My daily driver, when I can drive, is an '05 Escape Limited AWD. I really do like the thing. The interior improvements are surprising for Ford (ducks, looks for wife swinging bat). The price is right as well. I would at least consider it on the list you have going. If I weren't tied to the FOMOCO umbrella, i'd be seriously looking at the Subaru Forester. It's only drawback is price.
As for holding a sheet of 4x8, a quality roof rack (Yakima or Thule) solves all of your issues.
4 bikes and a Space Booster:
Mark
