HYUNDAI are they any good? CHEVY?

Are Hyundai's good cars for the tough winters in Upstate New York? How about a Chevy Impala? I have a neighbor that owns one and it looks pretty good but I read a few answers here in this forum and most are negative comments toward the Impala since its American made. Ive been observing what cars are mostyl driven up here and there are so many Fords and Dodge its ridiculous but then you read reviews on how bad American cars are pushing the buyer, like me, to pursue a Honda or a Toyota but unfortunately they are hard to come by up here especially when you have a $4,000 budget or so. Im aiming towards a Honda Accord, it can be a 96-98 the Special Edition but they are hard to find. The dealerships up here are infested with American made cars so Im like what do I do? Id appreciate any suggestions, any tips because Im turning the heat up on the car hunt in 2 weeks. Dodge Neons are like a plague up here..lol..they must be good cars I guess if so many people have them, who knows LOL!!