I got my license about a half a year ago and my parents say that they will get me a car for around 5 grand now. I am looking for any suggestions anyone wants to throw in. I want a car in the mid 90's that is manual, fun to drive, and something not too slow, but I don't want a gas eating v8 (at least a 2.0L or something). I am not going to be ricing out this car. No hondas and toyotas. It doesn't have to be the most reliable car, but it should last me at least 2 years of no major problems.

any help would be great.

Get a Chevy Lumina or a Ford Tarus. They'll fit the bill you just described.

perhaps an audi... or bmw, both offer very good used cars..
along with lexus... but as a great man once said... look around it's the only way....

A Dodge Neon maybe? Or how about a Saturn SC1 or 2?

saturn would be a good way to go ... they are cheap and run well ..
although they are made of plastic.. but hey.. whatever..