I keep looking at the Caliber (and I do see many of them in Chicago's western burbs) and thinking that it has the right body. Except for Mazda, I do not really see a mfr selling a small hatch style vehicle. Something without all the bells and whistles so as to keep the price low. It really has the correct ground clearance and look of efficiency. My only personal negative was using the CVT versus an automatic.
Maybe I am old fashioned but I do't need the various electronic doodads but want a reliable, seat comfortably vehicle.
I do not see a vehicle (except the mini) that is an actual favorite; a vehicle that stays with the family for a long time like a pair of old shoes (My 89 Caravan was one; just a nice reliable van. And the old Datsun B210's wer another; they literally died of old age before many a family would turn them in; Dodge Omnis also seemed to be like labrador retrievers-fun and loyal).
Yes, I hear people howling that the car was built with budget being first and quality last (tht can be disputed) and the plastic interior was cheap. But, if so, these could be upgraded easily by the mfr but the main theme (the body's main design and drive train) is there.