We decided on the truck after lemon law'ing our Jetta. (Can read about it here)
It was a great choice. The problem we had was that we wanted a 5spd with the 4.7L motor. Couldn't find one so we had to order one. It was a relatively painless process and we had our truck in a month. We ordered most of the options including the tow pkgs and skid pans. The only thing I'd do differently is get the 3.90 gearing for the 5spd for a better torque curve for towing. It doesn't have any problems towing, but it would be easier. We do have a random squeak or two but nothing too bad. We average about 15mpg in a combo of city/hwy driving, and I drive pretty fast. On a recent road trip with exclusively hwy driving by my wife at the speed limit, we managed 26mpg.
The only downsides are the 5.5ft bed. 6ft would have been better. The optional bedliner is nice but they hide two of the tie-downs behind plastic covers that can get lost. I'd also like to see side bed-rail protection like on the Ford F150's.
Amount Paid (US$): 23500
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: Sport Plus 4x4, 5spd, 4.7L