I wanted to go back from a car to a 4x4 for the towing ability, roominess, fun factor and for camping. Being in Illinois it's going to be mainly on the road.
I bought an 04 v6. I had originally thought about a third gen, but I like the 4th much better. I had also considered a Sierra and drove a pathfinder as well as some cars. The pathfinder was an 03 or 04 and it felt cramped and had to little head room. The 05s were supposed to be better but at a considerable jump in price and no roll down rear window. I like the avalanche but like the Sierra I didn't want mileage that low. I like the ridgeline but wanted a real truck. I got a free upgrade to a murano last year on a trip and while the thing was very nice there were a lot of small things that would make me not buy one like the RFID key, steering wheel, radio, etc.
About the only thing I liked better about the third gen was the price, which would have left more money for mods. Things I like, slightly better mileage, more power, more room, better looking. Things I don't like so well, but not that big of a deal are the orange dash lights and the dim dash lights. I wish the driver seat went back a little further. I miss dual climate control and can't imagine why this wasnt on the 03s. The sound system is sub par for a vehicle costing as much as it did.
Overall the 4R is well built, reliable and fun. A lot of thought goes into the design of this vehicle. So many little things that would probably be left out of an american truck like the little compartments in the back and the pillar mirrors.
The best things are the cup holders that actually work, even in the back, the auto up driver window and the steering wheel that doesn't have a six o'clock spoke, god I hate that.
I love my truck.
arty: 
