Jeep 4.0 cherokee is pretty much like a Volvo with an inferior 2 wheel drive system. The 4.0 engine lasts a long time, and the transfer case needs expensive service around 200K. If you want a maintainence free car, choose one that is less than 5 years old, and still under warantee. American made doesn't mean much anymore. Better to say 'Amarican named', or 'assembled in USA'. some are both, but half the pars came from Mexico, Canada, Japan, or worse. Front wheel drive may save some fuel, but increases frequency, cost, and complexity of maintainence. It is my educated opinion that cars are now built to be undesirable after 7-10 years. I too would look at the 'police interceptor' for a well engineered car with RWD.