I met an American couple here some years ago - they had a Pearson 40, and had just arrived from the old world in it. I think this was the final leg of a very long circumnavigation... they seemed to be very happy with their fine vessel.
I've owned two Pearsons; a Vanguard designed by Philip Rhodes and a 27 designed by the Pearson design team. Their boats all seem well built and fit for purpose. The 40 is slightly unusual but looks a good boat. The Pearson 424 is also a good boat particularly for cruising.
By an amazing coincidence the Pearson 40 in the link above, the one in Houston, is sailing right past my old Grand Banks 32! My dock is the second in from the end under that covered section on the 'port side' picture of the 40. Small world.