You could do a lot worse than buy a Ford. My '94 Mustang is still running strong at around 200,000 miles, with very little work. I did have the tank fuel pump and the throwout bearing done by shops because I can't work in the parking lot here at the apartments. Still, the old girl is holding up well and is a lot quieter than the kid who is the same age.
I don't know why you refer to the bailouts as O-Bama Bucks. It ain't his money, it's our money. We now own two bankrupt car companies, and while I have always liked Chrysler, I was badly screwn on the only GM car I ever owned, and they should have gone Chapter 7.
1975 32' Flybridge Sedan, twin Perkins 6-354 diesels, 1:1.53 velvetdrives, 16 X 19 props. Merritt Island, Florida