Aviator features the same chrome-laden grille as the Navigator, though it is more diminutive and less imposing because of the Aviator's overall smaller dimensions. Like the Navigator, the Aviator sports a generous application of chrome trim, from the grille to the roof rack to the rear licensee plate holder.

As a midsize luxury sport utility, the Aviator is a foot shorter in length than the Navigator, which is a full-size luxury sport utility. Aviator seats six or seven, depending on the seating configuration ordered, while the Navigator has room for eight. The Aviator is also about six inches shorter in height. In price, the Aviator starts at about $40,000 and tops out at just over $50,000. Navigator ranges from $50,000 to more than $60,000 when fully loaded.

The Aviator shares its basic body structure with the Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer, both of which were redesigned and re-engineered for 2002. The Aviator is more than just a redesigned Explorer, however. Its engineers modified the Explorer's basic architecture to produce a roomier, more comfortable, more luxurious vehicle with a smoother ride.

For starters, the Aviator is slightly longer and wider than the Explorer. It uses the Explorer's new independent rear suspension, a design more common on luxury cars than trucks that greatly improves ride quality and allows room underneath for the fold-down third seat. The Aviator takes this refinement a step farther, however, with a revised suspension, steering, and brakes. Lightweight components and different tuning have been employed for improved on-pavement ride.

The truck-like running boards, stationary and not power-operated like those on the Navigator, are a giveaway that the Aviator is a truck and not a car-based sport utility. In fact, the running boards are a necessity for short-legged passengers climbing aboard the tall utility.

Exterior colors include Gold Ash Metallic, Ceramic White Tricoat, Vivid Red Metallic, Medium Wedgewood Blue Metallic, Aspen Green Metallic, Mineral Grey Metallic and Ebony.