Take a look at the Scion
I'll add in another vote for the scion. I had my doubts at first(it's no VX!!), but the girlfriend liked it and we got one. Just got T-boned and rolled over in it yesterday. The side curtain airbags are a good idea. The person that hit us ran the light at the bottom of a freeway offramp. We were both totally unharmed. Not even any scrapes, bumps or bruises. They are certainly tough little cars.