It's tough to suggest from the GM lineup, because I'm sure you're familiar with it and have already considered what's available. I've heard lots of good (and no bad) reports about the Malibu.
When I was shopping for an economy car a year ago, I was forced (by financial and other needs) to think outside of GM. If you were willing to consider coming to the dark side, the Jeep Patriot was (and probably still is) the best value on the market in practical, decent, comfortable, inexpensive, fuel-efficient basic transportion. Besides the low purchase price, high MPG, and practicality, it's got their lifetime powertrain warranty.
I ended up in a VW mainly because the interior layout fit my knees and elbows just like my truck does (I'm very specific about that and probably won't end up with a Camaro for that reason)...but otherwise I would have gotten a Patriot.
Also on the dark side, the Charger does have RWD.
My 2008 VW is treating me well so far, 16,000 miles on it, but it's got some annoying overengineering -- DBW throttle that tries to guess what you want rather than doing what your foot requests (shouldn't be a bother with an automatic), power locks that treat you like an idiot, etc.