I would push you strongly towards Japanese cars. I've owned two American (one Ford, one Chevy), and two Japanese cars. I can say without a doubt whatsoever that the Japanese cars ran smoother, longer, with less maintenance required.
The Chevy was an s10 (2.6L v6 ~120hp) pickup, had lots of minor mechanical problems (oil leaks, transmission/clutch problems, suspension problems) and I got rid of it at about 110k miles due to excessive costs to keep it on the road.
The Ford is a 97 (4.0L v6 ~300hp [w/ intake/exhaust/chip]) Explorer that I still have and use when there's snow on the ground and for hauling crap around. It's at 110k miles. It's required a timing chain, new ball joints, new shocks, and a few other things that shouldn't have needed to be replaced as soon as they did. It also burns a lot of gas at 17mpg. If I didn't live on a steep hill and need 4wd in the winter, I'd sell it.
My two Toyotas, one Previa minivan (2.2L I4 ~165hp) lasted to 250k miles with no major work done whatsoever, just normal maintenance) and my 99 Lexus ES300 (3.0L I6 ~295hp) that's my current daily driver, 65k miles and running excellently
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_e_smile.png)
It, too, has needed no major work at all. It gets 22-24 mpg if I drive it gently, about 19mpg if I'm heavy on the gas pedal (as I seem to be far too often...).
Can't go wrong with a Toyota. Honda's, though generic, are well-built machines.
Remember that trucks aren't subjected to the same safety standards as other cars - and don't perform as well in crash tests.
Fuel economy is a big concern these days with gas at $3.00 a gallon in many places, and rising. V8's are pretty much out, V6's are only an option if they're reasonably efficient and in a small-ish vehicle, and 4-bangers are looking better and better these days.
Do research on whatever you're going to buy. The $20 carfax report is worth it on any used car. If you buy used, make sure the previous owner has complete service records, and have the car checked over by a mechanic before you commit to buy.
Don't be in a rush (unless you have to). Take your time and wait for a great deal to come your way. Watch craigslist, the local paper, etc... Some people really like to scout police impound auctions and etc... but I've never been a big fan of those. You might want to try it, though.
Hope that helps a bit.
Peace,
Pete Zaria.