How about the Scion coupe? Probably more affordable than Honda, also good power with the Camry engine in a smaller car.
I like the civic. I worked with a guy who had a silver civic and tinted the windows rather dark. Boy did that car look slick, didn’t have any mods nor anything fancy just tinting. In the three years I worked with him he only had to replace the battery and tires. Every car is different but honda’s are fairly reliable. Neon, focus, and golf are usually crap. Save yourself the headache and go with any of the Acura’s or Honda’s