Pathfinder, Highlander, Grand Cherokee...
 

So the search continues. We've decided against the larger SUV's, such as Yukons and Tahoes for example. We're looking at the smaller range suv's like Toyota Highlanders, Nissan Pathfinders, and Jeep Grand Cherokees (my bias...).

My dad says he has read reviews that give the Toyota's and Nissan's better ratings over the Jeep's, but I'm yet to read them. I personally like Jeeps already though because I used to drive one and really enjoyed how it performed/looked.

The car is going to be a non-daily driver for road trips, home depot runs, and trips to the mountains and oceans ;) So it's going to be a utility car but should also be comfy for longer, vacation-based trips.

Anyone have knowledge in some of these cars? We're looking for 2001+, $15k - $25k range suv's.

Thanks for any info!

-T

PS: The cars listed above are just suggestions. We're yet to know of all the cars in this performance/size group.

Jeeps don't have a very good reliability record compared to other American cars, let alone comparing them to Japanese. The Highlander is a great vehicle, but doesn't have a lower differential. So if any of the mountain trips require some 4-wheeling, then the Highlander is not the SUV for you. The 4Runner would be however, as would the pathfinder. Both are good vehicles and would suit all your purposes great. The 4Runner however, is a better off-road vehicle and has more ground clearance. If you don't need to lower diff, then I would go with the Highlander, it's a bit more roomy than the 4Runner and Pathfinder (With the exception of the 2003 or newer 4Runner).

Ive had 2 Grand Cherokees and liked them. No experience with the others you mentioned.

No complaints at all. Best thing about them is they are Very Roomy and Comfortable (I had the leather interior). The only thing I can compare it to is a '01 Range Rover which Ive driven and lived with, and I like the Jeep much better, no contest. Never a problem getting big things to fit in them, such as stuff bought at home depot, bicycles, outdoor gear, furniture, etc...gone on road trips with them no problem. The extra room is great; im highly considering going back to an suv from my 4-door accord i have now. No problems at all, mechanically. Gas mileage so-so, better if you have the v6 as the v8 is definitely a monster gas guzzler. My 2 cents..

You had a Range Rover? Or a Land Rover? Big difference. I can't imagine anyone saying a Jeep is anything compared to a Range Rover. IMO, you can't find a finer luxury SUV.

I'm just curious on how much you want to spend. I'm not a big fan of GC's, frankly because Dodge builds them, and I've had my experiences with a Dodge Dakota that made me want to blow the fucker up. (grrr) If I had to choose those 3, the Pathfinder would be super nice, IMO. I love them, and I think all around drivability and performence, as well as reliability, you can't beat the Nissan.

Yeah I just checked out the Highlander and I didn't realize it's build on a regular car's body. Quite some turnoff!

The 4Runner was cool but pretty ugly on the inside, which does count. I'm yet to read any in-depth reviews on either car though so I remain biased towards the Grand Cherokee.

Right now we've got our eyes on a 2001 Grand Cherokee Limited 4-wheel drive with 65,000 on it for $18,500 and we're working out ways to get it a tad lower.

Thanks for any more info guys.
-Tim

Yeah 2001 Range Rover, the top model. The previous model, before the redesign. Jeep GC was much more comfortable, had a stronger engine, more comfortable seats, better radio/air controls. RR interior is a mess. The exterior looks good, but to live with day to day Id take the Jeep easy.

Ive got a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder, and I have to say I have been very very happy with it. It has a car like ride inside, but feels very strong and can take the knocks.

Oh I should tell you i live in the Rep of Panama, and the roads here, well, I use the words roads in the loosest possible sense - even in the city missing manhole covers, huge holes in the road are common. I wont even start on the conditions outside of town...

Needless to say my Pathfinder gets used and abused, but has been an excellent choice. If you want any specific info PM me.

Get the new Grand Cherokee that is coming out for 2005. Its going to have 3 LSD's in it. They are taking out the inline 6 and putting in a mercedes 3.7 liter V6 or a 5.7 Hemi. Its Very Impressive. I own 2 Jeeps and Love them.

Yeah, but in the 05 they are getting rid of a solid front axle in favor of the IFS. To me, this is just another example of Mercedes castrating the Jeep lineup.

I have a 2002 GC Overland. Great power. Great reliability for me. (This is my 3rd GC.) Tough off-road. Great luxury. It has suede/leather seats, etc. The only knock on GC's after 1999 is the V8-Auto combo is prone to tranny problems. I have never experienced it though.

Car has been bought!

2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited High Output
Black
35,000 miles
New condition (seriously!)
Fully loaded
100,000mi extended bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Thanks for your help guys. Now I need to find a good place for some simple aftermarket bling and such. ;)

Take care
-T

I didn't think the Limited came with the HO?
I thought the Overland was the only model in 02 that had it.

Nevertheless, go to jeepsunlimited for their WJ (platform name for Grand Cherokee) forum. Enjoy!

Looks like you found a good one...good luck.
Did it come with the chrome wheels?

Congrats. I've got the same model in white.

Yep, factory chrome rims and the nice black on white gagues.

Thanks for the link. I'll check it out for sure.

-T