2005 Lincoln Aviator New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Lincoln Aviator?
Updates to the 2005 Lincoln Aviator include a new chrome grille and surround, 17-inch seven-spoke wheels, and four new option packages. The AWD Elite package includes heated-and-cooled front seats, chrome wheels, a power moonroof, roof rail cross bars, a DVD navigation system, a rear-seat entertainment system, HID headlamps and a Class III towing package. The 2WD Elite package includes all the above, with the exception of the trailering package. The Luxury Enhancement Moonroof package adds the power overhead glass panel, heated-and chilled seats, chrome rims, an Audiophile sound system and roof rail cross bars. Finally, the Luxury Enhancement RSES package adds a rear seat entertainment system to the Luxury Enhancement Moonroof package. Rounding out the changes to the 2005 Lincoln Aviator are the addition of three exterior colors and one for the interior. Camel with light parchment headliner is new for the cabin; Ivory Parchment, Charcoal Beige and Light Tundra are the fresh colors for the Aviator’s skin.

Advantages of the 2005 Lincoln Aviator:

• All the luxury and power of a Navigator with less bulk and a lower price
• Stylish and comfortable interior
• Punchy 302-horsepower V8
• Standard roll and stability control system

Objections to the 2005 Lincoln Aviator:

• Prodigious high–octane fuel consumption
• Not terribly adept off-road
• Likely to suffer steep depreciation

Editor's Advice:
If the Ford Explorer Limited and Mercury Mountaineer Premier cannot satisfy your thirst for power and luxury, try the 2005 Lincoln Aviator on for size. This is a sound luxury SUV, and while it may not be as sporty to drive as models from Germany and Japan nor as capable climbing hills as luxury SUVs from England, it is speedy in a straight line like a traditional American. The Lincoln Aviator has a stout 4.6-liter V8, providing a maximum towing capacity of 7,100 pounds. A compliant suspension that mimics a Lexus-smooth ride, ritzy options like ventilated seats, and a retro-chic center stack layout help distance the Lincoln from its plebian Ford and Mercury counterparts.