These would be what I would consider if I were in your position. Personally, I prefer a manual transmission in my cars, but I know I'm in the minority. But if you are willing to learn/can drive one, here's what I'd recommend:
New cars:
2014 Mazda3 i Touring
2014 Honda Accord Sport (you'd have to get it with the manual transmission, as the automatic would bump it past $25,000).
2014 Mazda6 i Touring (again, I doubt you could get an automatic equipped model for less than $25,000 though).
Used cars:
2007-2008 Mazdaspeed3 (those things are faster than they look. Manual only).
2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 (it's kind of like an Audi S4 from the similar era. AWD, sedan, six speed manual only, and 0-60 in about 5.3 seconds).
2007-2011 Honda Civic Si (I'd go with the sedan if it were my choice).
2009-2013 VW GTI or Jetta GLI
Last modified by
Mazdafreak, 09 January 2014, 18:33