A Ford Focus, especially with stick and the 2.0 L 130 HP engine and sports package. Can get in 3 dr HB, 4 dr. sedan, 5 dr HB, and 4 dr. wagon. Can get used ones for a fair price if shop around, try car rental sales lots, many Ford dealers, get one off lease. With 130 hp engine, sports package, fun to throw around town, yet stable on the highway, even at faster than legal speeds. FWD = all weather ability. Plenty of room inside for kids, gear, yet small on outside for local, shopping driving. Reliabiity....well, it is a Ford, but choose later production 2001-2002 models to avoid some of recall problems. Of course, inspect fully, make sure car maintained. And at least it's not a ricer...lol...