Help! Gotta buy a new car! Advice needed!

[snot]

Hi, everyone!

My significant other's become legally blind, so we need to pare down to one vehicle. We strongly dislike each other's cars and have decided to sell both and buy a compromise car. Since I'll have to do all the driving, my preferences get priority, but I've agreed to certain concessions.

I've been driving a zippy little Acura RSX-S hatchback, and love how it handles.

My sig. other's car is a Subaru Forrester. It's comfortable for roadtrips, but has no pep, and it feels like it's going to tip over with every turn.

I've agreed we need a car with 5 doors (including hatch or back door) and just a little more interior volume. And I definitely want to stick with brands that are reliable and not expensive to maintain.

My RSX-S was basically the very economical bottom of a very nice line, and I'm kind of hoping to find something like that again – a car that gives me a lot of bang per buck. But it may be the last car I drive, and I'm willing to pay a little more if I have to.

All thoughts and advice re- makes and models to consider or shopping in general will be greatly appreciated! I know some people enjoy shopping for cars but I just dread it.