Hyundai and Kia are reliable? I've heard otherwise. :nixweiss
I think in the long-run Japanese cars are your best bet because most models are consistently reliable, which saves you both money and aggrivation. Domestics and Korean cars are cheaper initially, but will cause more trouble down the road. Of course if you don't plan on keeping the car past its bumper-to-bumper warranty then it might be okay.
I also like the used car option myself. If you're really worried about buying used I've heard good things about Certified used car deals (more expensive of course). Unless I suddenly find myself rich one day, I'll always see the used option as a good way to go simply because you get more for your money and if the car is in good shape (and reliable) you can probably drive it for a long time too.
Going new or used, don't forget about Mazda too. Some of their cars are good deals!
