replacement for the RX than for any other vehicle that I've ever purchased. We've looked at most of the SUV's on the market, including the new GX470, and we're buying an Aviator this week. I really love the car and what it offers for the price! I agree that the door handles in the front row could be placed higher and am a little worried about the slant of the cargo space once the 3rd row seats are turned down, but otherwise think it is a classy-looking, powerful, roomy car! Go Lincoln!
It's not made for full size adults or long trips. If you want that much room you have to biggie size it - Navigator/Expedition. The Acura MDX isn't any better and is much harder to get in and out of. Of course they're way better than the 3rd row seats in the X5 or ML500.
We currently own a Expedition and wanted something that is easier to handle when parking, so the Aviator seemed like a good choice except when it comes to turning radius? If the specs are right, then the Explorer (same WB) is 36.7', the new Expedition/Navigator is 38.7' and the Aviator is at 40.7'? Can someone explain why the Aviator has the largest turning radius even though it has the Explorer's wheelbase? I wondered about the new rack and pinion steering, but the Navigator has that also?
Ok, the answer is that they changed the knuckle geometry to improve the handling. Apparently the increased turning radius was a side effect. Also the Navigator doesn't use the ZF steering - it uses a Visteon unit. Not that it makes any difference to the turning radius.
Well, I love the handling of the Av, steering feel and all. But that's a nutty side effect. My Nav turns around so easy, it's one of my great brags on the car. What are the stats on the new Nav??? Anyone know.? I'm lazy and don't want to look them up.
First of all thanks to akirby for the excellent data on the Aviator suspension. I know it does handle much better than the Navigator and the 2 extra feet of radius may be a small price to pay for that kind of handling and the ZF steering.
According to the 2003 brochure, the new Navigator has a turning circle of 38.7 feet. I am not sure if this is the same as the 2002, but it matches the new Expedition
I am very serious about the Aviator having changed my thoughts from the Buick Rainier. At this point I am in a quandry about color. The two colors that I have not seen yet are the Metallic Vivid Red and Metallic Gold Ash. I would like it pinstriped and in post # 422 "pakagan" had the Av pinstriped which I would like to see as to where they put it and was it a factory or after dealer addition? If the pakagan group has a photo I would appreciate one sent to me. E-mail address is in the profile. Something I would have liked to see in an Aviator is the H.U.D.(Heads Up Display) as the Buick Rendezvous has. Seams appropriate and a very usefull item. I will wait for the Advance Trac feature as the British Columbia winter driving requires somthing like that.. I am surprised that some simple items such as the Electrochromatic inside and outside mirrors are lacking. The Nav. shows it having that and auto dimming (dims your headlights automatically I presume). The Aviator in the Build your Aviator" form shows day night mirrors and Auto dimming. Does that day night mean electrochromatic?. What are some of your thoughts on the LED speedometor console? I think it should have had the oil and gas guage incorporated in its group as well. Oh well More later and any coments will be appreciated and I thank you in advance.
Well, we went test driving various SUV's yesterday, and the Lincoln Aviator was on the list. I've been following this thread for a long time, and I must say that I was impressed with the Aviator and the Volvo XC90s. I drove a 4X2 Premium with Moonroof. When I told the salesman I was an "A-plan" buyer I was doubly surprised when he said that would be no problem. For me though, the deal breaker was that there was no information regarding the availability of AdvanceTrac. The sales manager tried to tell me it wouldn't be coming out until next year some time. Is this true? The Expedition has it, it's available on the 4.6 V-8 Explorer and the Volvo comes standard with their version of it.
Some other comments...The A/C seats are wonderful, especially here in South Florida! It feels as if you're leaning against a cool ice pack once it kicks in. Another observation was that the second row seats vary depending upon configuration. The three across seats were much more comfortable to sit in; more thigh support versus the seats available with the center console. Other customers taking delivery of another Aviator noticed this difference as well. My other complaint was that the seats didn't fold flat until the other customer showed me that you have to remove the bottom seat cushion of the third row seats in order for the load floor to be flat. Not too convenient whenever you have an impulse buy and you need a flat load surface.
If anyone has more info on the availability of the Advance Trac, please chime in! I really like this vehicle, and I don't want to wait forever for Volvo to start accepting A-plan deals.
I have been comparing the Lexus LX and GX and the Aviator. Drove the 2 Lexus's yesterday. The LX is too much money for me now and the GX is not all that comfortable. The seats are narrow and stiff. I don't want to pay $54,000 for a uncomfortable car. I have been putting off testing the Aviator because I was disappointed that the cargo area was not flat.
