Oooh, the Yaris is a GREAT car for the price! I test-drove it awhile back. It drives like any Toyota, a little bumpy but with excellent maneuverability, which is the way I like my cars. My only beef with it is that the seats were really super uncomfortable for me, but since you're a relatively normal height (i.e. not a gnome) it should be fine.

I'm not sure what the going rate is for one these days, but the Nissan Versa is another great car I test-drove! I'm trying to think of others, but most were either too expensive or got shitty gas mileage.