my new favorite car is the one i just got... 1998 Volvo V70 T5.  its a 5 speed wagon with 145,000 on it that gets 26 to gallon (when im driving).  and it goes 150, but ive only hit 130, but didnt have time to top out.  it's front wheel drive, has seats in teh trunk (up to 8 kids total)  room for 2 bikes, thule mounts on top, room for skis, or a play boat, and its my dream car.  theyre not expensve used either, mine was 4,000.  look into it, it seems perfect for you.