Here is a list of a few cars I once owned.
2007 mazda rx8
2008 mazda mazdaspeed 3
2006 mazda mx5
2008 pontiac solstice gxp
Now that you see what I'm comparing my 14' 6 speed RS to. I can honestly say that the sonic feels way faster than what it actually is. It also handles way better than any economy car should. This is by far the best bang for your buck when it comes to a daily driver that gets good gas milage, with plenty of room, and is very fun to drive.
All the cars above are great cars, but lack in a specific category, the sonic does them all relatively well. I could not have found a car for this price ($16900) with the features that it offers. I couldn't have found a car for under $20k with these features.
You mentioned "feel", that is the key word with the sonic. The sonic might not be match on paper with the others listed, but I believe that i feels like a much better car. Just like my Mazda mx5, it wasn't the fastest or most powerful, but it was the closest thing you will get to an actual street leagal go cart, it puts a huge smile on your face as soon as you sat in it. To me that feeling is worth more than anything.
The sonic is one of my favorite cars, it does so many things so well.