2003 Lincoln Aviator Trims and Specs

New this year, the midsize luxury 2003 Lincoln Aviator STD is a smaller version of the Navigator, yet still comes with three rows of seats. Under the hood of this rear-wheel-drive SUV rests a powerful 4.6-liter, 302-hp DOHC V8 capable of towing 7,300 pounds when equipped with the optional trailer hitch. A 5-speed shiftable automatic is the only transmission. This maneuverable SUV rides on 17-inch wheels and comes standard with 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, automatic headlights, foglights, running boards, mirrors with turn signals, backup sensors, and dual front, front-side, and side curtain bags for the first two rows. Stronger shocks and bushings and an independent rear suspension improve performance over the similar Ford Explorer. Traction and stability control, xenon headlamps, and a limited-slip rear differential are available options.

Both first and second rows feature captain's chairs with a center console containing cupholders. A three-person bench seat is also available for the second row. The third row seats two. Both rear rows fold nearly flat, for up to 77 cubic feet of storage space. Tie-downs are standard, as is a roof rack. Creature comforts include 6-way power front seats, power-adjustable pedals, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls for the CD player, dual-zone climate control with rear controls, heated leather seats, a trip computer, keyless entry, intermittent front and rear wipers, and a garage opener. The rear liftgate and window open separately. Leather and wood trim and satin nickel finish wrap the interior in luxury adornments. If you need more, you can add heated and cooled front seats, a DVD player, a 6-CD changer, navigation system, and a sunroof. If money and 13/19 mpg estimates are not a concern, the 2003 Aviator is a nice alternative to the large Navigator, providing ample space and the same amount of luxury.

Adding a full-time automatic all-wheel-drive system to the 2003 Lincoln Aviator STD AWD provides more road traction in tough conditions, but cuts down a bit on the towing power of this midsize luxury SUV. With the optional trailer hitch and towing package, the 302-hp, 4.6-liter DOHC V8 that delivers 300 ft-lbs of torque can tow 7,100 pounds. A 5-speed shiftable automatic is the only transmission available. A limited-slip center differential comes with the AWD system, along with an independent rear suspension, body-on-frame platform, and stronger shocks than the typical SUV. With a 113.7-inch wheelbase (13 inches shorter than the Navigator's), the 2003 Aviator STD AWD still manages to fit three rows of seats that seat six. Replacing the second-row captain's chairs and center console with a bench seat adds capacity for one more person. The third-row bench seats two and folds nearly flat. The second row flips up for access to the rear. Cargo area starts at 12 cubic feet and expands to 77 with all seats down. A roof rack is standard.

Dual front-side and side curtain airbags, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, parking sensors, automatic headlights, foglights, and mirrors with turn signals earn the best safety ratings from the Insurance Institute. Xenon headlights and AdvanceTrac traction and stability control are available. Bathed in leather upholstery, the interior offers heated front seats, 6-way power seats with memory settings, power-adjustable pedals, a CD player with wheel-mounted controls, cruise control, dual-zone climate control with backseat controls, intermittent front and rear wipers, remote entry, a garage opener, heated mirrors, security system, and a trip computer. Leather, wood, and nickel accents decorate the dash, wheel, and doors. The front center console contains two sets of cupholders and a flip-out tray. Options include a DVD player, navigation system, sunroof, 6-CD changer, 17-inch chrome wheels in place of the standard 17-inch alloy, and the popular heated and cooled front seats. Great V8 power, luxury features and styling, and interior comfort rate high with owners. The small third row and the 13/19 mpg estimates are unpopular.