Agreed with all of the above: Toyota and Honda are indeed a toss up; both are high value cars, excellent reliability and gas mileage. I'd say go with a new Corolla, you'll have an almost perfect ride and you'd be original..there are way too many Honda's on the road..set yourself apart man, be different!
I'd love to have a Corolla, they are nice cars.
Just DON'T get a Focus! That was Ford's wannabe asian "Hot Hatch" answer to the booming aftermarket / sporty import scene, which makes them Fake wannabe poser's, it's like that kid in "Not Another Teen Movie" who's trying to look and act like a cool asian guy..but he just can't cut it.
Goodluck dude!
Greg