Looking for a certain SUV, please help!?

I am 19 years old and unfortunately live on dirt roads out in the country with pot holes and the usual. I have owned a 2003 pontiac sunfire which did not handle well during the winter time. I need a vehicle that is better suited for the types of weather and road conditions i live under. I am willing to pay any where between $5,000- $7,500. I would like a newer year, around 2003, preferably 2005ish, and up. I am unable to find an attractive looking SUV for myself. I like brighter colors, or something that catches your eye. The body of the car can't be anything huge like an excursion or durango. I would prefer something more compact like a jeep liberty, something with style for a girly girl, but edgy.. but i heard that jeeps can be problematic. My father is all about cars and he is strictly sticking with ford vehicles. he would like to see me get an escape but i am finding that the older versions in my price range have a black plastic around the bottom half of the car and they just look not as new and cool haha. any ideas as to what i could get with the budget i am on???