[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by 911michael

Mazda6. Reliable and a bit more fun to drive than the others mentioned.

Agreed, they are more on the sport end of the spectrum than the others. Also very nicely styled with high quality materials inside. I've had them in base form for rentals multiple times, and my little sister in law has a loaded Grand Touring model. Great cars and I think by far the best midsized sedan out there.

Others I would consider:

Focus - surprisingly roomy in hatchback form, you can fit two adults in the back seat. ST is a ton of fun.
Mazda3 - similar size to the Focus, you can carry two adults in back and the hatchback is surprisingly big. Again, the fun option.
Hyundai Sonata - very nice appliances
Kia Optima - one of the best looking options with a pretty good interior
Fusion - great car, but the base model is really blah. Get one that has the Ecoboost and some options.
Nissan Altima - often forgotten, but a pretty decent car with a nice V6 if optioned.

Notice no new Toyotas, I find them to be incredibly mediocre. Reliable yes, but I think others make cars that are equally reliable but much better built and styled.