i'm still trying to get her into a car. i agree w/ most of you guys in that suvs are over-rated. she wanted one initially so i proposed the question. if she was to get a suv-i'm recommending the trailblazer or 4runner. the 4runner is way underpowered though.
i'd rather see her get a car. right now i've recommended-
audi a4 quattro: new body style, probably get the 2.0 engine
bmw 325xi: i don't know too much about this model, just the bmw reputation
subaru wrx: she doesn't know about these, but i'd like to see her get one b/c of the subaru awd reputation. also these have nice power.
of the 3- she would probably get the audi. i would probably recommend the audi of the 3 anyway. the only hold-up is the wrx is about $5k less than the other 2 so that might steer her decision.