Lincoln introduced the Aviator in 2002 for the 2003 model year, offering customers the luxury and features of the full-size Navigator in a more manageable, mid-size package. Recognizing that not all buyers wanted the sheer bulk of the Navigator, Ford’s luxury brand crafted the Aviator to deliver equal comfort, convenience, and high-end appointments in a sleeker frame.
The Aviator shared its underpinnings with the Ford Explorer but stood apart with premium Lincoln enhancements, including a three-row seating layout that appealed to business professionals and families alike. With the capability to tow and handle unpaved roads, the 2003 Lincoln Aviator was more than just a stylish SUV - it was versatile and ready for a range of duties.
From the front, the Aviator showcased Lincoln’s iconic chromed cascading grille with vertical slats, flanked by distinctive quad headlights with integrated turn signals. Its bumper echoed the larger Navigator, sporting round fog lights and a skid-plate-inspired design. From afar, the resemblance to its big sibling was unmistakable.
After a 14-year hiatus, the Aviator returned as a 2020 model on the same platform as the Ford Explorer - but with no shared body panels, giving it a truly unique Lincoln identity. This redesigned mid-size luxury SUV was targeted not just at passengers, but at those who enjoyed driving. Whether used by executives or families, the new Aviator struck the perfect balance between prestige and practicality.
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With the Aviator’s shorter dimensions compared to the Navigator, urban maneuverability became one of its strengths. Despite its size, it could still carry seven passengers in refined comfort. Lincoln also introduced its modern design language - first seen in the tenth-generation Continental - into the Aviator’s styling. A flat front fascia with a wide mesh grille centered around the Lincoln badge gave it a bold presence. Adaptive LED headlights added sophistication, while satin-silver or chrome trim along the bumper completed the upscale look.
For 2020, Lincoln made sure the Aviator distanced itself from the Explorer’s aesthetic. The silhouette started with a raked windshield, flowing into a sloped roofline and tapering tailgate. Chrome trim surrounded the windows, while a Lincoln badge accented the front fenders. Though it lacked retractable running boards, the optional air suspension system lowered the vehicle when the key was near - enhancing convenience and accessibility.
At the rear, bold taillights stretched across the width of the SUV, connected by a red stripe and chrome accent. Depending on the engine, quad exhaust tips completed the performance-inspired aesthetic.
Whether you're driving the original 2003 Aviator or the more recent 2020 model, SherlockLock is the name Lincoln drivers trust for smart key solutions, remote entry programming, ignition repair, and fast lockout service.