New Car for a Twenty Year Old

Hey all, so I know little to nothing about cars. I can drive them. I can scrape ice off windows. That's about it. Hence why I'm here.

So, I drive a 2002 p.o.s. ford focus that my parents bought before I could drive. Ok, it's not that bad. But it's had more than its fair share of problems. Anyway, they're thinking they want to get a new car and my dad is still gung-ho about the ford focus. He says its perfect for a 20 year old like me, who's about to go into her senior year of college and do internships and what not in a pretty horrible neighborhood. I disagree. I don't want a car that's going to shutter when I hit the brakes and break down in the streets of the ghetto at night.

So, my question: What is another small, affordable (like $15,000-$25,000 range) and dependable kind of car I can suggest we look into besides the focus? My dad is dead set against buying used cars, but doesn't want to spend a ton. Thanks in advance!

With 15-25k you have alot of options. If you want a small car I'd recommend a Corolla, it is the best selling car in the world for a reason. Even well equipped, I dont think you would spend even close to 25k.