You likely aren't going to break 200HP with a stick and get more than 20MPG city (08 EPA ratings). Sub-200HP means its a four-banger, which you can get a stick. 200HP+ with decent gas mileage means a V6 and almost nobody gives you a stick with a V6 these days (in your price range that is). Now you can get a turbo-four or a V8 with a stick, but you seem wary of those cars' fuel consumption.
A four-banger turbo is the way to go IMO. Power when you want it, fuel economy when you stay out of boost.
The Legacy GT meets all of your criteria. You can get a used model anywhere from $20K up (starting with 2005's, those are the first turbo ones). Gas mileage is all dependant on how you drive it. As bad as mid-teens in the city, as good as 28+ on the highway; all depends what kind of driver you are.
The Civic Si will get decent gas mileage - it's not much of a drop from the regular ones. It is supposed to handle great too. But it is a CIVIC and not an upgrade in space from your current car. The Civic sedan is NOT any roomier - I'm 6'4" and fit better in the back of the coupe than the sedan. I might have a little more legroom in the sedan, but my head brushes the ceiling. My wife had an 06 coupe and her sister an 06 sedan, been there done that. She sold her coupe for an 06 Accord 5-speed coupe. Civic = downgrade
If you can find an 07 Accord sedan, they did offer V6 6-speeds. I drove a V6 auto sedan and it was actually rather pleasant. The V6 was wimpy down low, but overall good enough and handling wasn't too bad.
Domestic doesn't have much in the small-med car range IMO, and nothing with a stick. The only other thing to consider is a Cobalt SS coupe 5-speed - the 260HP turbo-four is amazing. And it should get 28+ on the highway, it is a light car and the 2.0L ecotec turbo is an awesome powerplant.
Summary: Get the Legacy, don't look back.