If you are looking for fast, don't even think about a civic. On the average (depending on the driver) manual transmission cars are often quicker than their automatic siblings.
You can get "quick" imports, but don't fall into the sport-import fast and furious craze. Put it this way, for $7000 you could have a civic with a whopping 112 hp and no torque, or you could have a mid 90s Camaro that comes with V8 torque, 315 hp, rear wheel drive, and a six speed manual.
If you're looking for cheap transportation, you have to either think slow and reliable or fast and problematic. Fast and reliable usually takes more than $7000.
Hondas aren't fast. After $15,000 in modifications, they become "quick." Fast is reserved for rear wheel drive.
