Need help picking out a car for a friend!

[Jake]

Are Honda Pilots with 80-90k about to explode???? Or is that an OK mileage?

I've always heard questionable things about a Honda V6/Automatic combination. That said, I know a few families with Pilots and they've been okay. The Odysseys (same motor/trans) are known for glass transmissions though.

I really liked my Ford Escape. It was a good size for usable space vs. "over the road" size. The 4-speed autobox is a glass set of gears waiting to explode from the factory. The 2009+ models (not sure on the changeover year, may be 08) got a new 6-speed that is way more reliable. The AWD was great in the snow, it did mid-20s highway, and you can get them loaded up pretty well for a basic Ford. I bet an 09 Limited AWD/V6 would be in her budget. Or an Escape Hybrid, they have a CVT that is reliable and still retain the AWD. The V6 tows better, but that's a non-issue as you said.

The post-redesign Edges are cool. They look like a big Nike high-top.