Best cars out there for $20k-$25k?

I'm looking to get a car in that price range (used) once the winter is over here in Illinois. The car I will be getting has to be reliable in snowy conditions, I love muscle cars like a mustang or challenger but I can't afford to put it away for the winter and have a second vehicle. I'm a 21 year old college student, who has worked very hard and saved money for these type of things. Anyway, I would have to say a Nissan Maxima, Ford Fusion, or Chevy Impala/Malibu are at the top of my list. They are look very good and have good reviews, any opinions? My mom has a 2010 nissan maxima and its never had any problems. I love the look of it inside and out. What are your thoughts?

If you are worried about snowing conditions, you can't do much better than a Subaru. It's the state car of Colorado for a reason! Any of them will work, they all have AWD and do very well on snow.

A lightly used Subaru WRX/STI seems to be what you're looking for. It's a reliable performance car, AWD so it's good in snow, efficient, and TONS of aftermarket parts and support so you can build a 400hp monster. Built ones are faster than Lamborghinis. For $25k you won't get anything that holds it's value better. BMWs, Benzes etc. Aren't known to be reliable or hold their value. Ford Fusion is not a performance car at all, same with Impala and Malibu. Maxima is branded as a sports car but it's all marketing. Sports cars don't come with CVTs.

Nissan Altima
Toyota Camry
Honda Accord
Mazda 6

Too many good vehicles in that price range to list. If you need good handling in the winter months look for FWD or AWD vehicles.