I'm looking into getting one of these. Does anyone have any good or bad stories on them? I'm also wondering where to find performance parts for this vehicle as it seems impossible to find anything for it. Thanks guys.

 

we have an 06 with the 4.6 it rips pretty damn good for a stock suv, i am sure that there is performance stuff for them seeing as it is a stang motor. at least i was told that it is the same as the n.a. cobras.
we have had minor problems with it all under warranty, seat heater failed twice dash lights burnt out thats it with 37k on the ticker

 

Scary thought, with 37K on the Exploder I'm driving. So far so good, but it has both heated seats, and those ultra-rare dash lights...

Does the Aviator really get the DOHC 4.6L engine? If so, I wish I had one of those just for the added power. The SOHC isn't bad, considering it's an SUV, but more power is always nice. The part I like most is AWD. I'd rather 4X4 most of the time, but not having to shift into any mode or back out has it's benefit as well. I would think this version may scoot up to 60 quicker than 2WD or 4X4 models normally, but beyond that the others probably accelerate more quickly. The thought is based on less weight than the 4X4 version, and more traction than the 2WD version. Once you're rolling at any speed to speak of, the others should do just as well, if not better.

The SOHC 4.6L seems to have adequate power, but the old 5.4L F-250 would have little trouble keeping up imo. I actually raced that one a few times and saw 16.8's on the 1/4. The Exploder may be a bit quicker than that, but not much, even with nearly matching power. The 5.4L has far more torque. That said, I certainly think a DOHC is better than either. So if the Aviator has a DOHC, it would be nice for anyone who wants more power to go along with a loaded SUV. It should move quite nicely, even at 4500 plus lb.