Whats funny is that Honda (and the VW GTI) pretty much started the hot hatch/sport compact craze yet currently they really don't have any "competitive for the price" offerings. The RSX Type-S is nice with 200HP and a 6-speed but is overpriced at $24K. I'd get a WRX for that cash. Also the Civic Si just doesn't seem to compete with whats avalible now. For $19,700 (list but they can't move them so you can get them discounted) its out performed by other lesser priced cars and it doesn't take to mods nearly as well as the last Si (new Si has the economy/emmissions motor, not performance motor). I personally was going to try to hold out for the Civic Type R (if it ever gets here) but it will probably be $21k+ and I can't justify that when the Neon turbo will around with better performance and cost less. I think John is right that the Neon will be the winner in/for the next few years.

P.S. someone needs to mark this thread so in 2 years when the Neon is the most popular John can say I told you so.