J,

"Anybody have any expierence with suzuki's?"

Glad you mentioned Suzuki, because I really like the their new line of SUVs. My daughter has a 1996 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4. Albeit being underpowered....it's the car that has been in the shop the fewer times in the family, great gas mileage, and easy to maintain. I also like the new Saturn VUE and the Kia Sportage.

Go to Edmunds.com and read the review on all the choices. That might help your friend in deciding what to do.