So how much do you exactly know about cars? Ford and Chevy certainly are not the worst cars you could get. I did a side by side comparison, on a Focus and a Yaris. The Focus beat the Yaris in almost every catigory. I also did a side by side comparison on a Cobalt and a Yaris. This one was a little more even, but the Cobalt was cheaper, had a more powerful engine, a better warrenty, and I would say better crash test ratings, but the Yaris hasn't been tested yet, so yeah.
Also for laughs, I did a side by side of a Dodge Caliber, (the vehicle Dodge is using to replace the Neon), and a Yaris. The Dodge got better ratings by both experts and users. And honestly for what you get, the Caliber at only $100 more, gets more for your money.
As for your statement on how Chevy and Ford is the worst car you could get, except ford is good for trucks. That certainly isn't true. With Ford you have the Focus, which is probably one of the better, if not the best small car out there. Then you have the new Fusion, which is also very good, (I mean it's replacing the Tarus for crying out loud, it has to be). Then you have the new Five Hundred, which from what I've heard and read is also great. Then you have the Mustang, and their line of trucks, as you said are good.
Then you have Chevy, which I really don't have anything bad to say, except that the Impala should be Rear Wheel Drive, and that thank god they are discontinueing the SSR. Then you have their trucks, which although may not be the best, last forever.
But if you want a really, REALLY good American car, or any car for that matter, buy a Dodge.
So yeah, I would really recomend a Ford Focus or a Dodge Caliber.