Sgt. Gene has a thing for unreliable DSM cars ... bad idea.
If you want something with style, look at used Acuras. There are quite a few of them out there. For instance, RSX or CL. You can also look at second-gen BMW M3s. Those are pretty reliable despite the age.
As I said in my previous post, Honda S2000. Another great roadster is the Mazda Miata. Those cars can be had for so cheap (buy in the upcoming winter) and they are SO easy to get speed and great handling out of. Everything about them is cheap. Don't worry about size, either. I'm 6'3" and I fit in the driver's seat. The Toyota MR2 is also another thought, 2nd or 3rd gen.
I would personally stay away from the 240sx market because the prices are so artificially inflated because of the drifting craze it's ridiculous. And since you're wanting a car that's reliable and good on gas, you're going to have a hard time finding a fair-priced S14(a) (1996-98) in good condition. I would just stay away from them, there are other good and cheap RWD cars out there (see previous paragraph). But another Nissan worth a thought or two is the 300ZX.
One that you MIGHT consider is a Porsche 993-gen 911. Be aware of high repair and maintenance costs, though, but it might be something to think about it if you can find one in really good shape and within your budget.
But in the end, anything Japanese you are going to have a hard time going wrong with on day-to-day usability and there are plenty of tuning options out there should you decide you want to play a bit.