Before purchasing the car, I really liked the look inside and out. The profile of the car looked somewhat aggressive but also classy at the same time. The wheels weren't "fast and furious," but they also weren't boring old hubcaps like my previous Honda Civic. I was impressed with the interior leather, wood grain center console, built-in CD player, sunroof and all electric door locks and windows. It felt like a major step up from my older Civic. Once I drove the car, I could immediately tell the difference in power from my little four-banger Civic I had been putting around in. It was refreshing to not have to floor it in order to make it up long steep grade hills, and the power steering felt way better than what I had been previously driving with, so, overall, that's what sold me on the car.

This has been a great car. I bought it used three years ago from a family. After 13 years, it still looked great. I have had no issues with the paint or the interior leather and carpets. The engine runs quietly and smoothly, unless it is in need of oil or some other repair. The ride is smooth, and it accelerates smoothly. My model is a manual, and I have not had any transmission issues to date nor had the previous owner. I have had some work done on the engine, due to personal neglect, but this could be mitigated by an owner that is more attentive. The model I own also has a nice moon roof that opens for venting (kicks up the back portion) or slides all the way back to open entirely. The turning radius on this car isn't the greatest, but it's not the worst. For comparison, the same year Volkswagen Passat has a tighter turning radius but a mid-2000s Subaru Outback is much worse. There is ample trunk space, and the back seat is also roomy.