I read your earlier post, and frankly was thinking what I would tell my Mom, if she were alive, about buying a car today.
Hondas are good. Many of the Japanese cars are good, but the American cars have their places too. (Well, Ford is still not on my honey list)
Automatic transmissions among the various manufacturers can vary a bit in durability.. Most are good but some manufacturers have had some versions that were dogs and others that were great. No blanket condemnation.
I suggest that you go out and look, test drive, some cars on car lots. Find some that appeal to you, sit well, drive comfortably. You need a car that you can see out of, and feel comfortable and safe in driving.
When you have some reference points, then come back and ask about certain models and brands. There should be people around who have experience with almost anything you can find.
AND, you can get into a pretty darn good used car in the $5-10,000 range. As you go lower in price, you may have to accept somewhat higher mileage, older car, etc.
Some of the newer cars probably drive so much better than your old Chrysler product did that you will be astonished.
I, personally, own or have owned Volkswagen Passat....a nice car, but mine was 5 speed Buick Regal ...........a wonderful car, had the occasional problem. Dodge van................the bigger one, no Cadillac, but no problems.
Buick LeSabre.........wonderful road car, one or two mechanical problems
The Passat might have been the best car of the bunch, if you take everything into consideration.
Good luck with your car hunting.