Just took a look over at Edmunds, the GC with the 4.0 gets high marks. I know a lot of people that own one, are on their second, or third, and swear by them. Seen several with more than 200K on them, with happy owners.
One thing to keep in mind, all brands have their reputations, and all brands break at some point, if they didn't, parts stores and mechanics would have nothing to do.
I'm sure your doing the web-auto review thing, and the tire kicking. Not a fun process. Whatever you get has to fit you.
Mid-full size SUV, the one thing I would stay away from, and it looks like they will all go that way soon enough, is the Independent Rear Axle, yes it does give a better ride, but those control arms look like they would be constantly plowing sand, where I go.
My wife has a 97 Expedition with 90 K on it, battery, tires, brakes, one O2 sensor, and oil changes, she saw the new ones, and (whew!) does not like them, 'cause they sit a lot lower than hers.. Independent rear axle helps them get lower for the insurance companies mandates. She has her reasons, I got mine
My F150 is a 98 with 80K on it, tires, one brake line, altenator, and a front axle accuator, $40 part, but took a month to get!, and oil changes. Biggest cripe I have is that the 150 cab is a LOT smaller than the full sized half ton cabs on the Chebby and Dodge.
My son is on his second Jeep, GC 93 with 38 K (YES, that is why he bought it, had 31 on it when he bought it), I threaten to repo it at least once a week, 'cause I love it. I had it all day yesterday, he was peesed, took the keys away from me last night
