Try looking at early 2000s Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans. They all have reasonable reliability (if they've been maintained well) and all 3 have models that come in coupe, wagon/hatchback and sedan depending on what you think best fits your needs.
If I were you, I'd probably look primarily at the Honda Civic because it comes in a TON of different body styles and gets GREAT gas mileage. It may not be the most exciting car on the road, but it'll run forever if you do regular maintenance on it.
I know it's a fairly generic response, but it at least gives you some direction.
Keep us posted and come back with new questions as you think of them!