I've owned a 97 and 99. Mechanically I think they are identical. There is a slight change in bodywork. I would recomment the v6 over the v8. The v8 gets worse gas mileage and is only slightly more powerful. Both were very reliable.
There is a recall for replacing the cam chain guides in the v6 engine. I believe it's valid until 70k miles. Might want to check if it's been done.
If you get the automatic climate control there is a know problem of the blend door (hot/cold) stripping out. To replace it you gotta take apart the whole dash.
The only non standard maintenance was a thermostat, power steering pump and the cam tensioner/intake manifold gasket recall.