After my old car was totaled, I needed to find a used vehicle at a low price very quickly. I bought the car from a family member, and it had some pre-existing damage. The air conditioning system is completely broken (as in, cannot simply be given freon or tuned up) and would be costly to repair, so the heat can become unbearable in the summer. The displays have faded so that the time and CD/radio information cannot be clearly read, and the light in the console has gone out. However, at over 175,000 miles, it still runs well. I commute about one and a half hours two times a week and do some local running around, and the car rarely gives me problems so long as I keep up with regular maintenance. I am a massage therapist, and due to the shape/build of this particular hatchback, my massage table can fit safely on the backseat with plenty of room for me to see out of my rear window. This is important, as a table can easily block the view in most cars.

It drives well, and it has held up well after forcing it up partly washed-out gravel roads and across half the country time and time again. It gets great fuel mileage for its size (about 30-35 mi/gal), and all my possessions fit in with ease. There are little problems, however, that betray a lack of forethought when designing the car. Additionally there is the issue that Pontiac no longer manufactures cars, and therefore I am worried about the availability of parts in the future if I own the car long-term.