Buying a new Car

I am buying a new car because i need something more economical since i am heading to college. I found 3 different cars in my price range. A 03 Lancer, 04 Elantra, and 04 Accent. All three cars are manual transmission (I refuse to drive automatic transmission). I was wondering how you guys would rate these cars on: performance, mpg, and reliability. I do like to drive fast, but I also want reliability and good mpg. I live in Las Vegas if anyone has other car suggestions. Please help a car noob out.

Rating a brand new vehicle for performance, mpg, and reliability are valid points, but personally I don't think these factors come into play dealing with vehicle's being 7 - 8 model years old.

The only factor that come into play is current CONDITION, how you determine that ? start with this link http://www.usedcartips.org/TESTDRI.html