Faults:

The cd/radio combo constantly shorts out. I have had the car less than two years and had the stereo replaced three times.

The brakes need to be replaced already.

The outer window molding is falling off.

The drive belt is needs to be replaced already.

General Comments:

This car gets great gas mileage. However the cabin is seriously too short for someone with a height of 6' or greater.

Drives poorly in winds mild to moderate winds.

Little high speed passing ability, however this is to be expected with an engine of this size.

Love the five year service warranty.

Faults:

Door handles keep getting stuck.

Tires lose air frequently.

Air conditioning broke in the middle of summer.

Seatbelt broke in the first week.

General Comments:

This car is fun to drive and handles great.

But I can't stand the dashboard because there is no space to put anything. Round everything may look great, but it's not very practical.

Faults:

The motor that controls the dual-stage intake manifold broke and was replaced under warranty. As a result of the part failure, other parts, including the intake manifold, had to be replaced.

Side view mirror heaters don't work.

Minor creaks over all road surfaces.

General Comments:

I love this car despite the troubles it has had.

It's great fun to drive and makes every thing else look over priced.

The engine could use a little more power, but too much would probably upset the front wheels.

This car has enough extras to make it significantly better than my girl friend's Focus sedan.

It feels like a special driving experience every time I drive.

Faults:

Most objectionable problem and most glaring is the dust from the front wheels. The brake dust that forms immediately after washing the car is just too much to cope with. I had to buy "dust shields" (that many people warned against because it would invalidate the warranty- I bought and installed them anyway when I saw the dealer selling them) and these have controlled the problem to my satisfaction.

My second disillusion is with the gas mileage. On the highway I only get 3l MPG with this wagon. My previous Escort would average 40 MPG. With today's gas prices, I long for the Escort.

General Comments:

On the plus side, this wagon is a looker! I love its styling! It is also a lot quieter inside than the Escort and has a much better sound system.

Although the engine is supposed to crank out 134 horsepower, the car is slow when accelerating from a dead stop. However, once on the highway, it does have sufficient passing power.

I have the "SE" model. I would recommend dishing out a few extra dollars and going with the luxury edition. The seats are plain gray and boring.

In short, I'm satisfied with the looks of this car, but not happy with its gas economy.