ATX? MTX?
I don't like the Pontiac, lack of a manual plus the fact that their handling leaves something to be desired. I'd stay away from the 'dub as well. I don't think their QC is where it needs to be anymore and they aren't cheap to repair either.
From your list I would probably go with either the Mazda of the FSVT, maybe the Mazda because of the better resale but I don't think you could really go wrong with either.
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Mustang? New model? Only the v6 would be close to any of those price ranges, and right now with markup, it may not even be close. And then it would be a v6. I think you've got too much wishful thinking going on there fmr.
The new mustang v6 looks like it might not suck as much as the old ones. C/D managed to squeeze a 15.3 out of it with an automatic no less. Once the "rush" ends this would probably be in his price range. 
