What is a good car to learn how to drive a manual in?

I'm in college right now and I'm a huge car enthusiast. I want a car with a manual transmission that will satisfy my spirited driving while also having good gas mileage because some of my classes are out of town. I also need it to be very reliable as well. I was thinking about the Honda Civic Si but that car has a bad reputation and I don't want to be branded something that I'm not. My budget is around 9k-12k.

I have a mitshubishi eclipse gsx manual and its a really nice car and decent gas mileage but I don't think that cars for you a chevy aveo is nice choice my mom has a 2008 manual 5 speed and its nice reliable amazing gas mileage and nice style on the newer models my brother in law has a Nissan maxima sl 2.5 2015 edition and that car is amazing on every level the interior the gas mileage safety features along with a nice look.

The Mazda MX-5 MIATA
www.forum.miata.net

Shop around for a good used Toyota or Honda. My choice is a pickup truck. But that is just me.

Ford escort

In order to make a smooth shift you have to balance the gas and the clutch very well. Don't worry, this comes with practice.
This is my guide on the easiest way to drive manual transmission. Keep practicing and practicing and you will get it! Have fun!

There are other Civics besides the Si which can still be fun with a manual. You may also want to watch for a first gen Acura TSX with a manual or possibly an older Accord. I think Mazdas would be a great choice, as well, particularly the 3 (or Miata if you want a small roadster).

My first manual car was a Pinto. For all its faults it was good to learn with, as no one tailgated it.