Don't laugh at me.
I drive a 2002 Kia Rio. It's the cheapest car on the planet, yet it's actually made fairly well. It's got good paint, a good ride, and it runs well. I've had no problems with it, and only one recall. It needs to be taken to the shop though, because every now and again it idles funny. It might just be me, but it seems like it.
Either way, I got one with AC and a CD player for under $11 grand brand new. It gets about 30-35 mpg, and I drive it like it's stolen because I'm always running late.
It has a 10 year power train warranty, so you don't have to worry about that for a LONG time. It's got a 5 year 60,000 mile bumper to bumper.
It's a great little car for the money. I love it. When I get it paid off, I'll still have 5 years worth of warranty left. I haven't decided if I'm gonna buy a little bit nicer Kia, or keep the Rio another 5 years and get a killer bike...
Either way, it's worth maybe taking a look at. Not the most stylish, but it's comfortable, affordable, low maintenance, and gets good gas mileage.