Need advice on choosing the right car

I know very little about cars, so I don't know where to start when looking for the right car. Here's the situation: my mom currently has a '98 Honda Odyssey that fits our needs very well. However, its pretty much running on borrowed time at this point, and we need a new car. This is where I need help; the two of us are almost clueless as to what the different options are really like, not what the commercials say they are like.

Financing is in place; we can afford $20,000 but must buy the car before Sunday, February 4. Also, it must be a new car. The main things we need are room, fuel economy, and reliability. The Odyssey we have now seats seven and that seems to be just right; more room for groceries would be nice however. Fuel economy is pretty much self-explanatory: the less we spend on gas, the better. Reliability is very important; even if repairs cost nothing, not having a car available can really screw up schedules.

What say you the experts? The more specific, the better. Oh, and prices are always good; makes it harder for those rascally car salesmen. :)

I work at a Ford Lincoln Mercury dealership. With that said, I would go for a Kia minivan if it has to be new. They aren't nearly as nice as the Honda, but you can't sniff $20k on a new Honda Odyssey.

If a new car is big enough for you then:

1) Ford Fusion
2) Honda Civic
3) Toyota Corolla
4) Chevy HHR (Very Ugly, but they get decent ratings)

Hope it helps.

I work at a Ford Lincoln Mercury dealership. With that said, I would go for a Kia minivan if it has to be new. They aren't nearly as nice as the Honda, but you can't sniff $20k on a new Honda Odyssey.

If a new car is big enough for you then:

1) Ford Fusion
2) Honda Civic
3) Toyota Corolla
4) Chevy HHR (Very Ugly, but they get decent ratings)

Hope it helps.
Thanks.