opinions on sporty, dd, possible only car..

I just got a MazdaSpeed3 and i love it. If you aren’t familiar, its a Mazda3 with the engine from the CX-7 + 20hp. So its a small to midsize hatch with 250hp and 280tq.

G8

Price range?
When you say ‘sporty’ what is your emphasis on? Straight line? (how fast?) Handling? (just looking for tight suspension & good turn in, or a hard core corner carver?) is gas mileage a major factor? drivetrain configuration preference?

G8 GT is the first thing that came into my head for you. Great car @ great price.
09 wrx
evos I guess. They’re bigger than the wrx/sti, so at your size you might be more comfortable with one, even though I think they suck to drive as a commuter.

Someone would be out of their mind to pay $40,000 for a Ford Taurus.

i agree but i think with minor mods the sho will be a decent car. Stock its the same as the g8 gt i read.