Above: The first official photo of the 2007 Lincoln Aviator.
Below: Lincoln Aviator Concept from the 2004 Detroit show.
Not surprisingly, the production version lost the cool rear gate execution from the concept; but fortunately, its sleek overall profile has been retained. No matter how you look at it, the '07 Aviator is a big improvement over the current baby Navigator…and the changes goes far beyond cosmetic — the new Aviator will be largely based on the Mazda 6 whereas the old Aviator was pretty much a Explorer underneath. This car-based Lincoln midsize SUV will be powered by a twin-cam 3.5L V6 that pumps out 250 bhp and mated to 6-speed auto tranny. Can this new Aviator give the Lexus RX330 a run for its money? Will Lincoln add a hybrid version to the line-up? Only time will tell…
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Joel A @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
"Can this new Aviator give the Lexus RX330 a run for its money?"
L versus L? You pretty much nailed it. Depending on the features, the only major differences between the two will be price (to Lincoln's favor) and reputation (which will include interior quality fit and finish, a Lexus strong point.)
Tankstelle @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
Those tailights that go all the way across the back make it look shite. Another loser out of Lincoln, what a shocker.
Craig @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
As I mentioned yesterday, there were two things memorable about the Aviator concept from NAIAS:
1. The interior was unparalleled in terms of luxury. The hardwood floor behind the reargate was so darn cool...
2. The grill was aggressive and fitting on the concept! Much more muscular in concept than what I can speculate the Aviator production will have based on what I've seen on the Zephyr.
So I'm curious to see the production front fascia before I hold any additional judgements but I do think that Lincoln has a hit on its hand.
BF @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
That back glass on the tailgate reminds me of my Aztek, minus the spoiler in the middle.
Chris @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
All I can say is PINTO.........
Aaron @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
Am I the only one who think it looks like a Chrysler Pacifica with uglier trim?
Hank @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
A couple of you need to see your optometrist right away.
joe @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
I'm surprised and impressed. Looks like the designers finally got their sh!t together and put together a nice looking vehicle.
Now, how much is it going to cost and what is the MPG? Since it's a Lincoln, I'm assuming it's expensive, but I hope I am wrong....
WillDaThrill @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
It stayed true to the concept. I mean, come on, do you really want people to see what or who you have in your vehicle that much? Wish the dual pipes didn't get cut.
Schuman @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
Based on the Mazda 6? Whee!
Irrespective of reliability and sales numbers, we already know this will flat-out out-handle the cruddy, lean-to Camry-based Lexus!
From a safety and visibility point of view, the slimmer C pillar is a smart move. Now, with aesthetics on their mind, I wish they'd lose the full-sized tail-light/reflector. Eww!
Ed @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
What a stupid looking thing. It looks like a real b!tch to work on. I just can't wait.
David @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
Considering the intense competition in this segment, along with the lack of (positive) recent reputation for Lincoln, there must be something that makes this vehicle stand out from the crowd. Visual impact is the most profound selling point in the small SUV category, and, unfortunately, Lincoln may have given up its biggest potential selling points:
1. The unusual rear end - paid homage to recent history with the single tail light that ran clear across the rear, but updated it significantly by making it non-reflective, and keeping the "main" light blocks very visually separated and clean. The glass was not only great for a view, but beautifully integrated into the design (unlike the seemingly "last minute added" panel of glass which constituted a needed, if inadequate, safety measure in the aformentioned Aztek.)
2. (Likely) The extremely striking interior. I agree with the post above which opined that the luxury was unparalleled, and the fit and finish was of unusual quality. Unfortunately, I highly doubt anyone would consider putting it in anything other than a concept.
It is depressing to see another promising American concept fall short of the mark.
Bob @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
Needs more work.
Jason E Rist @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
It looks nice, and I'm glad that they kept the dual pipes. I'm not too happy with the red and black "tail-light" across the back. We'll see after the final production vehicle is revealed.
Art @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
this is honestly the first proto-preduction car I've seen that not only resembles it's own concept, but it's self....could pass off as one. not saying ut's gawky, but it was that flair...
Anyway, they still have a way's to come. It has a manual, hand opening gas gate. A big no-no....many econoboxes have pushbutton systems.I think the current Aviator has this beautiful, uncut gem look to it, balances the use of soft chrome and the manly proportions of the Explorer. 6 speed auto....thumbs up to ford.
WillDaThrill @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
My badd, I totally missed the dual pipage carry over.
Jaymez @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
Very Pacifica like styling. Almost like a chopped and raked minivan. Not nessicarily a good thing, but oh well.
Black out the filler panel between the taillights and it'd be a huge improvement. Much better than the giant glass on the concept. With HID lights, a rear hatch that was all glass would be too blinding.
Sparkdog @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
That car looks like a lexus suv.
David @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
Ahhh - Just like Steve Jobs said: "They snatched defeat from the jaws of victory." Too bad.
John @ Dec 18th 2005 11:17PM
It looks like a taller mercedes R-class.
And what is with the antenna? The 03 aviator's antena is integrated in the window.