jetta III vs. 3rd/ 4th gen accord

Alright: which is a better semi-sporty (compared to other family sedans) 4 door economy sedan. Must get good gas mileage, handle well, and be dirt cheap to own and maintain. I'm comparing 4 cyl manuals only by the way.

If you're looking for dirt cheap maintenance, you're gonna want to stay away from any German cars, so go with the Accord.

i agree with kman. german cars aren't cheap to own or maintain. the jetta has more of that german car feel but the honda is more reliable, maintenance and parts are cheaper too. and it's a honda so good gas mileage is a given. :p handling wise is a toss-up, neither will hug corners like a sports car. i'd go for the honda too

get the accord, i've had no real problems with it yet (except the ones i caused myself)

the accord is a hell of alot bigger and heavier than a jetta. The jetta will be alot more fun to drive and can be modified to get that go-kart feel that you could never get out of an accord.