I own a Toyota Matrix It gets great gas mileage, is very roomy(I am a contractor and carry latters, 5 gal buckets of paint and mud, and all my tools with the back seats laid forward), and it isn't super expensive either.
There are times when I wish I had an SUV but I think I would really miss my Matrix. Also it is considered a station wagon which helps with insurance and There are a lot of after market parts available.