car recommendation?

Hi everyone, i have taken back my old job and i am about to start saving up money for a vehicle. my question to you is, what kind of car should i buy? my budget is only able to demand between $1000-$2000. I have been looking around on craigslist and found a lot of good deals. Gas mileage isn't a big issue to me, but i would like to have a car with somewhat decent mpg. however i have been leaning toward a ford explorer 96-01ish. this is probably a gas hog but that doesn't concern me once again. i want a nice and big vehicle i can put a lot of people in, hall stuff, you know the drill. I am open to just about any idea tho.