Mister Quickie

The bottle jacks are nice but they are too tall and don't fit under most cars (that I've had).
The scissor jacks take too long and too much effort (if you're using it often).
I thought I'd found the perfect solution with the trolley jack (pictured) until it shifted to the left side with the car on it, luckily I hadn't removed the wheel yet. I looked at the jack and the portion that raises was only slightly off center but when I tried again it started to shift again so I let it back down.

Any recommendations on a jack that is short, easy to use, and stable?

ASAP944

For a inexpensive jack, I recommend the HF 2 ton...has been working great for me. Just make sure you get the 2 ton, not the 1.5 ton!
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-a...ump-61406.html

fivex84

I've been using this for a few years and it works very well. Half the price of the aluminum jack. You can usually get it for $75 with a coupon.
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-l...ump-61282.html

Cyril

https://rennlist.com/forums/racing-a...ns-please.html

Giantviper

i use harbor freight aluminum low profileworks well

JacRyann

Yeah, i have the Habor Freight aluminum racing-jack with the quick-pump feature. Very sturdy compared to the whimpy trolley-jack I had before (same as pictured in OP). And it can reach below the car and jack it up in just 4-5 pumps.