You indicated you are familiar with your relative's Rubicon... I will second that choice... Reliable, the hondamatic is the only automotive type auto transmission on the planet. It uses a hydraulic torque converter which makes it ideal for towing, and it can handle itself quite wll in the woods. I think the thing could climb a tree if you asked it too. 05 models come with disc brakes, and updated bodywork that mimics the Rincon. It has locking front diff, and all the bells and whistles. Downside is on teh older models, they did not have disc brakes, and were 4 wheel drive all the time. WARN sells a bolt on to give you the ability to put it in 2 wheel drive.. it works great, is bulletproof, and not very expensive. Honda also has the Rancher AT. Smaller version of the Rubicon...

Yamaha's Kodiak is also a great choice. Not a moose like the Grizz, will do everything the Grizz does, has Most of the same features, but at a more affordable price.