But now that kbaer mentioned removing the 3rd seat cushion, I will definitely take it for a test drive. I am excited to try it out after reading about how much people seem to enjoy driving it.
AdvanceTrac is now showing up as an available option in the "build your own" section of the official Lincoln website. It's only showing up on the two AWD models; doesn't appear in the option list for the 4x2 models. MSRP is $795, which is what it listed for on my '01 Lincoln LS. The fact that it's now shown on the Lincoln site (www.lincolnvehicles.com) is a good sign; I'd recommend checking with a knowledgable Lincoln salesperson. He or she should be able to check the order entry system & see if it can be entered as an official order.
The tire pressure monitor is also now listed as being available on the Lincoln site, but only on the two Premium models. MSRP is $295, but it requires the 17"x7.5" chrome wheels (MSRP $795) to be added.
In addition, a limited-slip differential is now shown as being available on both 4x2 models. I have a possible information source through a club I belong to (but am not allowed to mention here by name); I've asked the question. If I get an answer, I'll post it.
Note to geniaho: I've seen both Gold Ash and Vivid Red on the Aviator. Color choice & preference are, of course, very subjective, but I think both these colors look GREAT on the Aviator. The Gold Ash is a very light silvery-gold color that tends to take on a tint of its surroundings; if it's next to a green vehicle, it'll pick up a bit of a green hue. It's very nice. The Vivid Red is also very nice; it's quite bold, but not obnoxiously so--it's not a fire-engine red, but it's certainly brighter (and louder) than the Autumn Red that's available on the LS & TC. (I like Autumn Red very much, too, BTW.) Vivid Red is available on the Mountaineer, and Gold Ash is now available on the Sable and Grand Marquis, so you'll have a good chance of seeing these colors on something at your local Lincoln-Mercury store.
"Auto dimming" on the Navigator means the same thing as electrochromic; the rear-view mirror automatically dims when there's a car behind you. Auto-dimming headlights haven't been available on Lincolns for several years now. (I had them on a Mark 7, but I didn't care for them at all; never used 'em.) I haven't seen the "auto dimming" reference in relation to the Aviator; there's nothing in the brochure that I have.
I don't understand why lack of Advancetrac would prevent someone from buying an Aviator. Especially in Florida. I understand getting it if it's available. If you need extra traction in slippery conditions then get AWD. The only thing advancetrac will do is keep you from understeering or oversteering by applying brakes to one or more wheels and/or cutting engine power. So it can help you if you overdrive the vehicle. It's nice insurance but I don't think it's a necessity. I don't have it on my LS and I haven't missed it in over 3 years.
That said - it's your money. If you want it get it. But I wonder if folks think it does a lot more than it really does.
I keep reading posts about something called a ford/lincoln "A plan"
What is this?
I drive a Lexus RX300 and am considering switching to Lincoln. If Lincoln is going to sell their vehicles to others at a lower cost than to me, I'll probably go elsewhere.
It is a 4X4. I paid invoice less $1000 owner loyalty on a lease (we had a Mountaineer). I got it from the fleet department. Oftentimes, fleet departments will sell cars directly to the public (although I have a fleet #) at invoice, just for the asking.
Thanks for the post stating the advance trac has made it to the lincolnvehicles web site 'build your own' section. Chrome wheels are also listed there.
Anyone know what the chrome wheels option look like?
maybe the unpopular 2003 ls chrome wheels? the 2002ls chrome wheels? the 2003 navigator euroflare chrome wheels?
also i am glad to see that the dvd navigation is now mentioned as a feature
a dealer said that both navigation and advance trac will be arriving at the dealers in March although i have no other confirmation of this
Just wanted to chime in. I have been reading these posts for a few months and I just took delivery of my Aviator last week. I have the AWD Premium in the Aspen green and love that nice deep color. The third row fold flat issue that was mentioned in a previous post is correct. The cushion has to be removed. The only option was the DVD in the second row mainly for my two children on family trips. Let me tell you that it shows a great picture and if you funnel the sound through the audio instead of the headphones, it sounds really good. The only issue that I have, besides the gas mileage, is keeping the light parchment interior clean. It is much lighter than the brochure and the website portraits it. Any thoughts on keeping it clean.
