Let me start by confessing I have very little knowledge about cars. I finally have the time, funds, and equipment to start learning about and working on my own car. One thing I've wanted to do for a long time is learn to drive a stick-shift as the only car i've ever owned is an automatic.
I'm looking to buy a manual transmission car and teach myself how to drive it. Nobody I know currently owns a car with a stick shift. I'd strongly prefer it to be American made and i'm leaning towards a 4-door. Money isn't a huge issue as i've been saving for this for quite a while but i'm limiting myself to about $20k max. New or used doesn't matter. I need something thats easy to learn on and forgiving. Oh and 25+ mpg highway is a must. I do a lot of driving and with gas prices I can't break the bank just on gas.
Sorry if this question has been asked before. I did a quick search and didn't see it. Thanks in advance.