The only American cars I'm familar with are those I rent during my business trips over there. As Hal says, they're all shit. Horrible power, suspension like marshmallow and handling like a drunk elephant. Having said that, a lot of the "Japanese" cars you get over there are specifically built for the American market, so many of them (not all) are not much better.
If you can, go European. Much more expensive though, so probably not an option. Stick with the Japanese cars. They're decidedly better.
So, the only
real advice I have is don't go into the dealership and say
"Buying First Car and i dont know shit.."
Mr Mephisto