Thanks to johnnylinc for the color info. I'm going into the dealer Tuesday Jan 28 (my birthday)to order the Aviator in Ash Gold Metallic with likely most of the options except the GPS. Not to sure about the moon roof . I will be ordering the chrome wheels with the pressure monitor but wonder if this is worth it since I want to put some real nice after market chrome wheels with raised whitewall tires at a later date. It shows it as an extra at about $800.00 which includes the monitoring package. Also what is the difference between a class #2 and class #3 towing package? Haven't seen the Gold Ash color yet but like the idea that it picks up surrounding hues. Almost like opalescent paint. Hopeing there is enough offset between the ash gold color and the chrome with a darker pinstripe.
Comments
I'm just wondering if I should start letting him drive so he'll be more comfortable
Thanks!
8. GMC Envoy
7. Land Rover Discovery
5. (Tie) Lincln Aviator/Volvo XC90
4. BMW X5
3. Acura MDX
2. Lexus GX470
1. VW Touareg
Negatives for Aviator were:
- Pricing. The main reason it rated so poorly. They considered it way overpriced considering you don't get power seatback recliners, traction/stability control, and load leveling, standard items in other tested vehicles that cost up to $8K less
- Tight, cacoonlike driving compartment
- Cheap seat controls
- Poor off-road capability
I'm sort of surprised at how fast it is too. Car and Driver say it was the fastest of the 8 luxury SUVs they tested. 0-60 in only 7.4 secs. Thats seems pretty impressive for a heavy vehicle like that.
It seems be be an extremely well handling vehicle too. All of the reviews I have read praise its steering and refined ride, smooth shifting transmission, and the powerful engine.
Regards,
Jack
Talking about lacking stuff in a luxury SUV, how about the bad 3rd row seat design in the GX470, difficult entry/exit, no cargo space when the seats are folded up against side wall. Or, the swing open rear gate, one can't even load stuff from curb side. Finally, the no power "all torque" engine, which is supposed to be towing happy, what's the max. capacity again? Oh yeah, five mighty thousand pounds.
Normally, speed and handling are all that matters to C&D writers. When a Ford vehicle excels in this area, all of a sudden, the standard changed. Sigh...
This is the first car I've had with memory seats and being 5 feet tall, most everyone's bigger than I am. It's one of those things I didn't realize I needed until I had it!
Thanks again!
I'm wondering if it were an Explorer with the same features (or lack thereof) priced that high, would you feel the same way?
1. 302 hp engine (63 hp more than Explorer)
2. Heated & Cooled Seats
3. "Navigator" look and feel.
4. More refined suspension
5. 17" Wheels
6. 4/50,000 Warranty
7. Free Maintenance
8. Free Rental Car
9. Floor Shifter (rather than column)
10. HID Headlights
I really like the interior - it does not seem "chintzy" - the leather and wood is an upgrade from the Explorer. And it is the only mid-sized luxury SUV that can pull my 5500 lb. trailer comfortably!
This is a quick vehicle, that handles like a car, has the space of an SUV and can tow like a truck!
It competes with BMW X5, Mercedes M Class, Land Rover Discovery, Acura MDX, etc., and it better fits our needs than any of these other vehicles. These all get MPG in the same ballpark.
I don't need GPS or AdvanceTrak, so I didn't need to wait until March. The shortcomings are few and the advantages are great.
tidester, host
tidester, host
Also what do people think of the safety of this car? Compared to XC90?
Karen
Thanks for any replies!
According to the 2003 brochure, the new Navigator has a turning circle of 38.7 feet. I am not sure if this is the same as the 2002, but it matches the new Expedition
At this point I am in a quandry about color. The two colors that I have not seen yet are the Metallic Vivid Red and Metallic Gold Ash.
I would like it pinstriped and in post # 422 "pakagan" had the Av pinstriped which I would like to see as to where they put it and was it a factory or after dealer addition? If the pakagan group has a photo I would appreciate one sent to me. E-mail address is in the profile.
Something I would have liked to see in an Aviator is the H.U.D.(Heads Up Display) as the Buick Rendezvous has. Seams appropriate and a very usefull item.
I will wait for the Advance Trac feature as the British Columbia winter driving requires somthing like that.. I am surprised that some simple items such as the Electrochromatic inside and outside mirrors are lacking. The Nav. shows it having that and auto dimming (dims your headlights automatically I presume). The Aviator in the Build your Aviator" form shows day night mirrors and Auto dimming. Does that day night mean electrochromatic?. What are some of your thoughts on the LED speedometor console? I think it should have had the oil and gas guage incorporated in its group as well. Oh well More later and any coments will be appreciated and I thank you in advance.
