Maximas are good cars, I have one and they are quick. There are a lot of support for them and aftermarket. the 3.0 is a lot better for mods. The 3.5 have a lot more technology in them but they do have more stock power. My maxima is pushing 200Hp right now and is a ton of fun! You can pick up a 99-2002 for 5-7 grand with under 100,000 miles on it. The 2000-2002 have about 25 more HP then the 99's due to a different intake system.
Other good cars would be SRT-4, Stealth R/T TT, 3000GT VR4, 300ZX, and GTS. However not all these cars are practical or easy to work on. Do some real research. Dont just ask opinions and good friggen luck finding a evo in your price range.