 I took a chance on Hyundai, and so far 
it has paid off. I have had only minor 
problems here and there (much less than 
my Chevy Blazer, though), and the 
dealer has always taken care of me with 
same-day service. The car has decent 
pick-up, and the hatchback is very 
convenient for carrying large items (I 
have transported three large backpacks 
with ease). The only drawback was 
handling, particularly in bad weather, 
but new tires seem to have resolved 
that issue.  I can't see how you could 
get a better deal on a new car at 
$10,000.