The car was designed for two things...low cost, high speed. The first time I took one out I was disgusted with the interior, but couldn't believe that a neon could move like that.
the RSX and MSP are much more refined cars, designed for handling, reliability, and tuned for all around good performance.
I have a real good fried with an 04 that does auto cross on a regular basis, as well as 1/4 mile racing. The spring rates are just to soft in the front, after changing to some aftermarket springs, he ran street prepared and beat a whole bunch of cars, including a very well designed SER, both ran the same type tire...yet the next week hes running high 12s on 500$ worth of modifications..
Not saying the car is the best thing ever, but for the money, it really does seem to be an icon of domestic ( I guess?) performance.
P.S. I use the term nimble relative to my car...I drive a boat...sorry