Sometimes it's enough just to know your SUV looks like it can tear up the trails - after all, most SUVs never leave pavement anyway. The 2001 Navigator 2WD certainly has that formidable look and obvious heft, but those who drove it off the lot did not intend to take it too far off asphalt.

This full-sized SUV was definitely designed with passenger comfort in mind. From its precisely-engineered suspension to its contoured leather seats (with available heaters) and amenities from a cabin air filter to separate climate-control for all three rows, the 'Gator is ideal for long road trips.

It's also a fine choice for towing, as the 2WD can pull up to 8,900 pounds. A 5.4-liter V8  paired with a four-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission churns out 300 horsepower and 360 lb.-ft. of torque. This is sufficient, but some critics were a bit disappointed, as they expected more from an SUV of this size. A trailer-towing prep set-up with tow hook came standard.

With its three rows of seating, the Navigator could seat seven or even eight people comfortably; Lincoln offered a second-row bench seat instead of buckets separated by a center console, at no extra cost. This worked well for anyone who regularly needed the additional seating or cargo room. The second and third rows were each given their own set of climate controls.

The 2001 Navigator 2WD's list of standard equipment was long, containing exterior features such as roof rails, step rails, oversized heated body-color side mirrors, swing-out rear windows, and a full-sized spare. The interior offered amenities including leather-covered seats, soft-touch material on the dash and doors, wood and metal accents, and a leather-wrapped wood steering wheel. Anyone lucky enough to drive could the Navigator could appreciate the height-adjustable pedals and seat-position memory, and all passengers would benefit from the cabin air filter.

Mechanical features included limited slip differential, stability and traction control, and a wishbone front suspension and beam rear suspension with stabilizer bar. The suspension also came with an automatic leveling function that also kneeled down one inch for passengers' entry and exit.

Most people who purchased a brand-new 2001 Navigator 2WD were quite satisfied, but there have been scattered complaints about a lack of reliability, especially concerning electrical problems. It's basically the law of averages that when a vehicle has so many fancy gadgets something is bound to go wrong.

Still, most Gator owners love their vehicle for its comfort and style, although they'd prefer to visit the filling station less frequently (these babies also take 91 octane).