Postby GiantRockStar » Thu Jan 27, 2011 4:57 pm
Hi Merc,
I recently purchased a 97 5speed SE 4x4 myself. I'm still getting acquainted with it, but so far I like it. It seems to be built like a rock.
Power is sufficient to move the truck around, although it could use a few more hp to bring it to a more comfortable driving experience. You won't be stuck doing 40mph in the slow lane, but definitely wont win a race.
4x4 seems capable with what I've seen so far, which is not too much off road, but tons of deep snow driving in this upstate NY and Vermont winter so far. I must admit, that my Audi quattro was a bit better in the snow, I was stuck the other day with my driver side wheels buried and passenger side wheels on dry pavement. I thought the fact that it was limited slip would take care of this, however the passenger side wheels did not turn. My a4 would NEVER have failed me in this situation. But it just took a little shoveling and it wasn't really a problem to rock it out. In RWD it's actually not too bad for tooling around town in light snow.
Overall I like the truck very much. It handles very well and extremely useful. I got it because like you, I wanted a good vehicle for fishing, canoeing, camping, biking in the mountains, etc... while hauling my giant labrador around. I can fit an incredible amount of... anything... in the truck. It drives great, excellent ground clearance, and handles well. It started up first crank in -13F weather we had here the other day. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired, however. My best mileage was on a long highway trip where I averaged 18.5mpg (with people, dogs, and gear, weighing it down at over 70mph, not bad) but around town I average 13.5 which is just brutal. I don't drive hard, either.
If you get it, I think you'll like it. It seems like a very capable and dependable vehicle that's fun to drive. with sorta cruddy gas mileage. I'm tall at 6'4" and I fit okay in the driver's seat, although would be nice if it went back just a little further. I couldn't comfortably fit at all in the Cherokee's I have driven. Stock stereo system is great.