Would like to add a comment about the Polaris. I bought 13 lower end double hung (Unistar) Polaris, which are no longer made, and their patio slider . That was 19 years ago, and I still have the darn windows and door in the house. Last year, I redid the kitchen, moved things around, and had to put a smaller window in since I moved the sink area. I bought a Polaris, the lowest end, and installed it there. The name escapes me for the moment. Anyways, I was in contracting years back, and was always impressed with any warranty work from Polaris. Myself, I still have to replace hinge pins once in awhile on my own windows. I call Polaris direct instead of going through Modern Builders Supply (MBS). I tell them what I need, they always send me any parts no charge. Last year, I called Polaris with the order number on 4 different windows throughout the house. The seals had failed, the usual fogged glass was evident. They would send me out the 4 glass, no charge, and I could do it myself. Or, they would install them. The charge is $75 for up to 4 different glass, and I believe $10 per pane after that. Being I'm no spring chicken anymore, I let them handle it. I guess the bottom line is. You want a manufacturer to stand behind their products. Polaris is a hard one to beat in that category. After 19 years with these windows, which were supposed to be in our temporary home. It's getting time to do some updating, since it looks like we're not going anywhere! Polaris will be my only consideration.

I've done some more research since my OP - my reason for changing out the old wood-clad for vinyl (instead of wood-clad) was to save money. The wood-clad sliding patio doors that I like are Marvins, and they are very expensive. The hybrids do not seem to be much of money savings over the wood-clad. If you are saying that vinyl, which will save me money, won't look nice, then I may as well go back to wood-clad, and try to find the budget for a good wood-clad sliding glass door. What is the next rung down in price from Marvin wood-clad sliding patio doors, but still good quality? I know I do not want Pella. I am hoping the kind people on this forum will suggest a good bang-for-the-buck brand in a wood-clad sliding patio door. Thank you.

If the wood siding is in decent shape, I'd think twice about replacing/covering it with vinyl siding. In my PNW area it's a deal breaker for some folks. In fact a couple of my neighbors have recently removed vinyl siding and replaced it with wood products. You might want to ask a local realtor before you decide.

I would just replace the garage doors now and don't worry about the siding until it really needs to be replaced. Personally, I don't find the monochromatic idea appealing. When you're ready to replace it because of age, see what colors are available, look at them next to your brick and probably one or two will appeal. When you are looking at garage doors, look for ones with windows across the top (divided lights similar to the windows on the house) and choose a color that isn't white-white.