I have a chevy tahoe and although I have always loved the big trucks, I just can't afford the big gas costs anymore, I want to buy a little 4 banger, these are the cars I like that have 4 cyls in some or all their models:

Vw Jetta
Bmw 318
Audi A4
Honda Civic
Honda Accord
Chevy S10
Jeep wrangler

Which in your opinion with a budget of $5000 would be my best bet in the long run, keeping upkeep costs down and of course the best mpg?

u found a BMW 318 and An audi A4 for under 5K? nice

if ur goin for cheap, economical, and reliable, i would find a civic DX hatch somewhere. u can prolly get a late 90s(97-00) for around that price and will prolly naver have a problem

I have a 94 Corolla that I paid $2,000 for at I can get up to 38mpg on the highway if I drive at 65mph. I average about 34 in mixed use. It's a manual

It wasn't on your list, but they are cheap, reliable, and easy to maintain. I had an Accord but the gas mileage was not as good. Perhaps a Civic is just right for you.

I'd get a cheap Corolla and keep your Tahoe when you want to drive something nice.