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The Mazda CX-9 is the car I would recommend here. It's the only 7 seat SUV under $45,000 that drives like a car, works like an SUV in the snow, can comfortably carry 7 people, has high crash test ratings, and all the luxury/technology features you would expect on a $50,000 SUV, but it costs about $37,000 for the top of line Grand Touring AWD. My friends bought one recently and are very happy with it. I think it's even better than the BMW X5 which is almost impossible to get for less than $55,000. If space is most important the Honda Pilot or Chevy Traverse are better, but you sacrifice a lot of car like handling. The Mazda should be dependable, because Mazda and Ford (where the CX-9 gets its engine and many other parts) are improving reliability a lot. I think the Mazda is very nice looking, but some people may not like it's new for 2010 grinning grille. If you don't need it to be an SUV the Honda Odyssey is surprisingly nice to drive, very family friendly, very safe, and comfortable, but it's not stylish.
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