Who makes a good not expensive 2 piece casting rod I can use on trips I take in my little car. Does not need to be fancy just dependable and cheap(er).

Do a google search on:
Goldrush Custom Rods

If Goldrush Custom Rods are more than you wanted to spend both Cabelas and Basspro have versions for around $100 and they occasionally go on sale for about $69

Academy used to have one that was like 10 or 20 bucks. Not sure if they have them anymore or not.

Years ago we use to take a Lamiglass 555 blank(5ft)have fugi eyes wraped on then slide a cork handle on butt end of blank.used eletc.tape to tape on Light Mitchell spin reel.It was lot of fun to use and short.Something like that might be compact enough.

I just left the Academy store at 820 and 26 (Northeast Mall vacinity) and they have new 2 piece rods. Teh rods are the Academy brand.I think the price was around $30.00. Not sure all locations would have them. First time I have seen them in the stores.

I have 2 2 peice Ugly Sticks, had em for a couple years now, actually used em last week down at Port A, love the sensitivity. They are awesome rods, and nicely priced. Only thing I prefer pistol grip 6 footers one peice Ugly stix for bass fishing, but the pole grip longer 2 peicers are Nice!I want to say I only paid around mid 30s for all of them. Thing is they last long, so its been a long time since I bought one. Thats the GOOD part. Best of luck!