I purchased this car after my other car was totaled in an accident. I had gone through many test drives for cars in a similar price range but as soon as I drove this car uphill on the freeway I KNEW I was going to buy it! It was the only car I test drove that was really able to get up to speed on hills without feeling like it was chugging all of my gas (I live in Seattle -- hills galore!). I am always able to fit into tight parking spaces because this car is so compact. Also, I've also ridden long distances in the back seat and can't complain about lack of space. Average gas mileage in my opinion. Also, I can't stress enough how happy I am that this car looks modern, but doesn't have a ton of blind spots. A lot of cars have very small windows these days and it takes away a lot of visibility in my opinion.