Rusty...
Since you already seem to have some criteria, Instead of disagreeing with just about every recommendation made, why don't you just cut to the chase, and tell us what cars you would consider, and why?
Well I guess that I'm looking for a Wife friendly small/mid size SUV/Hatchback 4 door vehicle. Needs to be an automatic . I would prefer a 4 cylinder (should be more room to work on) FWD or RWD . A 4cyl should get better MPG. Something that may be easy to work (by todays standards). A chain engine maybe a plus. Nothing that is know to major problems (like heads or transmissions)
I know that all of that sounds unrealistic .And I know that I will not get all of that. But from the information I've gathered here. I can narrow it down.
And I don't recall disagreeing with any thing recommended. About the only two I'd question were.. A hemi 300/magnum like my wife needs that. And of course the idea of her driving a 1960's anything.
The information I got from Rusty RR let me know things about AWD that I never knew.