mini cooper s? not a sedan but got pretty good room. handles well.

 

I have a manual trans TSX for my DD.

I enjoy it. It's not a rocket ship, but it is quick enough to be fun; the newer models are quicker still. I just got some Eibach springs, Hawk pads and some decent Dunlops and it's a blast to drive.

 

G35 would definitely be my first choice; it's as good as you can get in this price range. my brother has an 03 sedan, and it's pretty sweet.

I also really like the CTS-V, but not if gas mileage is a concern.
(same with the Dodge Charger / Chrysler 300C)

I would also suggest an Evo 9, but it's not really an improvement over an s2k from a commuter-car standpoint

if you want a new car, I would go for a Maxima or V6 Altima; those are sweet too

maybe you could wait for the Pontiac G8? if you don't want the V8, the V6 is going to have some decent power too.

 

If you still want luxury, a G is great, basically a four door, heavier Z. Then you could always go with an STI or EVO, or a Mazdaspeed6 for that matter. Or if you're willing to wait, Pontiac <gasp, AMERICAN?!> is coming out with the Commodore rebadge; corvette engine, gto handling, with four doors but will be quite heavy although they promised it would be lighter this time around.

 

You know what, i do not see how one can be disappionted with the sport sedan market, as it is so flooded w/ great cars at great prices.
The real disapionting segment is the sport coupe market. I really did not want a four door but I knew there were no coupes w/ back seats, awd, and a turbo (at least none that I could afford).

 

hmm, the Mini is one of the smallest cars (interior and exterior) on the market, so how does that fit in with the notion of it having pretty good room?

The epa interior volume of the
Mini is 77 cu ft.
IS350 is 88 cu ft
3-series sedan 93 cu ft
Legacy 97 cu ft

Its hard to find a car smaller than the Mini.

 

Legacy GT spec. B or Mazdaspeed 6 would be my choices in that price range. They're both AWD and turbo

 

Not extra sporty but if I was doing 90mile hwy drives regularly I would go for something like this..
For some reason they are ridiculously cheap.
2005 Acura RL

 

My friend has a mazdaspeed 6...its a POS, I'd suggest staying away from it.

 

If I were you, I'd have to test drive a Suby STI. I think you'll find it plenty sporty enough and fun to drive, yet still get you to your destination everytime and in comfort. Did I mention you can also mod it?