The Chieftain is an Irish-born, U.S. Army reserve armor officer. He maintains that overall the M-4 Sherman was the best tank of World War II. He bases that assessment on logistics (most reliable and most easily maintained), speed, mobility (hill climbing in mud), firepower and protection. Check it out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNjp_4jY8pY
The Sherman was an excellent tank.
They were reliable, effective, well made, and there were lots of them. Put a British 17lber on it, and it could shoot it out with Panther or even Tigers. Upgunned versions stayed in active service until 1960s.