What is a good first car?

I'm a 17 year old girl and I have had my license for over a year now. I have a job and I need a car to get to and from work. I have been driving my mom's car to work, it is a toyota echo, so I am an experienced driver. I have almost $5,000 saved up and my dad said he will pay for half of my car, but I have to pay for gas, insurance, etc. I have been looking at the new Chevrolet Aveo, it looks pretty nice and it's only about $12,000. Any opinions on this car or any other first cars? I also have been looking at a Nissan Versa sedan, but I don't like how you have to pay extra for anti break locks, air conditioning, and automatic transmission. My price range is anything under $13,000. I'm afraid to get a cheap car, like under $5000 because my brother has bought 2 cars under $5,000, and they both broke down. I know this doesn't mean it will happen to me, but I would prefer a nice, reliable car that I will take with me to college and that I will have for a long time. Again, I am a very experienced driver I have been driving my mom's car to work almost every day, but she is tired of me driving it all the time and thinks it is time for me to have my own car. Thanks!