As a debut vehicle, the 2003 Lincoln Aviator towers above the competition. Aviator spoils with great ride and handling attributes. The steering response is immediate and without the ‘dead space’ common on vehicles with decent ground clearance (8.9 inches). Standard engine is a 302 horsepower, 300 pounds-feet torque aluminum 4.6-liter V8 that snaps to attention the moment the foot indents the accelerator. Equally important: the braking system can decelerate the power in an instant. Another nice touch: large-sized side mirrors that incorporate an amber turn signal in the housing units. During a 450-plus mile one week test drive, the Aviator presented itself as an inviting place to spend time. One especially nice interior design element is a cover/shield – sporting Lincoln in chrome letters – that conceals the audio controls. (It’s nice to remove unwanted console clutter at your discretion.) Below the ‘cover’ is a traditional clock. (It’s nice to see that not everything has to be digital.) Passengers enjoy deciding where to sit in the three-row vehicle with seats large and comfortable enough for adults. When needed, third row seats can fold flat. Standard fare on rear wheel drive or all wheel drive Aviators includes 5-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, and AM/FM/cassette/CD. MSRP of the rear wheel drive Aviator is $39,995.