Hey Mike, GMC has a new smaller suv called an Acadia. Not sure if it has the room you need but I saw one at a small auto show in Flint and it is nice. The interior was awesome 4 GM in my opinion. I believe it is at the GMC website. Front or all wheel drive w/ a vv v6 engine! Good luck, Tracy

Mike, I would second the Pathfinder or 4runner. Unfortunately the Jeep will spend more time in the shop than on the road. Too bad because even in stock form a GC can just about out off-road anyone if necessary. I had an 01 Pathfinder until my Titan and was happy with that. If I was going to stick with my old small boat, I would of bought an 05 Pathfinder instead. The Toyota is expensive, but Toyota/Lexus has proved time and time again that they are worry free machines. I only wished they made that 10,000 lb towing Tundra last year.

This is because musicians are his customers And since they're drummers, they're the smartest of the bunch, imagine if he had to ferry around singers!!!

My wife has put over 40K miles on her 2004 Durango Limited (with the Hemi) in just over 2 years, not one problem. Very nice ride on the highway and now with the MDS it sounds like it gets decent mileage (well, maybe not "decent" but better).

honda/acura

I'd check out the new Avalanches. They look really sharp; and the 1/2 ton (only version now available) rides really well.

Just bought a 2006 Pathfinder in June. Love it, bought the stripped down version (with power window, locks air cd)? For a little over $30,000. 3rd row seating and the thing I like is the power train doesn't change if you go up to the more luxury versions(leather, sunroof, navigation) Tow capacity is 6000 lbs and comes with factory hitch installed. Love it highly recommend it.

I saw and heard one of those Jeep Cherokee SRT8 models yesterday. Sounded good and according to the mags are very quick.

Mike,
Going from a X5 to a domestic there are some major differences as they target different customer/functions. Sold an 04 denali after 24 months- very nice soft ride-no problems what so ever. Quality was good for a domestic truck

I agree with above in putting the VW on your shopping list-very tight, fun to drive and almost (stress almost) BMW like.
Toyotas are very reliable but the much softer ride than the euro competition.

Suggestion, go out and rent a few of the rides( enterprise, hertz) you are considering and see how well they drive (and upholstry duribility) after they have been beatin-on by the public. Also, many euro dealerships have service loaners that may rent out, check them out.

When you land on a specific brand- float-it-up on the board and we will pick it apart

Also (one-of the) good sites to check out is edmunds.com to start with in checkin stuff out.

Just remember, the fun is in the hunt
Good luck.

You LOVE those Avalanches don't ya?!?! A truck will not work for the type of travel I do.