Reliable car for kids and a short commute

My 2002 VW Golf just died and I'm now in the market for a car for the first time in quite a while. I have two kids so I need 4 doors and some room in back, but my wife's CRV is the main family car so I don't need a SUV or minivan or anything like that. My commute is only about 4 miles each way and ideally I'd like something with good miles per gallon. And since my VW has been in the shop lately I would like something that will be reliable for a while. Fair price I'm looking at something less than $15,000. What do you think?