2002 Lincoln Navigator Base

The 2002 Lincoln Navigator shared the platform of America's best-selling truck, the Ford F-150. That said, it's obviously a tough customer - although that is not the side of this SUV that is emphasized.

That side would be its luxurious one, as the Navigator's raison d'etre is to provide plush transportation for up to eight people on trips of all lengths. Its three rows of leather-surfaced seating are appointed with their own climate controls, and the second row gets its own audio controls. The third row is a bench seat that can seat three, and the second row is by default a pair of captain's chairs with an ample center console, but Lincoln also let buyers order a bench seat instead at no extra cost.

The 2002 Navigator 2WD was an obvious choice for the well-to-do SUV-buyer with something to tow, be it a large camper or boat. With a towing capacity of 8,900 pounds and payload max of 1576, it is ready and able to meet any recreational demands.

The power source is a 5.4-liter V8 paired with a four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission with overdrive; its pertinent stats are a yield of 300 horses and 360 lb.-ft. of torque. This is sufficient, but some critics professional and amateur alike expected more from an SUV of this size. A trailer-towing prep set-up with tow hook came standard.

Exterior amenities on the '02 'Gator were highlighted by roof rails, step rails (with an option for power-retraction), power heated side mirrors finised in body color, and a full-sized spare. Inside the list featured the aforementioned leather seating and individual climate control, plus high-quality dash and interior door finish, a leather-wrapped wood steering wheel with auxiliary controls mounted on it, a cabin air filter, and a generally upscale aura of plushness.