When a vehicle's base model is labeled Luxury, you can bet you're in for a treat. Those who sought a well-appointed and attention-getting SUV yet did not have a limitless budget found this trim level to be the right one for them.

The 2003 Navigator rolled out with many changes, marking the start of a new generation. Most of those changes weren't clear to the naked eye, as this incarnation still looked very much like the previous. The heart of the 'Gator - what lies under its hood - was not even altered; it remained a 5.4-liter V8 producing 300 horsepower.

The V8's 355 lb.-ft. of torque made it a capable tower, and this 2WD version could pull 8,900 pounds. Traction and stability control were optional at this trim level (and standard on the others).

Comfort, the number-one endeavor of any vehicle that labels itself luxury, is assured thanks to a full array of amenities that guarantee that factor. The contoured captain's-style seats are covered in leather, and headroom and legroom are ample. The eyes enjoy it all, too, as the interior is appointed in a pretty nice soft-touch material complemented by authentic wood accents and metal trim.

Power options complete the luxury, giving the driver lumbar support, height-adjusted pedals, and seat-position memory, seat heating and cooling, and headrest articulation with touch-button response. The power moonroof was not made available at this trim level.

The third-row bench seat is definitely more substantial than the flimsy jumpseats found in some high-capacity SUVs. It is sufficient for two adults or three children, and it has its own set of climate controls.

The 2003 Navigator scored a full 5 stars in the NHTSA's frontal crash test (but we wouldn't want to be in the other car). The vehicle was available in seven exterior colors with two interior choices.