Is it true that all Neons are terrible?

I'm looking for a small car (ontario) 4 cyl, auto, everything in my price range is pretty much either a neon, cavelair, sunfire, that kinda thing. i'd like a civic or something, but they're all pretty expensive around here. are any of these cars worth it, or is it just buyer beware on any car? i think i know the answer to this, but thanks for your imput.