[umgud]

Go to http://www.thehighroad.org or http:///www.packing.org

Go to a local gun store that has an indoor range. Rent some guns to find one she is comfortable with. Get one that is as powerfull as she can reasonsbly handle. Many women prefer the small .38 caliber revolvers. I prefer a semi-aut that has more capacity.

Whatever she gets, she needs training. Also, forget trigger locks and alsway keep the gun ready whenever it might be needed. Tigger locks are OK for storage, but you never want to confront a perp with an unchambered gun, or worse, one with a trigger lock on it.

[absolootezer0]

I prefer a semi-aut that has more capacity.

no real reason for high capacity except to compensate for lousy aim or if you're expecting a huge firefight- in which case you would be better off with a shotgun or rifle.
if she's really only worried about being in her car, she'll be confronting people at arms reach, a snubnose 5 shot 38 is most like plenty, with leftovers.