I was a Honda enthusiast for years and never thought I'd change. The year I was looking for a new car, Honda stopped making its Civc hatchback. I ended up opting for a new (technically used - flagged for leasing, had 40mi) Hyundai Accent which was cheaper than a used Honda.

I LOVE my car. 6 years, 97k and hardly any problems. There was a recall on the bar by passenger side windshield (I forget what it is called) which the dealer fixed. Apparently it didn't pass tests with collisions. Make sure that has been done if you are purchasing one of these. There was also a mechanic notice (not a recall) on a part for the gas tank entry valve (where you put the nozzle in). A faulty one causes the engine light to keep going on.

Other than that I have had NO problems with the car. I am at 97k now and two minor repairs are finally needed. A valve gasket seal leak and a leak in my power steering hose. Neither are too expensive. The car has started up every single time in its 6 years and never left me stranded.

I have driven this car cross-country a few times and have done some serious rush hour gridlock commuting. I get awesome gas mileage. I have been able to travel amazing distances on fumes where there was no gas station in sight. It had a real hard time getting up the mountains in CO, even though it is supposed to automatically adjust for altitude. Regular hills are not a problem. The manual shift is a little clunky. Always has been. It is more of a nuisance than an actual problem.

The size of the car is deceiving. You can fit a lot in the hatchback. I am always surprised.

The car is not good in deep snow or ice. I have driven it in storms and it doesn't spin out, but has a hard time getting up icy hills. It is low to the ground so you will get stuck in deep snow. Get some good tires on it and it is a champ in the rain.

My engine shows a fairly high amount of surface rust. However, I used to have to park it on the grass which is bad for engines (the moisture rises from the ground).

I bought this car as an inexpensive reliable vehicle when I was in college. Even though I am a professional now, I can't bear to give it up. It has been too true a friend.
Amount Paid (US$): 7200
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2001
Model and Options: L