I have a 2000 model V6 4x4 automatic in my stable. It's got 175k, and they've been pretty trouble free save a few small things that just happen with miles.
I enjoyed it until about 120k when I gave it to my mom. She loves it and it has turned her into a type a personality driver.
If I had it to do over again, I'd buy another one. It's been a good truck and I have enjoyed driving it.
I haven't driven a newer one, so I can't comment on the power, other than to say even though they rate it for 5000 pounds of towing capacity, I wouldn't. As soon as I hitched anything up to it, mileage went down to 10mpg and it did drag the truck down power-wise.
If your primary use was towing, I wouldn't do it, but for your needs, sounds like it would be perfect.