My Mother is looking for a mid-size SUV to get back and forth to work. She lives about 1 mile in on a gravel/dirt track through woods/swamp. The first houses by her were brought in by horse cart due to the bad road. Many improvements later, she has gone through several cars, having them shaken apart and bottomed out.

The point here, is that during her research she found that several companies have aparently been using the same model name, and it confused her. She saw several threads on various forums, (mostly Ford or GM, but many other as well) all relating to the X-brand POS. I had to explain the computer lingo to her, as she isn't up on chat room or forum conversation!! I had a good time with it, though, trying to point out that the POS was actually a multi brand venture to create a new, universal SUV so parts could be obtained easier when it broke down....

 

If you want something that will be an overall good runner, and still be able to handle some rough terrain once in a while, go with the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
If you get the Laredo, you can still get the old bulletproof straight six 4.0L.
The Laredo is also still available with the selectable transfer case so you can choose between 2wd, 4lo, 4hi.
If you choose to go with a V8 you will only have the option of a Quadra-trac 2, which is full time 4x4.

Right now they are pffering some pretty good deals on the 04 models that are still on the lot.

No, I do not work for Jeep.
I bought an 04 Grand Cherokee Limited V8 on Thursday.
Good luck!

Rich

 

I'll pass it on to her. I think she has been scared away by the Consumer Reports articles. It is amazing: They give super high marks to the BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, etc., and horror reviews for Dodge, Jeep, Chevy, & Ford. According to them, if it isn't foreign or luxury, it must be garbage.

 

Ive owned 3 Jeep cherokees. I currently have a 95 with 170+k on it. it still runs great hauls pretty good.Around 18mpgs or so +-. You cant beat them. I paid 2600 for it. It has the 4.0 6cyl,and auto. My old 85 with the 2.8 had 200k when we parted. I beat that thing up one side and down the other on the jeep trails. and it never let me down. Its the only one left with a dana 30 in front.

 

I drive a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Loredo with the famous 4.0 V6. It is a great vehicle and the wife has followed me in the CTD 4x4 down in Baja numerous times with no problemo. There are only two vehicles that I think are supperior to any vehicles out there...... Dodge Ram 4x4 CTD and the newer Jeep Grand Cherokee Loredo.

 

Something to look at would be a used Toyota Landcruiser J9 series- I don't knoe whetherthe diesel was imported in the US, but the old 125hp IDI TD engine is hard to beat- not a sportscar, but running really nice- about 100 mph-110 mph topspeed, economic and good interiour. (Father in law has one, really satisfied with it)

AlpineRAM

 

Yeah the Toyoty Tundra can expect to have 1 problem for every 1.3 problems I have with my Dodge. Not enough difference to justify more $ for a small 1/2 ton than my Cummins powered 3/4 ton.
I'll second the Cherokee.