Need an "affordable" family car - recommendations?

As much as I am a Mopar guy, I would look to Ford. I respect that they took no government money, and were turning profits sooner then any of the other 2. I would look at a Focus, perhaps an Escape?
SUV can eat more gas, but you can throw some of the MPG tricks at it, and some good instrumentation that gives average and instant MPG are great for driver feedback.
Scangauge II is nice little MPG meter, that really makes you adjust your driving habits, if you want the good numbers.