I'd go with the Stevens 200.
Quite a bit of rifle in an economical package.
Ruger rifles are pretty good for the most part, especially the 10/22, the M77 and the No. 1. Can't say I care much for their semi-auto handguns. Their revolvers are well built but ugly, I prefer S&W on those. The Ruger American is a good deal for the money, but I can't say that I care for it's looks or feel. It's accurate, but to me feel and then looks make up some of the equation as well. Feel and looks count for far less with me then reliability or accuracy, but I'm not going to pretend that they don't matter at all. The stock on the Stevens 200 is ugly, but it feels alright and it can always be painted.
Some posters have brought up the possibility of the scope being knocked off target through constant movement, but if you protect the rifle by placing it in a Pelican case or some other foam padded, water/air tight case in my experience it's less of a consideration. Your case will get bumped around and scratched up, but almost every time I go shooting I place my scoped rifles in such a case and throw them in the back seat and I haven't had a scope get knocked off target yet.
Perhaps you could also secure it with a cable to help prevent it from being stolen by a car burglar looking to steal your radio, CD's or other belongings. There's also the possibility of installing a police style rack in your truck or car. I don't believe that anyone has touched on that issue yet. Providing some scumbag with a gun (even one unlikely to be used in a street robbery or drug deal gone bad) isn't something you want to do.
