I am looking to buy a 2000 or 2001 used car, but I want something that's going to last for a while and not cost me a lot in maintainence costs. Also, I need to make sure that the cost for future repairs are not going to kick my butt in the long run. I just need something reliable that won't leave me standing, helpless on the side of the freeway waiting for a tow truck to help me.

It depends. Where do you want your dollars to go?
Buy a toyota, honda, or some other import if you don't care about American Union jobs. Talk to people that own Saturns. Most of the ones I talked to got in excess of 200,000 miles on theirs.
If you do happen to blow the engine, you can get one cheap. I have an sl2. While it's not a status symbol to drive, it has survived as my son's first car. We have over 100,000 mi. on it and its running strong. Parts are cheaper. Don't believe the hype.

chevy

buy only American cars and trucks
Chevy and ford just might close their doors for good if we don't last night on the news they said by USA buying foreign cars and trucks could actually be the end of American cars companies.which would mean tens of thousands of jobs lots in more than half the states..

buy American ONLY ! ! on everything

a honda civic is about the best you can do. there is a reason there are so many around. the quality of craftmansship is incredible for any car let alone a 15k car. insurance is low, gas is really effecient and it will go for a loooooooong time.
go to edmunds.com to find used car reviews an other peoples reviews

Look into Toyota any one that you can afford.

Big V,
The guys on this page are all right.
except not any Toyota, Camry Sucks. Carolla is die hard.
Saturns are good cars and they also do alot for Americans. To bad our government dont do the same.

In my opinion, Honda Accord is the best car ever built hands down. I think they are the closest thing to indestructable. I heard that there is one in the transportation musiem with over 1,000,000 miles on it!