I am looking for a 4x4 SUV with a manual transmission (most models only have
an automatic now), and NOT one which is a converted front wheel drive, such
as the CRV and RAV4.  I will be using it for trips, and some off-road on
forest and desert roads.  There are not a lot of SUVs with manual
transmissions, but I have road tested a few.  Problem is the "on-road" ride
is so bad, I can't wait to get out of them.  I don't think I am all that
picky about ride either.  I drive a Firebird Trans Am, which isn't exactly
the smoothest riding car around.

Toyota FJ Cruiser - nice truck, and road decently except it has a VERY
annoying constant side-to-side pitching motion going down the road, which
throws your head from side-to-side.

Nissan Xterra - great value, comfortable, no side-to-side pitching, but it
picks up EVERY bump in the road, even ones you can't see.  This truck never
smoothes out, even on the best roads.

Hummer H3 - great equipment for off-road, but has the same problem as the
Xterra, although not quite as bad.   Even on very smooth freeway, this truck
is jarring.  I drove both the regular and Adventure model.  Instead of
wanting to get out in five minutes as I did in the Xterra, I lasted 15
minutes.

BMW X3 - decent ride, although I'm a little worried about it getting torn up
off-road, even though I won't be on anything approaching the Rubicon trail.
Maybe someone here has some experience with these off-road they can tell me
about.

I use to have a full sized GMC Jimmy in the early '80s, and it rode fine.
It might have bounced a bit, but with the long suspension travel, it soaked
up bumps great.  I don't understand why this can't be done 20 years later.
It seems like we have gone backwards.  I also drove a company Ford tall
standing 4x4 pickup, and that thing could hit potholes, and you wouldn't fee
a thing (not an exaggeration).

Anyone have any ideas on what I should look at?  I'm out of ideas.

Michael