Good cars

Okay ladies what are some good cars that are safer than others, reliable and not to expensive? I have an almost 2 year old and I'm going to be having another baby here within 2 months. Right now we drive a neon which is going to crap and is not going to make it through the winter. We have to watch what we spend on a car due to him getting layed off in the winter. We want something to protect our family any suggestions ?