As for the oil useage issue some people have had good luck with the following:

1. Clean or replace the PCV vlave
2. Run Seafoam (auto parts stores carry this) through the crankcase just before an oil change.
3. Clean the EGR system.

As for tires, quiet, long lasting, very good ride, Michelin LTX M/S. They will be the next set of tires on my wifes 98 Passport.

A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.

98 Passport 33's, Supercharged, Calmini Bumper, rockbars, diff drops, Teralows, 4.77's, Aussie and ARB lockers, Safari snorkel, Optima red top.