[cabmandone]

Subaru but know that they had some head gasket issues and they have a timing belt that should be replaced before 100K. I have owned several Subaru's and really liked them all. You should be able to find a decent Impreza for your price and maybe one of the hatchback's. Rav4 would be a good choice too, I currently own a very low mile 2008. You might have to go to the older body style to get something in her price range. The Runner is a great vehicle but they tend to be a bit thirsty on gas. The Subaru will get about 28 on the highway as will the Rav4

IMO the Rav4 isn't as capable as the Subaru's in snow and offroad. I think the Subaru has a better AWD system.

I also drive a 2008 Ford Taurus X AWD that I wouldn't take offroad but the AWD system is pretty good as long as you remember to lock out the damn traction control. I got stuck in some deep snow once because I had the traction control on. Once I got unstuck and turned off the traction control the car went through the snow I had just been stuck in with ease. I haven't had a lot of problems with the car. There's the older model Freestyle that was a decent car but both of those don't have very flashy styling. The Taurus X has a 3.5L V6 that will walk away from the N.A. Subaru 2.5's and the 4 cyl Rav4 and it'll get about 23 mpg on the highway.