Domesticlly, the Ford Escort ZX2 is a solid car with good aero and mpg numbers. Being a Ford means they are cheaper than the Honda's or Toyota's. Parts are cheap and plentifull, especially if you don't mind shopping at the u-pull it's. My ATX got 34mpg on the highway when new, much much better than that now
, the MTX's can do a little better. They can be tuned by the many Ford tunners who do Mustangs or Focus's. Anywhere from 1998 to 2003 is the same power train and they are cheap to get. I've got over 238,000 miles on mine and it is still a solid car. A fella on this site, got one with 100,000 miles for under $1600. Easy car to work on also. I changed my motor and trans, by myself, on my patio, in 12 hr's.
Hope this helps.