Bought this car used in 2006 with 12,000 miles roughly on it and we are now just hitting over the 65,000 mile mark, having only recently taken it in for some brake repairs. I bought it to get me through college and it sure did! It got me through college, a couple road trips, and is now the family vehicle. It is safe, very reliable, fun to drive, gives me great gas mileage, the prices at the pump are always nice the couple times a month I need to fuel up, and looks great. My only issue I've ever had with this car is during winter months in MN. Regardless if my tires are new winter ones or not, I always have to be a little more careful driving on ice. I don't know exactly why, I'm probably just not a good winter driver, but there's my two cents about it. I adore this vehicle though as it has always come through for me and continues to prove itself as a great investment.

quick speed, good build, smooth sound, good gas mileage, good maintenance, hugs the turns really well, shift gear is quick to change, just plain fun to drive

I've had this car for a year now and I am more happy with it today than the day that i drove it off the lot. It is a great car. The gas mileage rivals that of some of the new hybrids on the market. It looks great, drives great, the stereo system is great (6 disc in-dash changer,) what more can i say, the car is great. I would recommend it to anyone who is the market for a compact car. (written 5 years ago, 10/06) Long term update - This car is what I expected it would be. It's cheap to maintain, cheap on gas, very reliable (only thing I've had to replace is a head light, tail light, and battery). It now has 104,000 miles and hasn't had any major problems. Some minor things inside like the clock stopped working and the storage flap on the dash under the radio is very loose, but other than that it's been a great car.

Updated, 26June15. Now more than 4 years of ownership this car is everything I expected and more. A/C blows popsicles at idle. Uses no oil, no problems at all. 75k miles now and have spent nothing for repair. Only regular maintenance costs. No regrets. Test drove a new Corolla, didn't like it so much. The CVT is sluggish up to about 30mph but the 2006 was actually quicker and half the cost of a new one. No, it's not for the younger people. At 61 years old it suits me fine. Not a chick-magnet (like I care) but not a cop-magnet either. (I do care) Have already taken several one-stop 250 mile drives and the comfort exceeded expectations. 40 mpg cruising at 65 and 37 mpg at 80 mph. Decent Audio system. Still starts first time every time with a very short cranking time even at 15°. Still no wind whistles either, quiet as a higher-end car. Now planning on a very long road-trip later this summer, and have no hesitations about it. The 130HP 1.8L has more acceleration than one might think, a perfect blend of power and economy. When I have to 'put my foot in it' I can actually feel the VVTi kick on at about 4000 rpm. I am never in a hurry, actually a quite laid-back driver content to follow a slow truck on a 2-lane highway I frequent, US 395 in East Calif. But when clear, and the truck is doing 50, I can pass safely.

Excellent handling and gas consumption. Has never given me a problem for the last seven years of use. Has a very good take off and acceleration...good breaks...very safe car to use at all times...I would surely recommend this to young individuals who would want a safe and reliable car.