Economical commuter, with a tolerable slushbox?

2005/2006 Chevy Cobalt LT sedan. We have a 2009 and our kids love it. I’ve driven it several times and it handles well, gets good gas mileage, and is easy to get into/out of. That’s important when putting kids in the back. I would specifically avoid any Toyota or Honda product. They will certainly be reliable, but the initial purchase price will be thousands higher for an equivalent car.