If you can find a 99-01 Subaru Impreza wagon, those things are tanks. Last year I spent quite a bit of time researching the same car budget for myself, and it came down to these choices, in order of preference:
99-01 Subaru Impreza wagon (had the most powerful EJ22 engine, bulletproof)
97-01 Acura Integra GS-R
00-05 Toyota Celica GTS
02-03 Nissan Maxima SE (Bose Sound + Sub, 5.9 0-60)
02-03 Mazda Protege ES
98-99 VW Passat
00-01 Audi A4
For Insurance reasons, I ended up with a Protege. Quick little car, the seats are uncomfortable if you're 5'10"+