Good Cars Under 5k?

Howdy everyone,

I am in the process of looking for my first car!

god, I wish

This is a big decision and I figured I could use all of the help I can get.

What would you consider a good first car for under 5k? I live in the Raleigh/Durham area of North Carolina for context.

My Criteria:

1. I need to drive about 120 miles several days a week to go to my university. Most of this is highway driving on one road.
2. It needs to be reliable
3. It should have good gas mileage, I don't want to spend lots of $$$
4. I want a slightly bigger car, a sedan or a large hatchback at would be preferable.

Please let me know what you think,
TNC