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[Lil' Dice]

I can vouch for the Nissan Altima. I've owned all 3 gen Altimas, and the 3rd gen (2002<) are both a blast to drive and are extremely practical. The 4 cylinder can be had for less than 20k, buy a year old model and you can pay as little as 25k, and they're pretty fucking zippy and drive smoothly. The last two models seem as if they're in a lower class after owning the latest model, both in terms of features, power and vehicle size(much more interior room). It's almost pointless to buy a Maxima nowadays when you can get a v6 Altima which is lighter/faster than the Maxi, cheaper than a base Maxima and only marginally smaller.
There are many good recommendations, however I'll only comment on the car i own and trust.

I say test drive as many cars as possible before you make your purchase.

 

[ballhog]

My wife and I have owned four New Beetles since 1998, and while we have had our share of problems with them, not once has any of them left either of us stranded.

It seems You bought new and traded every couple of years, in your situation just about any car is reliable. Every VW I have owned has stranded me at least a few times, one burnt to the ground. My Mothers golf also stranded me a few times, and a friends Gti. My old roomates jetta was a complete disaster as well.

Any way, I've had bad luck with them, so I tend to respond accordingly when someone asks for car advice.

 

[Marty Chinn]

Sorta surprised more people aren't recommending the RSX. I know there was a couple mentions, but I think if you want to spend $20k, don't look any further than an RSX. It's a great car, highly rated, gets great mileage at 27/34, great performance, will out do a Civic that people keep mentioning, and it's just simply fun to drive. Most of all, it fits your price range. Seriously at least take a look at the car.

 

[Tarazet]

Sorta surprised more people aren't recommending the RSX. I know there was a couple mentions, but I think if you want to spend $20k, don't look any further than an RSX. It's a great car, highly rated, gets great mileage at 27/34, great performance, will out do a Civic that people keep mentioning, and it's just simply fun to drive. Most of all, it fits your price range. Seriously at least take a look at the car.

That's a great car if you're 25+ and can afford the very high insurance costs. The fact that new drivers gravitate towards sport compacts.. and with the accident rates for those from 18-25.. fill in the blank. I made this mistake. Luckily, I didn't get one that was real fast, because I wouldn't be alive right now, but still, the insurance cost over 5 years was about twice the actual cost of the car, and I didn't even get any points on my record.