How about a Ford Escape? My wife had a 2003 for a 3 year lease - it worked out really well for her, even though she got stuffed on the lease payments - but - used, I can't imagine them being very expensive - and short of being domestic it seem to fit the requirements.

The ride was reasonable - and if she avoids the newer (post-hybrid) versions they are not bad looking either - though a bit agricultural maybe?

My wife didn't take care of hers - it was run on cheap oil and was driven hard - but it never had an issue.

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- Ravenheart