I'm a firm believer that road trips are like medicine for the soul and this one looks like it would be fun. The Jeep is amazing. It's hard to believe how many of the old ones still survive despite being utilitarian vehicles that weren't babied. My Mom drove hers for 23 years and it's still running with the same motor. (a straight six) The new Jeeps aren't what they used to be though.
No, they really aren't. I had a 2000 Grand Cherokee with a V8 and it was not that great. I had so many issues with it. That inline six motor was kind of like the old 3800 V6 that was in my wife's Grand Prix. This was a really great trip just for the conversation, but the food was great too. It was also exciting that the Jeep was still in such good condition.
The 3800 is legendary. They say cars with that engine are still a good buy if you can find them. I'm glad you enjoyed the trip! I'm still looking forward to my first real road trip in the Tesla.
I remember we took ours to the mechanic for something related to the drive train and he said the body of the car would long rust away before the engine went bad. I kind of wish we hadn't traded that car in.