[XxCivilNiinjaxX]

Well, you have a budget, so that's a good start. $1,000-$2,500 isn't a very big budget for a vehicle, but given that you've had quite a few vehicles in the past, I'm sure you know this.

Here's a list of decent cars that I'd look for. In no particular order.
Vehicles with asterisks next to them are vehicles I myself have looked into.
Honda Accord
Honda CR-X
Nissan Altima
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Golf*
Chevrolet 1500
Honda Civic*
Nissan 240SX*
Ford Mustang*
Chevrolet Camaro
Pontiac Firebird
Toyota Camry
Dodge Neon
Mazda Miata*
Mazda RX-7*
Toyota Supra*
Volkswagen Jetta
Mitsubishi Eclipse
Subaru Impreza*
Nissan Sentra
Buick Regal
Chevrolet Impala
Toyota Celica
Honda Prelude*
Ford Escort