When it comes to late 90s/early to mid 2000s SUV in this size range, what the pros and cons of these different options? Looking for real world experiences, not "buy a Toyota 4Runner" because I will NEVER do that. Keeping mind probably it would be a used one for a low price with a lot of miles on it - in the $3k price range or less.
Ford Explorers have a bad reputation but they are everywhere and I think will go well with my Ford fleet. I drive a Ranger for work sometimes and as far as I can tell they are the same platform - how related are they, because that Ranger is AWFUL, it rides terribly, the tranny SUCKS, the interior is terrible, and said awful-shifting transmission has already been rebuilt once and it only has 95K miles.
You all know I hate all things Chrysler, but I have major respect for the Cherokee. I know it's smaller and more basic than both the Explorer and GM TB/Envoy twins, but I think it's more reliable. The venerable AMC 4.0 is a great engine (what do we know about the four-cylinder option?) and the AW4 transmission is part Toyota, right? Then there is the Grand Cherokee which is nicer than the Cherokee in every way but is far more Chrysler and thus far less reliable, no?
I've owned a 2002 Envoy for a bit and it was a great vehicle to me (3rd owner) and the 2nd owner. The first owner had the transmission and transfer case rebuilt at approx 100K miles. After that it was solid up to 200K and beyond even when abused. Thing is, I know when it comes to working on them these are a major pain in the you-know-what, and I'm really not sure I want another 4L60E in my life - I've destroyed several. The previous gen Blazer/Jimmys seem solid with the reliable 4.3 but again, it's got a 4L60E. At heart, though, I am a Chevy guy
I'm thinking in that order this is my preference but I'm open to rearranging or eliminating stuff from the list. Required features are automatic transmission, cruise control, AC, 4 doors, OBD2 (so 96+). Anything beyond that I don't care. Would prefer to not have 4x4 but for the price I'm not too worried.
1. Explorer
2. Blazer/Jimmy
3. Cherokee
4. Trailblazer/Envoy
5. Grand Cherokee
6. Other (Suggest something, Domestics ONLY)
Ford Explorers have a bad reputation but they are everywhere and I think will go well with my Ford fleet. I drive a Ranger for work sometimes and as far as I can tell they are the same platform - how related are they, because that Ranger is AWFUL, it rides terribly, the tranny SUCKS, the interior is terrible, and said awful-shifting transmission has already been rebuilt once and it only has 95K miles.
You all know I hate all things Chrysler, but I have major respect for the Cherokee. I know it's smaller and more basic than both the Explorer and GM TB/Envoy twins, but I think it's more reliable. The venerable AMC 4.0 is a great engine (what do we know about the four-cylinder option?) and the AW4 transmission is part Toyota, right? Then there is the Grand Cherokee which is nicer than the Cherokee in every way but is far more Chrysler and thus far less reliable, no?
I've owned a 2002 Envoy for a bit and it was a great vehicle to me (3rd owner) and the 2nd owner. The first owner had the transmission and transfer case rebuilt at approx 100K miles. After that it was solid up to 200K and beyond even when abused. Thing is, I know when it comes to working on them these are a major pain in the you-know-what, and I'm really not sure I want another 4L60E in my life - I've destroyed several. The previous gen Blazer/Jimmys seem solid with the reliable 4.3 but again, it's got a 4L60E. At heart, though, I am a Chevy guy
I'm thinking in that order this is my preference but I'm open to rearranging or eliminating stuff from the list. Required features are automatic transmission, cruise control, AC, 4 doors, OBD2 (so 96+). Anything beyond that I don't care. Would prefer to not have 4x4 but for the price I'm not too worried.
1. Explorer
2. Blazer/Jimmy
3. Cherokee
4. Trailblazer/Envoy
5. Grand Cherokee
6. Other (Suggest something, Domestics ONLY)
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