First car purchase (Preferably Nissan or Honda sedan)

Looking for a reliable used sedan that’s fun to drive and preferably under $18,000.

My current car is a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix which my parents got for me about 8 years ago. I love the way it drives, but it’s starting to have some issues, and I think it’s time I look for something else. I’m not a huge fan of how Chevrolet and Fords drive, but I’ve driven a Nissan Rogue and Honda CR V which I liked. For fuel economy and overall price reasons, I’m looking to stay with a sedan, but not opposed to something a little bit bigger.

Originally, I was looking into a Nissan Altima. I know earlier models have transmission issues, but 2019 and newer models seem to have this issue resolved. I know there’s a lot of negativity towards Altimas, but I’m not sure it’s fully deserved. I was also looking at the Sentra, but my Pontiac has almost 300 HP and is fun to drive. The Sentra seems like a big downgrade power-wise.

I was also looking at different Honda sedans as well as the CR V, but they seem a little pricier than the Nissans. I’m sure there’s a reason for that, but I can really only afford monthly payments of about $350 or less.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!