I've always considered the road handling ability of most American vehicles as rather indifferent, sometimes downright dangerous. However, I bought a 2016 Jeep Patriot 4x4, mostly for the fuel mileage and low purchase cost. Plus it was the only one which I found that wasn't equipped with power everything. Hand-crank for the windows, standard 5-speed shift, and etc. Minor repairs will cost much less.
Several times this winter I found myself in what could have become bad situations: the worse being glare ice on a downhill corner. I discovered that my Patriot simply went into a four-wheel drift, leaving me in complete control. No fish-tailing, no swapping ends. no all over the road or in the ditch. It doesn't seem to have any dangerous "departure" characteristics, like a lot of pickups do. I do have new, studded Hancook winter tires, but the Patriots stability control is apparently well matched to it.
This is the first time that I've ever "endorsed" any vehicle. Drive safe!