Pasta 
2006 Toyota Matrix Wagon XR 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
All around great car
 As the title states... Bought the car for its mileage, dependability, and versatility.  I'm a handy-man so hauling wood and other building materials is a fairly common occurrence for me.  I also MTB ride often and being able to throw the bike and gear in the back or several on a rack for long trips with friends is also common.  This car handles ALL of that with grace.  The manual transmission is good.  Shifting is positive, short throws.  Acceleration is more than adequate.  It's not a sports car (for 15 years, my previous car). You're in the wrong price range and class if you are expecting that type of handling and performance.  Even still, the Matrix performs very well.