Prius
Yaris
Something else
If you want the cute dumpy nose (no offense, but I don't like it), and you are only going to get a new car just after the warranty expires, then the Yaris is probably okay. The only thing to consider is resale value, which the 1.5 cars don't have a lot of.
BEHOLD!!! The 88 Plymouth Sundance!!
Shlup: have you considered Hondas?
<a href="http://automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Civic+Hybrid">Civic Hybrid</a>
<a href="http://automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Civic+Sedan">Civic Sedan regular</a>
It has a little dumpiness and similar prices. And they're not as ugly (still nothing great, though).
I would stick with Toyota or Mazda 3, but no Hondas. Honda's reliability has declined steadily since 2000 (whew, I have a 99'), and has had a lot of problems, especially with the Accords and Civics. The performance side of Honda is okay, such as the Prelude and S2000, but I assume that's not what you're looking for. The new 2006 Civic is bound to be a load of problems since it's brand new redesign for this year. If you check out www.carsurvey.org, there are hundreds of reviews that people have written about their cars and whether they'd buy another one. Honda is covered with dissatisfied reviews and mad customers.
BEHOLD!!! The 88 Plymouth Sundance!!
If Mazda's are okay with - go for the Mazda 6. But don't forget Mazda's are pricey to repair, their parts are expensive.
Go for the Peel Trident.
It has a great design and gives plenty of room for the kids.
No, no go with the Mazda 6 for reliability reasons. This one is tricky cause only the Mazda 3 is made in Japan along with the 5. But the 6 is a Ford Fusion chassis with a the euro 3.0 V6 or the duratec 2.3, so the reliabilty is below average for the 6. Not bashing anyone, just felt that I needed to speak up.
BEHOLD!!! The 88 Plymouth Sundance!!
Yup.
Get an Ariel Atom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdkEV-t9jg0
Why don't you wanna buy a good car?
A Renault is easily better than a Toyota.
Toyotas are very good cars.