Can't help you too much--but what the heck, my 2 cents.
I think CRV ditched the timing belt around 2001-2002. For our 2003 model, maybe because it's an upscale LX model, it DOES have side impact airbags. I think of it as a pretty poor vehicle, the AWD is primitive, the 4AT is not what I'd call smooth, and it musters all of 23mpg. Honda's have weak AC that like to grenade, at least for what, the first decade of the 21st century? But it has the space and utility of a CUV.
RAV4's ditched the timing belt around the same time, but, this vintage get the oil burning 2.4L I4. The 4WD button on these I like (no it's not a "true" transfer case, but IMO on these primitive setups it's step up on the snow, JMHO), but not the oil burning. The V6 RAV4's might be real fun and not much of a hit on mpg--but cost more to buy, and I'll bet to insure. But if you can go 2009+ and get the 2.5, even though it's a stone age 4AT, it does tend to be on the relatively reliable side. I think only the CRV could get AWD with a stick, on the RAV you were stuck with FWD (the older TB ones, maybe different--but do you want curtain airbags or not?).
FWIW, my daughter has informed me that she doesn't want a CUV for her first vehicle. Ok, she's apt to get whatever I find--and like it, and if she'd rather, she can walk. In her defense, her major fear is, cleaning it of snow and ice. Being on the short side this is a problem. Not insurmountable but that's her opinion. Which gets me to the kayak comment above: I'd rather hoist a kayak on top of a sedan than a CUV, let alone anything taller--and I'm a quite a bit taller than her. Since she doesn't kayak much, and probably won't take with her to college
I'm not too worried about that, but figured I'd point that out, roof racks are a great idea, right up until you use them, us shorter people dislike them (I go and get a trailer instead).
Wife had an '01 Civic and I hated that tin can. Good transmission but that was it. Constant AC problems, no power, plenty of noise (without acceleration). But I do believe there's been a few generations since then... Corolla of those early years had real oil burners, the first couple years of the 1.8 got the timing chain--and huge oil burning. Then had a few good years, then got stupid boring. But boring can be good.
My guess, you're not looking at Accords but if so, avoid the V6's, they always had timing belts (as did the early Civics) and certain years of V6's had automatics made of glass. The Camry of similar vintage? same story, if it has the 2.4L then skip, if it has the 2.5, not a bad buy, if not boring. V6's got timing chains but like the RAV4, likely cost more to buy and insure, and I bet the V6's are more of a handful in the snow, even in the RAV4 with AWD. If curtain airbags are important, then pay attention, I think Toyota waited until 2009 or so before making them standard across the board.
No experience with Highland or Pilot. Highlander I think skipped the 2.4's (if not, then avoid those), and Pilot would have a timing belt.
On all of them, miles might not matter as much, but rust sure will. And if not maintained, may cost a pretty penny to fix up. Not sure how many miles you have to drive, but I have to wonder if the non-Toyondas would work better, if miles/year required is lower, then initial lower cost may pay for any possible repairs, assuming it would need any.
Lastly, if it's for a teen, as their first car... I don't care how good they are, everyone makes mistakes, and nobody does it better than teens starting out. A good safe car that you can walk away from, both figuratively and literally, is what I'd look for. Over what they may or may not want...
