look at dodge calibers...the base model 1.8 can get a 5-speed...quirky looks, decent handling, decent room...enough to get by for most people & my mothers 2.0 CVT SXT i was able to get decent mileage out of it when i was driving it everyday while i was "in between" cars, my driving style would constantly change tho, but i averaged bottom 30s, with a peak of 34mpg with the a/c on
also look into '93-'97 corolla wagons...i love them *******s, i want one to shove a silvertop 4age into...but thats just me, the 4afe/7afe are good motors & get upper 30s beating it with a manual...my best friend had a '95 sedan 4afe, would get 38mpg without trying to save gas, i'm sure upper 40s are easy at least