I'd say pass on the Pacifica too. Main problem is that it is a Chrysler. You'll love it... for about the first 30,000 miles

I totally understand. I would look at the 02+. Let us know how it goes!

I hear you, pricing is how I won my wife over to the '04 styling over the '05 and newer, but not that we have it she wouldn't want anything else. as far as things to look out for Grand Cherokee wise, with the Limited and Overland'* dual climate control you have to watch out, 99-03 had MAJOR problems with the climate control crapping out resulting in costly repairs of you had the stealership do it and it can be a pita to do it yourself. 04 had the same problems but not AS often. The sensors in the Tire Preasure Monitors tend to go on them as well, but that'* not such a big deal.Again with the 99-04 engine wise the 4.0 inline 6 just won't quit on you though if you ask me it'* kinda a dog for that size vehicle and the gas mileage isn't any better than the V8 wich is just as dependable as the 4.0 if you ask me.
But if pricing is a big concern and you don't NEED the V8 power you can get a really nicley equiped (Moonroof, leather, and no fritzy daul climate control) '04 with the Laredo package. The 4.0 dpes have a strong aftermarket support to juice up the squirels a bit

I hear you on the GM loyalty, I grew up GM (even though I came from a line of Ford lovers) but I've driven a couple of the newer Explorers and the are pretty nice, as well as affordable while being nicely equiped. Though they seem under powered for my tastes they can get out of their own way quick enough.

Maybe also try the new Saturn Vue. The news ones look pretty good but I haven't driven one yet

For us imports are out. I'm not a big fan of Saturn either. The nearest Saturn dealer is 1.5 hours away.

We drove an 04 Grand Cherokee and got a good look at a Pacifica, a couple of Trailblazers, an 00 Durango, an 02 Exploder, and an Envoy. The Cherokee was ok but I wasn't impressed with the condition of it. It was a 4.0L. I didn't like how the Cherokee held up. Maybe it was just abused.

The Pacifica was new so that'* out. The Trailblazers were nice. The wife liked the 7 passenger seating in the Pacifica, Durango and the TrailBlazers. The Envoy was nice but way out of our price range.

The Durango and the Exploder were high mileage used at around 120K. If we bought either one it would be a stop gap purchase for a year or two until we could swing something nicer. The Exploder was the nicest high mileage rig we looked at. It'* an 02 with the usual options, cloth seats, garage kept, 4.0L SOHC. The Durango wasn't bad. It had leather, 7 passenger seating, V8, a lot of options.... The power door locks didn't work... just made noise. I've heard they're hard on gas.

I'm doing some Internet research tonight.

Acura MDX anyone?

Good thing the MDX is NOT imported.

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eagle please stay on topic

Acura = expensive Honda.... Not interested.