Replying to Car help

So my winter in a nut shell is driving from CT to VT every weekend, this weeekend was an eye opener. I went to mt. snow for a day trip and it took me 3/4 of a tank to make this 2 1/2 hour trip. That involves two fill ups to make it under 300 miles. Thats crazy when i used to drive my moms car it would take 1/3 of a tank to get up there. So people of NS, i need suggestions for a cheap reliable fuel efficient car. I dont  have much extra cash for a car, so pretty much im trying to find a car for sub 10,000 (that is my cars value now) Im not looking for an SUV, im just looking for a wagon or hatchback that can hold my ski gear surf gear, 4 friends and a dog lol, not all at once of course. Throw out ideas right now im looking at subaru outbacks, and impreza wagons, oh yeah this car has to have 4wd or awd