New Car Review of the 2004 Lincoln Aviator Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle.

Description: Mid-Size Luxury SUV
Base MSRP Range: $40,030 - $45,445
Invoice Price Range: $36,772 - $41,646

Lincoln's second wagon scaled down from Navigator carries shapely exterior body panels and a forceful prow that mimics the styling of Navigator. Package dimensions fit into the mid-size SUV class and with its cushy appointments and standard third-row bench seat installed forge the first mid-size luxury sport-utility vehicle offered by Lincoln.

Aviator's structure, with fully boxed chassis rails, shares with Explorer a wheelbase of 113.7 inches and independent suspension elements for all four wheels. However, Aviator measures almost four inches longer and wider than Explorer and components for suspension, steering and brakes were reworked to produce the cushy kind of ride that makes Navigator so popular.

For power, Aviator stocks an aluminum V8 engine that displaces 4.6 liters and puts out 302 hp. To translate that power into force at the wheels, there's a five-speed automatic transmission with a high stall-speed torque converter.

Curtain-style side air bags are in place and will deploy if sensors detect rollover movement of the vehicle. Aviator's optional AWD Control Trac system also relates to safety, as the device automatically monitors tire traction and selectively channels the engine torque to front and rear wheels in varying proportions to maintain a steady grip on slick roads. The AdvanceTrac skid controller is optional with RSC.

In the spacious cabin, Aviator brings best-in-class headroom and legroom up front with three rows of seats and a choice on the second row of either a bench divided 40/20/40 or twin buckets. The cabin is trimmed in soft leathers with accents in burl walnut and satin-nickel finish plus soft white LED instrument lighting. Two trim levels work on Aviator: Luxury and Premium. And a new color chart brings fresh shades like Dark Blue Pearl and Light French Silk.