I ultimately went with a Nissan Altima 2.5SL (non-hybrid). With all the options I wanted and a 100k powertrain warranty, the hybrid was still a bit out of my price range. I love the car even though my initial mpg is taking a big hit with the cold weather we've been having. Car was about 24,000 + $5k for 7yr/100k Security Plus Gold warranty, 5yr/75k Maintenance Plus Silver package (don't pay for oil changes), LoJack, remote start built into the keyfob.

Been idling the car a bit with the weather and I'm not yet switched over to synthetic oil. Averaging 21.1mpg for the last two tanks with mostly 15 minute trips to and from work each morning. Temperature here is between 15 and 30°F. The Altima feels like a very solid car. A much more solid feel than the Maxima I had. I wrote a little review in my blog if anyone is interested.

http://www.therealmac.net/blog/?p=24