Best Road Trip Car

Hello, I'm new to the site and I want to know what you all think would be the best car for a cross country road trip! But here's the catch, I only want to spend $1500 on the car itself, MAX.

MPG really isn't an issue, but I LOVE driving in heavy city traffic and I would really need a quick car with good maneuverability. Ultimately, I need something that can take a beating and still deliver.

If it means anything, I love pretty much every VW ever made, and I also don't have anything against Crown Vic's.

But I just really don't wasn't an SUV or a truck.

Also, I kinda do like to stand out in a crowd.

Sorry if I'm kinda all over the place, but I cant wait to hear what you all have to say!