Some other comments...The A/C seats are wonderful, especially here in South Florida! It feels as if you're leaning against a cool ice pack once it kicks in. Another observation was that the second row seats vary depending upon configuration. The three across seats were much more comfortable to sit in; more thigh support versus the seats available with the center console. Other customers taking delivery of another Aviator noticed this difference as well. My other complaint was that the seats didn't fold flat until the other customer showed me that you have to remove the bottom seat cushion of the third row seats in order for the load floor to be flat. Not too convenient whenever you have an impulse buy and you need a flat load surface.
If anyone has more info on the availability of the Advance Trac, please chime in! I really like this vehicle, and I don't want to wait forever for Volvo to start accepting A-plan deals.
But now that kbaer mentioned removing the 3rd seat cushion, I will definitely take it for a test drive. I am excited to try it out after reading about how much people seem to enjoy driving it.
Thanks!
Ginny
The tire pressure monitor is also now listed as being available on the Lincoln site, but only on the two Premium models. MSRP is $295, but it requires the 17"x7.5" chrome wheels (MSRP $795) to be added.
In addition, a limited-slip differential is now shown as being available on both 4x2 models. I have a possible information source through a club I belong to (but am not allowed to mention here by name); I've asked the question. If I get an answer, I'll post it.
Note to geniaho: I've seen both Gold Ash and Vivid Red on the Aviator. Color choice & preference are, of course, very subjective, but I think both these colors look GREAT on the Aviator. The Gold Ash is a very light silvery-gold color that tends to take on a tint of its surroundings; if it's next to a green vehicle, it'll pick up a bit of a green hue. It's very nice. The Vivid Red is also very nice; it's quite bold, but not obnoxiously so--it's not a fire-engine red, but it's certainly brighter (and louder) than the Autumn Red that's available on the LS & TC. (I like Autumn Red very much, too, BTW.) Vivid Red is available on the Mountaineer, and Gold Ash is now available on the Sable and Grand Marquis, so you'll have a good chance of seeing these colors on something at your local Lincoln-Mercury store.
"Auto dimming" on the Navigator means the same thing as electrochromic; the rear-view mirror automatically dims when there's a car behind you. Auto-dimming headlights haven't been available on Lincolns for several years now. (I had them on a Mark 7, but I didn't care for them at all; never used 'em.) I haven't seen the "auto dimming" reference in relation to the Aviator; there's nothing in the brochure that I have.
That said - it's your money. If you want it get it. But I wonder if folks think it does a lot more than it really does.
Was this a 2wd?
Can anyone recommend a dealer in Va where I can get close to invoice for an Aviator?
What is this?
I drive a Lexus RX300 and am considering switching to Lincoln. If Lincoln is going to sell their vehicles to others at a lower cost than to me, I'll probably go elsewhere.
Anyone know what the chrome wheels option look like?
maybe the unpopular 2003 ls chrome wheels?
the 2002ls chrome wheels?
the 2003 navigator euroflare chrome wheels?
also i am glad to see that the dvd navigation is now mentioned as a feature
a dealer said that both navigation and advance trac will be arriving at the dealers in March although i have no other confirmation of this
I have been reading these posts for a few months and I just took delivery of my Aviator last week.
I have the AWD Premium in the Aspen green and love that nice deep color. The third row fold flat issue that was mentioned in a previous post is correct. The cushion has to be removed.
The only option was the DVD in the second row mainly for my two children on family trips.
Let me tell you that it shows a great picture and if you funnel the sound through the audio instead of the headphones, it sounds really good.
The only issue that I have, besides the gas mileage, is keeping the light parchment interior clean. It is much lighter than the brochure and the website portraits it. Any thoughts on keeping it clean.
I'm going into the dealer Tuesday Jan 28 (my birthday)to order the Aviator in Ash Gold Metallic with likely most of the options except the GPS.
Not to sure about the moon roof .
I will be ordering the chrome wheels with the pressure monitor but wonder if this is worth it since I want to put some real nice after market chrome wheels with raised whitewall tires at a later date. It shows it as an extra at about $800.00 which includes the monitoring package.
Also what is the difference between a class #2 and class #3 towing package?
Haven't seen the Gold Ash color yet but like the idea that it picks up surrounding hues. Almost like opalescent paint.
Hopeing there is enough offset between the ash gold color and the chrome with a darker pinstripe.