I don't have any experience with the car models you listed, but I've driven an older-model Acura for the past several years, and it's a good solid car. The last time I took it to the garage, the mechanic told me that, with proper maintenance, I could get at least another decade out of it (it's already over a decade old). When the sad day comes that I have to replace that car, Acura is definitely on my list. So, do check out the RSX, although it would suck if amycat's right about the mileage.

I guess I'm out of the car knowledge mix now, then.

One thing that's probably goofy but I like about the Outback series is that it rides at a higher level, but you don't notice it. So, when you get out of it in a dress, it doesn't hike up like when you're in a sports car or an SUV. I know, geeky - but when I get out of a car at a nursing home, the last thing I need is a bunch of little old men trying to escape with me!

Not to scare you or anything, but one of my friends sold his Jetta because--get this--the wheel fell off during a road trip! It wasn't an old model, either. It had some other problems, but I think that's the one that sort of convinced him to get rid of it. :p

Acura
 

My sister had a new model Acura RSX for two years (2004-2005). Nice car, and very pretty inside and out. Good luck car shopping!

We just got a Sante Fe and love it! I wasn't quite ready for the mommy van, and this is still sporty enough that I don't feel like a total matron! The gas mileage is decent compared to our trade in. The room is great, and the drive is nice! We've been totally happy with it! And someone else mentioned the awesome warranty!

Subarus can be really, really reliable. My best friend has the Legacy wagon that has been in the family since 1993, and "Susie" the car is still doing really well even tho she's been several minor accidents and had three new drivers learning to drive a stick shift.

Speaking of VWs, a friend from my old job had her transmission die on a 2004 Passat for no discernable reason.

I know this isn't on the list, but I love my 2005 Ford Focus four door sedan. It's a great, yet affordable, not-so-little car.

Not familiar with the cars you listed, Dani, but my sister has a 2005 Malibu that she loves. I actually drove it for a week when she was on her honeymoon and I was impressed. Reasonably priced, too.

So I went test driving yesterday, and I'm pretty sure I want the Acura RSX. Now it's just a matter of haggling on the price- there's only 3 dealers in the Pittsburgh areas, but on the plus side, they're super competitive with each other so hopefully I can work that.

Surprisingly, I also liked the Nissan Altima 2.5 S with Special Edition package, but it is very different than what I thought I wanted. It was suggested to me to test drive, so I did. So i'm considering it, but Acura is outweighing it in being more of what I want, better warranty, better resale value, and maybe lower insurance (gotta call the insurance agent tomorrow).

I also test drove the Sentra Special Edition- I liked it, but it's basically my current car (a 200sx) updated. But anyone looking for an inexpensive, reliable car that's cute, AND has a great soundsystem, i'd recommend it.

Wanted to test drive a Tiburon, but the Hyuandai dealer I went to didn't have any automatics. But I did look at a manual to see what it looked like. After the Acura, it looked like junk, lol. So that's off my list.

If anyone else has opinions on the Acura RSX or the Nissan Altima, i'd love to hear them!

Still partial to My Honda, 4 th.

Toyota is also one of the best in that grouping. Lexis and Accura are just upgrades of the two I listed. More fru fru.

Want to drive well or look well? Cost is a big factor! No?

Mileage with gas pricing is a premium for sure.

Make sure You go with a good dependable Auto.

My friend has the Nissan Altima. It's a great car. I drove his one time since it was one of the cars I was considering. It handles really well. The reason I didn't get it is because I wanted an SUV (higher up so I can see better) and side airbags weren't standard. It was going to cost an arm and a leg to include the side airbags. Plus, it comes in a package where I'd have to get all these other features that I didn't want with the side airbags. I have a feeling that in a few years it will be a requirement for all cars to have side airbags.

My recommendation is to go online and request quotes from the dealers through one of those online websites. I had a dealer that was 40 minutes away give me a really good quote online so I went to the closest dealer and asked if they could match it/beat it. They did better by $500. I got my car for below invoice but I think it was because it was the end of the model year and because there were a bunch of those hidden dealer incentives going on. Also, it was the end of the month; most dealerships are trying to meet quota and are willing to sell cars for a lower price.

I've heard bad things about the RSX's gas mileage. I know someone with one and he gets 10-12 mpg.

My old roommate used to have a Nissan Sentra and she drove that thing until it wouldn't drive anymore. They are pretty decent cars, so an Altima should be in the same ballpark.

I know you aren't looking at Subarus anymore, but apparently 4 wheel drive comes standard on most, if not all, models. I don't know if you are looking to drive in the snow at all. If you aren't, the 4 wheel drive is pretty pointless and eats up gas.

My family are Nissan and Subaru people! I would go for the Altima, it might not be real sporty, but it is VERY reliable and I don't know....i'm just partial to nissans b/c I have a sentra! lol.

I can't say anything bad about the Subaru (except for the price..lol). My dad had a 1993 Subaru legacy, and that car saved our lives when we got into an accident my senior year (in 2003). B/c the car is sooo heavy (it weighs about the same as my mom's Nissan Pathfinder) it slowed us down (and the car that hit us) so that no one else was in the accident & so that all we sustained were bumps and bruises and really nothing major.

So after lots and lots of research, and now that I've been officially hired, i'm going to go buy the RSX tonight and will hopefully have it in about a week. The Altima was cool, but I don't think i'm ready for a 4-door sedan yet, lol.

Congrats on being hired and picking out a car! Hope you enjoy it.