I bought this vehicle in 2008 after two previous owners. I liked it because it had good fuel economy and didn't feel like a thin piece of steel hurdling down the freeway; it has some density and feels like it could take more of an impact than others. The reputable dealer lied to me, selling the vehicle in the dead of winter and telling me that the A/C worked fine. Come summer, I found this was a lie and technicians informed me that the compressor was shot and would need an expensive replacement, which I've yet to commit to. And every summer I get angry at car salesmen while I sweat profusely in stalled traffic. I've had a few small hiccups with it - a dead battery and an ignition coil that went south - both leaving me stranded. One year I put about 600 miles/wk. on it and it came through for me. Other than that, a minor leak has developed (which I'll eventually get around to) and one time I hit a dog. On accident. It was a large dog on a dark, two-lane highway in a 60 mph speed limit. As soon as I saw the dog, I knew it was too late. We hit it going pretty fast. The dog died instantly. My car also sustained damage - a totaled radiator and a structural frame that was bent pretty severely. Fortunately, insurance paid for it. I am sorry about the dog. Pretty good car overall but not glamorous, really. Also the six-CD player has about face CDs stuck in it, and the alternator maybe giving me signs it's ready to take the long nap. On the upside, I've had a friend compare it to a spaceship, which I believe referred to it's capable handling and heavy presence.

The car is very reliable. The engine has almost 200,00 miles on it and it runs perfectly. I haven't had any problems with the engine or had to do any maintenance on it. I have also not had any problems with the transmission. For only being a four cylinder, it is surprising how quick it is to get up to speed. The car gets excellent gas mileage at 31 mpg. It gets better gas mileage than what the manufacturer listed it as getting, at 29 mpg. I've driven this car cross country a couple of times, over 800 miles one way, and have not had any issues. The only thing I have had to replace in this car was the catalytic converter and one of the fans for the radiator. The car is also very comfortable to sit in and it is very spacious as well. I really like that the trunk has a lot of room; I was able to fit my bicycle in it. The back seat has a lot of room as well, and my husband has fit a large rolling toolbox back there as well as a large band saw.