If properly maintained, yes they are reliable. I have had experience with a SHO, and I do know what you mean about the road trip thing. I would take either my 96 sport, or my new SVT across the country without any hesitation.
There is no particular year that I would stay away from. All the SVT years are very similar, although the 99 - 00 did gain 5 hp! Anyways, if you pick up a well maintained low mileage SVT, then you should have a great and pretty reliable car.
