editor for remote files using ssh

I have been using emacs/tramp for editing files on remote machines, but I find it can be flaky - no doubt I am doing something wrong. Can anyone suggest a good programmers' text editor that at least has syntax highlighting and can use ssh for accessing files directly on remote machines? I need a Unix program, preferably a FreeBSD port, but am happy to compile something myself if it will work consistently or at least give some kind of error message if it has difficulty, and not just hang. TIA. Peter.