Information for car shopping.?

I am in the process of shopping for a brand new car and I really want to get something reliable. Reliable means different to a lot of people. I am looking into getting something that is cheap, won't have motor issues, hardware issues and interior issues (I used to own a Chevy Astro and that thing fell apart before my very eyes, everything with hinges became unhinged and broke off). Anyway, my question is, is there a site reference guide where I can read about a cars specifications? think Car Shopping for Dummies. I have gone to manufacturer's websites but:

Engine Type 2.4L MIVEC I4 2.0L Turbo I4

Engine Code 4B12 4B11T

Valve Train DOHC, 16-valve, Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC)

Displacement (cu in./cc) 144/2360 122/1998

Bore x Stroke (in./mm) 3.5 x 3.8/88 x 97 3.4 x 3.4/86.0 x 86.0

Compression Ratio 10.5:1 9:1

Horsepower @ RPM (BHP) (Fed./Cal.) 168/161 @ 6000 237 @ 6000

Torque @ RPM (lb-ft.) (Fed./Cal.) 167/161 lb.-ft. @ 4100 253 @ 2500-4750

Engine Block Aluminum

Cylinder Heads Aluminum

Redline (rpm): 6500

Fuel System MPI

Emissions Fed: Tier 2 bin 5 / Calif.: PZEV Tier 2 bin 5 LEV II-LEV

Recommended Fuel Regular Unleaded, 87 octane min. Premium Unleaded, 91 octane

means nothing to me.

Pls help.