For reliability you can't beat a Nissan Sunny:
My family have had ours for 18 years and never needed to spend a lot on it - it took its MOT last month and only failed on needing a couple of wiper blades! You wouldn't get as reliable a car today!
However, it's not the best overall car. I like Land Rovers:
I think it depends what type of car. Do you want a sports car? Or an executive car? Or a 4x4?