Advice on a new car

I've been working in London, England for the past 2 and a half years, having moved her from Southern California for work.

Currently in London, my means of transportation include, the world famous two foot express, city buses and various trains.

In May I'll be moving home, and thus will be looking for a new car.

I'm 25.
I have a clean driving record (i.e. no tickets/accidents).
I want to spend maybe $20,000 tops.
I want something that's going to last without much trouble for 4 or 5 years.
I want something fun to drive, doesn't need to be the fastest or best handling, just fun.
I will probably do 0 modifications short of perhaps a new set of tires and wheels.
It needs to be suitable to drive around town/commute, as well as some road trips to Northern California.

I'm ok with new or used, provided I can find one without too much trouble.

So basically any good ideas/suggestions and reasons why, would be welcomed with open arms.

Thanks!

I'd suggest a slightly used Chevy Monte Carlo or Acura CL.

Ford focus, most fun well put together inexpensive car i've ever driven

used tsx

Suggest you look at a new '05 Chrysler Sebring - Touring Edition. I just picked one up with V-6, sunroof, leather, radio upgrade, and alloy wheels for $18K. Car has 7year-70K warranty to boot. Performance and handling are much improved over '01 model I traded in. Fuel economy is excellent with the 200HP 2.7Liter V6. Have run 3 Chrysler midsize cars hard in business travel over the past few years. All have gone 100K without major incident and given me good service. For the money, they're hard to beat.

Regards:
Oldengineer