You could get a nice '03 Corolla LE for that amount of cash. I have a '05 LE and I like it. Though it might be hard to find a stick Corolla with any feature content, as most of the sticks are CE models. A Civic would be the same story, unless you could find a stick shift EX. A Mazda 3 is an excellent choice also, I'm driving one right now, and I like it alot. You might be able to get a 3i with the power stuff and a manual in your price range.
I would skip the older Camry or Accord if you're looking for anything the least bit fun. First off, they didn't make a manual 4 door Camry from '01 to '03 or'04. Secondly, Accords and Camrys aren't fun to drive. They are more like appliances. My Mom has a '05 Camry, and it is a nice comfortable car, but it lacks the personality of a Mazda or Nissan.
Speaking of Nissan, you might want to look for a Sentra SE-R. That would be one sporty 4 door car that it might not be very hard to find as a stick. You might also want to check out a used Impreza if your going to get a Subaru.
