Could check out the Ford 500..is it? They are really sharp and smaller than the Taurus (my next family car). I also am a big fan of the Scions by Toyota. Currently drive a 4-Runner ltd, which I will never get rid of.

I have a new style Honda Civic 2 door. I LOVE it. Only problem is it is a little noisy.

I also drive a Scion XB for many of the reasons you listed in your criteria. I am disabled and have problems getting into some vehicles where I have to lower myself into the car. The Scion is just right for me to enter and exit. It is made by Toyota. Now it does have drawbacks being a lower end model (not a Lexus) with my main complaint being that it is preset from factory to unlock all the doors automatically when placed in park - not a good idea at ATMS and such. I checked and it can be changed - at a cost of $50! I would have made that a condition of the sale had I known it beforehand. I have had it for two years and never had any problems and regular maintenance and oil changes.

We have this car also, and LOVE it. It also sits a bit higher, and is easier to get in and out of. We looked at a Civic, and decided it sat too low to the ground.

I'm another XB owner. I love it. Mine is new and not broke in yet so my milage isn't as good as nyelphaba's. I don't like having to pull myself out of cars and the XB is up a little higher so it is very easy to get in and out of. It is roomy even in the back. The lights are on the steering wheel. I think you should go test drive one.

I'm a Honda owner. I drove a Honda civic for 13 years, bought a new one in 2010 and love it. (Son has old Honda, stills runs good.) Good gas mileage (40 on highway). My DH drives a Honda ridgeline (truck).

My wife bought the Scion XD last year (not quite as boxy as the XB) and loves it, frankly so do I since I got her 1996 Corolla wagon with over 200,000 miles on it. So far no problems what so ever and averages mid 30s in gas millage and that is in town and open road combined.

Thank you all for answering! I checked out many of your suggestions online, will head to the auto-plex tomorrow for more test drives.

DebraK, you made my jaw drop. $10,000 for a Lexus? However did you negotiate that? I'm sure it wasn't sitting in the lot with that price on it. (I'm not interested in a Lexus. Gas mileage is too low, and I'm sure maintenance costs would be high, but I'm still awed by your deal.)

DogHouseMom, if the Honda Fit seats really adjust to straight, I'll give it a try. MadQuilter, I agree, the look is goofy, which I wanted to avoid, but on the other hand, I do like my Honda. The other problem I have with the current Hondas is the high rise of the doors and slant of the windshield, which blocks visibility to lane lines and the ground. Worth a test drive, though.

nyelphaba, I hadn't thought of a Scion. I wouldn't be comfortable with your XB, but I looked at the TC online. Nice-looking, but the gas mileage isn't good.

You struck a nerve, because I grew up in Detroit, so there's always some guilt about not buying American. However, reliability and long car life is a must, and American brands don't have that. Also, American auto workers tell me that most parts come from overseas anyway. Add to that the fact that many foreign brands have factories here (most Hyundai Elantras are made in Alabama, for example), and it's meaningless now.

MrsM, I do use cartalk.com, should take a look at their brand recommends. Thanks.

The Ford Fusion has a great rating and my inlaws love theirs.

I have a kia rio, and had a honda accord (2 door, needed 4 door for baby), gas mileage was about the same, the accord was way smoother, features i do like on the kia tells you when you have low tire pressure, headlight turn off when you turn off the car regardless if the switch is left on( ie no dead battery like the honda. Dislikes no automatic windows, (sorry to me a pain to roll). Overall I think your problem is going to be finding all your features in one car. I have had a ford escort now the focus which to me is on the same level as the rio on smooth driving, do like toyotas, but think hondas are better quality and stand the test of time longer than the toyota (accord vs camry, both heavy driving my old honda, now my brothers, is 13 years still going , camry was about 10). Haven't had an audi, but don't discredit used cars. Carmax in california does used but the are only a few years old with limited mileage, and sometimes warranties are still good, that is where I got my rio. Me personally I like the size of the rio over the accord, but if I have the chance will probably get a civic, the rio seating does make my back hurt, the honda didn't so keep that in mind as well. I also noticed some listed scion xbs, my brother in law has one, and it does not get that great of gas mileage, he drives long distance and is currently looking to to get a new car for that reason, so also take that into consideration as well