Junk box recommendations?

Basically, I need a junk box that will get me from A to B for the next 3 or 4 years or so. If it happens to last longer, I’m in luck, if it dies on me, it’s whatever. I’m ok with doing some simple mechanic stuff (like changing fuses, swapping tires, swapping muffler, etc), but not much more than that. Reason for the purchase is that we are moving and my current family SUV (currently 1 car family) will be mostly driven by my wife, and my work will be 40 minute drive so I need something for my commute to work. I know Toyota and Hondas are known brand for these type of cars, but at the budget I’m looking at, (around $5K), most Hondas and Toyotas have their own issues to be at that price and I’m not looking to put so much money to fix them up. Preferably SUV, so that in case my current car has an issue, I can put my kids (2x, 3rd maybe happening) in this car for a few weeks or so. Given the daily commute, something good on fuel is preferred… What are some models that fits these checklist? At my new place I will have a pretty decent sized garage to work on my cars if I need to.