Some european cars are alright up until you have to buy parts for them. Then they just start getting rediculous. Some of the european cars require special tools to work on them. If it were me, I'd find an old turbo Volvo 940 ('92-95) and at least upgrade the turbo to something slightly bigger and it won't cost you much. Besides, those things are dead easy to work and they're RWD. Mostly all of those came in ATX only but they came with toyota transmissions. Which means that if you really wanted to upgrade you go find you a supra transmission and go crazy on power upgrades.

But if you must go FWD, I wouldn't buy a honda because there's thread here that I don't particularly like to find myself posting in that this brand is commonly dominated in,check here! I would buy something that's low under the radar and meet all of your needs. I'd consider cars like the Nissan Maxima or Altima V6 or even an Accord V6. Both the Nissans are available in 5 or 6 speed with plenty of oomph. If you don't like 4 doors, the Accord coupe came with a 6 speed (V6 of course) but it would have to be after '03. I'd probably go with a Mazda MX6 or Ford Probe GT because I know how to work on them and as long as you buy them in 5 speed, they are pretty damn reliable and the V6 makes good power. Besides, the insurance is cheap on them too and there's a decent aftermarket for them.