What are some fast 4/6 cylinder automatic transmission cars?

Nothing from BMW, Audi/VW, or Mercedes-Benz. I don’t want to have to drop out of college to fix my car. So only American/Japanese and possibly Swedish (volvo, saab I think?).. anyways, I’d like something that can do a quarter mile in about 14 seconds, nothing over 15 seconds. I’m buying the car USED, and I’ve got roughly a 12K$ spending limit anyways I’d PREFER AWD/FWD but I’m asking for fast.. so I might have to settle for a RWD. All I can come up with is a 2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe, which I can get for about 12K$. I want something nice, I don’t care how quick the V6 accords are, I do not want something that comes off as economical. I was looking into the RX-8, but I heard the rotary engine is inefficient, gas guzzling, unreliable, etc. Nothing older than 2002 please? I’ve already looked into 00-02 Camaros, they are not for me, same with mustangs. They are gas guzzlers and aren’t even that nice, same MPG as the Infiniti but hey– that’s an Infiniti! No 2-seaters.. My dream car is a 350z, but I need a backseat and once again it must be auto! (No evos, WRX’s). Anything besides the G35 that’ll meet my needs? Thanks for helping out!

I’ve looked into the Altima 3.5SE’s either.. I’m looking for something a little more rare, or less common. Something special..

I’m going to auctions, so know that I am getting the best deal for this car. It’s okay to name me something that’s 14-15k because I might be able to get it for cheaper. No 2004 Acura TL’s please, I like that car but it’s hard to find for under 14k.
The new body (2006) Subaru Legacy is very nice! I really like it, unfortunately, it’s a little expensive right now. Maybe in a few years I’ll look into one, those subaru’s really hold their value.

And the Miata is a 2 seater.
The lexus IS is rare over here, and usually will cost a little over 12k.. not to mention it’s over a second slower than the G35.