Suzuki

Suzuki is pretty much the Geo of Japan.  In fact, back when Geo still existed, several of their models were made by Suzuki.  They've gotten better, but not much.  Their cheap cars are still very cheap, and they look and feel like it.  But fair is fair - let's give them a shot.


Kizashi
So far, every midsize car I've tried has been both comfortable, and just barely above my $20k limit once you actually find one with the basic, necessary options.  The Kizashi does not buck the trend.  In fact, of the half-dozen at the dealership I visited, the cheapest was over $23k.

But you do get a nice car for the money - nicer than you'd expect from Suzuki, at any rate.  Entrance/exit was OK, but not awesome.  A little worse than Sentra or Elantra, especially in the head department.  The seats were extremely nice, but the one I tried was the >$30k premium trim level.  There was enough room all around.  When I asked the salesman the chances of actually getting a Kizashi with an automatic for under $20k, he said "Maybe in a year or two, when they come back used".  Drat.


SX-4
This is what Suzuki does best - small and cheap.  The "crossover" version with AWD, touchscreen GPS, heated seats, and all the other bells and whistles, is still a bit under $20k.  This is the only AWD vehicle to make the list.  Comfort wise, it works.  It's easier to get in and out of than the Kizashi.  The upright seating posture is excellent for larger people, and there is enough room for all of me.  The seats themselves are cheap and a bit on the hard side though, and long trips might get uncomfortable.  I can't shake the stigma of the brand name, but I have to admit this might be a contender.