White Bear.
For three years while I owned a 172 I looked around for a 177 as I thought they looked so stunning and had heard great reports.
They do look the dogs ******** and seem a lot more roomy that the 172.
However, if you go for a fixed gear and fixed pitch prop version (pre 1968) you are going to be very disappointed with the performance. I looked at one and it just didn't get up and away fast enough compared to the 172.
There is one (and only one) of the fixed gear 180 hp versions in the UK. This is G-BTSZ and was called the A model. It is the perfect balance but sadly they didn't make many before going all wobbly on the props.
Fixed gear and wobbly props by comparison are more common in the UK although no where near as common as the venerable 172.
If that is what you want then I would say go for it as you will have a far superior plane compared to the 172. If it is the lower hp version you are consiering then stick with the 172.
If on the other hand you have found that G-BTSZ is for sale then buy her now!! That's the one to own (in my opinion)!!
Good luck an make sure you don't pay TOO much of a premium over 172 prices an they are often being advertised for big money. I think this is because those who really want one are normally prepared to really pay for them
P.S Watch for saggy doors (very big doors on these birds). Hinges are very expensive to replace.
P.P.S I have only jusr realised you are based in the US. You should find plenty of A models there.