J.L.
You can't go wrong with a Honda or Toyota....they will last forever. I had a car accident a few years ago and my little Corolla was totaled so I decided I needed a big SUV to keep me safe, so I bought a Ford Expedition. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!! Type in "spark plug ejection" in google, and you will see why. I sold the car and ended up getting a Nissan Xterra, which is what I drive now. I have never had a problem with it and was lucky enough to find it on Craigslist from the original owner (I couldn't afford to get a car with a monthly payment either). Happy hunting!