landroner, i'd go with a jeep too (i'm not just saying that....see my avitar?). you got plenty of after market support, they're quite capable even in stock condition, and they're lots of fun, esspecially in the summer with the top off. you can't drive them like a sports car, that's not what they're designed to do. my 95 yj weighs in at 3380, i plan to lighten it a bit with aluminum rims.  

Thank you for taking the time to write. I really do take your comments to heart and think that it is good to go for a Jeep Cherokee 4.0 to begin with an easy trails with family.. Any advice?
Have a lucky and wonderful 2008 HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Thanks so much again for the advice.