I don't like to recommend non-GM vehicles being still loyal to them - but a friend of mine that was one of my largest friends swears by the xB - though it looks small, it swallows him up quite well and is fairly crashworthy - he knows by personal experience.

Another alternative that you might be able to get used for less is the Chevy HHR. They are actually using them for small panel vans now.

Finally, there is the Ford Transit little delivery vans that you probably would have to get at a commercial dealer. The nice thing about these is that they have a considerably larger load opening than either the xB or HHR. http://www.ford.com/commercial-trucks/transitconnect-commercial/2014/