mazda 3 is a good corolla alternative. Much nicer, more fun, IMO. Personally, if I were in the market for a small "commuter car," I'd go hybrid. Either the civic hybrid or prius... If all you want out of it is reliable, economical transportation, you might as well be environmentally responsible too.

:edit: plus, here in CO, you get a major tax deduction for driving an "alternative fuel" car.