This may not be the most popular choice here but I think a Chevy Cobalt or Pontiac Pursuit/G5 is a great used car choice. My co-worker has been very happy with his Pursuit and I have been very happy with my HHR which has the same 2.2L 4 cylinder which is in his car. While I think the Cruze is a revalation for GM I actually liked the Cobalt and thought it did not get its due in the marketplace.