My mother is in the market for a new SUV and I would like some honest opinions on what to consider. Shes looking to spend about 15K CDN (12500 USD) tops and wants a 1999-2001 range.

Anything goes here folks, remember its replacing a 1989 Crown Victoria LTD, so...lets here it!

Thanks

Explorer'* are one of the most reliable. I think Durango'* from that era are pretty good as well. What size of SUV does she want?

Explorer/Durango/Grand Cherokee/Envoy (Blazer style)/Pathfinder..

That size, nothing like a 'burban on as small as a Suzuki Sidekick, sounds like she is going to want to treat herself too....V6 at least, leather, CD etc

Explorer and Mountainers come with a V8 AWD package that usually comes standard with leather. Some XLT'* have that, but for sure Eddie Bauer and Limited models. The Durango has a third row option I believe. All those you mention are pretty good. Definately get the Grand Cherokee, the Cherokee and Jimmy/Blazer had quite a few lemons during the 90'*. Dont know to much about the Pathfinder, but never heard anything bad about them, seem reliable. The 4.0l V6 DOHC in the Explorer was rated one of the top 10 truck engines of the 90'*, from a article I saw on the net.

She is leaning towards the Blue Oval Explorer, possible XLT or EB editions (whatever she manages to find). We have a friend looking at auctions for us.

What kinda power do those Explorers have anyway?

IMO the Explorer was slightly underpowerd. Which in turn, is great for keeping it in good shape and not worrying about problems down the road. The V6 had a upgrade somewhere around 97'. The base v6 use to put out 195hp, then in 97'ish it was upgraded to 210hp i think. Not a race truck, but gets the job done easily. The v8 models had somewhere around 240hp i think, but not exactly sure. And of course they are RWD. Tach goes up to 6k, and speedometer goes up to 120mph. 4wd system is dependable.

I'd go for an explorer. Very reliable. I'd also consider a 4Runner......

Awesome...thanks guys, all great information..

Keep feeding..I'm new to SUVs and want to learn as much as I can.

2000 was when ford updated their V6. I think in 97ish era you're thinking about when they came out with the newer 4.0, or came out with the 4.0 in general. IMO I think a Tahoe would be rather sufficient, I haven't looked in to them a whole lot lately, but I think the year range and price range should meet up. But as with GM, the Fords you have to look for the intake leaking on those too. They are almost just as bad. GM'* RWD V6'* and V8'* have the same intake seal failures that our N/A'd cars do. The Tahoe'* power is more there, and more prominant than the Fords. And they are WAY more comfortable than any Explorer I've ever been in.

The Tahoe is nice, but its a bit to big for us.

I'm tryin to convince her to get a Nissan Pathfinder. I think the Cherokee is the nicest looking but least reliable..damn Chrysler :P