I spent a lot of time in a govt' owned 04 Explorer and IMO... if you're doing it in the dirt all the time it's a great vehicle. It's one of the last true truck SUV's as far as I know and while it's a bit bumpy in pretty much every way it's a good strong off roader, as long as you don't abuse it too much.

Of course if all you want is an SUV for street use then I say go with an import.