What's a good car to get?

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I was in an accident, and my car was totaled. What make/model is reliable, and safe? I'm thinking Ford Focus. What do you think? Suggestions please.

Ford Pinto

One that drives safely and doesn't break down.

Next!

Also, it might be helpful to tell us what country you live in as makes/models differ throughout the world.

I was thinking Ford Focus before I read your actual post!

I've never owned a Focus but I've driven the little Ford Transit Connect vans which I think have things in common with the focus: good handling, good breaks, nippy turbo diesel engine. If I was going for value, practicality and quality, I would go for a Focus as my next car.

It depends on your needs. In my case, I have bad knees, so it is too hard for me to bend my knees to get into a regular car because they are too low to the ground. On the other hand, I am too short for the really big SUVs, so I have a Cherokee. I am able to get into that without much trouble. Also, here in western NY we often get a lot of snow in the winter, so if I do have to go out, I can use the Cherokee's 4W drive. It is also helpful when I occasionally have to go on gravel/dirt roads. There are a lot of them around here.

You need to figure out how you want to use the car, and any personal needs, like the bad knees in my case. Then check the online review sites, and buy a Consumer Reports Buying Guide. These will be a big help in picking out the best models, and what you should pay for it. Also, never lease a car, it it isn't worth the cost. If you can possible afford it, pay all cash for a good used one. If you don't have the full price, then at least spring for a good used car, and don't get the loan through the dealer. The best place to get a car loan is from a local credit union. The next best place would be the bank that holds your mortgage, and if you don't have a mortgage, the next best place is probably the bank that you use for your regular banking needs.

Good luck in your car hunting, and remember, we on the spectrum are all:

A Different Drummer

If a man does not keep pace with his companions,
Perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.
Let him step to the music which he hears,
However measured or far away.

--Henry David Thoreau

a beach buggy

I've had good luck with Hondas, they've been much more reliable and more fun to drive than any of the American cars I've had over the years.

Toyota engines are meant to be very reliable, most Japanese stuff is made pretty well from what I know of people who are into cars. Get something common, that way there are more parts out there for cheaper if anything goes wrong.

I have had good experiences with Honda, Toyota, & Mitsubishi

My suggestion is stay away from american cars, they are crap.

Just flying the flag for small cars (unless you're a contractor or something): VW Polo is a great wee car. But as they're not that common in the US (?) they may be a bit pricey to run. But it's a reliable car.

A tricycle, drawn chariot style by a souped up lawnmower.

Why get a car when you could get a plane?

A Reliant Robbin