Long distance? In a word, no, especially unassisted, point-to-point. However, this radio would have its uses.
Opinions will vary, but you would might have reliable comms from 1-5 miles, depending on terrain. With other factors, techniques, and equipment, the range could be extended. As for the brand and reliability...well....short answer is look for stuff advertised in ham radio or commercial industry magazines - Icom, Kenwood, Motorola, Yaesu/Vertex, Wuoxun (??), etc.
I am working towards a more suitable answer in this Radio Basics thread, but still have a ways to go (I am adding info every week). Keep checking back over the next month or so, and you will see equipment suggested for scenarios of 5 miles or less, 5-50 miles, and over 50 miles.