LINCOLN AVIATOR 2002-2005 Photos, engines & full specs

Ford decided to try its luck in the mid-size segment of the premium SUVs and launched the Lincoln Aviator in 2002 as a 2003 model year, based on the same platform as the Ford Explorer.

The world had enough MPVs of all sizes, and people asked for something just as good as carrying people as protecting them. While a minivan didn't look so trustworthy in terms of safety, even though they were, an SUV inspired more confidence in customers. Moreover, even though Ford already was quite successful with the Explorer, the market asked for something more opulent, but the Navigator was just too big.

Here comes the Aviator, a truck-based vehicle with body-on-frame construction but a look that definitely belongs to the premium segment. The massive chromed grille was flanked by a pair of headlights that resembled other Lincoln vehicles. To emphasize the car's SUV character, the carmaker added a body-colored bumper with a gray, scratch-resistant lower area. At the back, the carmaker added big taillights split between the tailgate and the quarter panels.

Inside, the Aviator offered room for seven passengers in a leather-wrapped interior. The driver was spoiled with adjustable lumbar support and inflatable bolsters. Since it was Lincoln's first step into the mid-SUV segment, it tried to offer as much as it could from its flagship SUV, the Navigator. And, in some way, it did. The tall center console sported the gear selector and a pair of cup holders. In addition, the center stack showed a clean layout in a minimalist design. The upper cover hid the stereo.

Under the hood, Lincoln used the well-known 4.6-liter V8 from Ford that developed 302 hp (306 PS) sent to the rear or to both axles via a five-speed automatic transmission.