Hey guys,
I need a vehicle that's going to be good in the city and great on the back roads of British Columbia, Canada.  I work in the city, but go to my cabin on weekends during the summer.  The road to get to my cabin is a very rough dirt road with potholes, large rocks and tons of washboard.

I'm looking into getting a small, reliable SUV.  Any suggestions?????

I've been looking at Honda CRVs and Toyota Rav4s.  I know many of you wouldn't consider these two SUVs real 4X4s but remember I still need something good on gas and practicle for city driving.  

I need your 4X4 expertise!  Thanks for your help!

-Back Road Gal  

I would not really consider either if roads are rough. How about a Subaru Outback or Forester? Subaru has been building 4x4 cars since late 70's and nobody has as much or more experience with 4x4 in such a platform as Subaru does. The Subaru also has very high crash standards and most models receive highest possible score. I have personally owned two Subaru's long ago that I bought new, a 81 and a 86 4x4's wagon. My wife loved the car and it was one tuff 4x4 car too! The only reason I stopped buy them is that we had twins after we already had kids and out grew it overnight even as a backup car.(not enough room for all the car seats) I think one would be perfect for you needs and you can even get a turbo charged one if you want to be sporty about it too. (do not worry as Subaru has been turbo charging engines since 80's and they have a lot of expertise there too) It is about the perfect niche car for your needs. As a side note the Subaru 300 HP turbo charged WRX is one of the fastest 0 to 60 mph cars you can buy today and the fastest anywhere near its price too.(it can give even a vette or viper a very hard time on a 0 to 60 because of power and full time 4x4 drive that they have highly refined over the years.) It is also not unusual to still see a few 20 plus year old Subarus around here still on the road with 200 or 300K miles or more on them and still going strong.