re: anyone drive a cheap compact car for work?

The vehicles in the small car segment are fairly similar in terms of features, gas mileage, and comfort. Reliability is the biggest difference. Look at the Hyundai Elantra hatchback. Very well equipped, reliable, decent space for a small car, very comfortable, more attractive styling than the rest of the segment, feels zippy and has enough umph to swap lanes in a hurry in heavy traffic.

If you want to spend a little more money to get something fun that also gets good mileage. Look at the Hyundai Velostar, EXTREMELY FUN little cars, they're about the same size as the Elantra. But far better equipped on the interior.

Edit: changed Accent to Elantra.