Climate-controlled seats ($595) use a compact heat pump combined with a small fan to provide either hot or cold air through specially perforated leather surfaces. Just select A/C or heat on the side of the seat, then adjust the temperature with another knob, also on the side of the seat. Unfortunately, the location of the switches makes them difficult to access, and it's easy to forget you've got the seat-heater on. Still, these super-deluxe thrones complement the Navigator's automatic climate control system, which adds auxiliary air conditioning for the second and third rows as standard equipment for 2001.

Low-back bucket seats also separated by a huge center console are standard for the center row; these, too, are plenty comfortable and surrounded by ample space. A 60/40 split bench seat for three is a no-cost option. This may be preferable for those who need cargo-carrying capability, because that big center console does not appear to be removable.

The third-row bench seat is adequate for two or three small children. Flipping it forward to make room for cargo takes some effort, however, because the center row needs to be adjusted to make room for it. The third-row bench is easy to remove and wheels make it easy to roll to the back of the vehicle and into the garage. It's heavy, though, so you may need some help getting it into or out of the vehicle to avoid back strain. Flipping the third row up reveals attachment points on the bottom of the seat that are not friendly to pets, but fine for groceries.

For $1,280, Navigator offers a video entertainment system with two wireless headphones and a 6.8-inch screen; it keeps kids entertained on longer trips, eliminating the "How much farther" question.

A curved dashboard houses instruments and controls where they can easily be seen and reached. A large center console offers additional storage space and a place for front-seat occupants to rest their arms; while a roof-mounted console carries switches for the rear power swing-out windows, plus a trip computer and compass. Separate audio controls with headphone jacks allow center-row passengers to listen to their own tunes.

Navigator's pedals are power adjustable: At the touch of a dashboard-mounted switch, the pedal cluster moves forward or back. Though the range of adjustment is only three inches, this allows shorter drivers to find a comfortable driving position more often, while keeping them at a safer distance from the steering wheel-mounted airbag. The pedal adjustment settings can be captured in the standard memory-seat feature, thus allowing two drivers to change places and get comfortable at the touch of a button.

A fully integrated Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) navigation system is optional ($1,995) and requires the CD changer ($595); the two work together to provide mapping, route directions, points of interest and emergency assistance. It's a nicely designed set-up that's intuitive and easy to operate, which can't be said of all of these systems. Just make sure you program it up before driving, as any of these systems can easily distract you from the road. The five-inch screen and controls fit neatly into the center console, providing ease of use, but they also fill the console's storage space.

Seat-mounted side-impact air bags, previously optional, are standard for 2001. They should provide additional protection against head and chest injuries.

All materials used inside the Navigator are first-class, from the soft Nudo leather upholstery to soft-touch coverings applied to practically everything else including dashboard and door panels. The window switches are lighted internally at night, a nice touch.