Faults:

Drivers power window mechanism broke which caused window to fall into door.

Clasp on armrest compartment broke.

Continuing problem with electrics. Specifically, it sometimes will not shift into hi gear on the freeway. This is caused by an "unidentified short" which has never been fixed despite numerous attempts by the dealership. The problem is easily fixed by stopping the car and restarting (very annoying on the freeway).

General Comments:

A reliable car, and very fun to drive.

Decent MPG (though I was expecting more from such a small car).

Terrible turn radius for a small car (my Volvo sedan was better).

Takes between 1-2 seconds for gears to engage when switching from D to R (or vice versa) with automatic transmission.

Faults:

At 45,000km the coil pack went, causing problems in the ignition system. This was covered under warranty, but apparently is not uncommon for this engine. It is a $400US part.

At 55,000km the left rear wheel bearing needed replacing, also under warranty.

At 63,000km the Mass Airflow Sensor went, covered under warranty even though the warranty had expired... very nice of the dealer.

Ever since the car was new, I have had to get the passenger side door hinges adjusted and lubricated on a monthly basis to keep it from making a clunking sound whenever the frame shifts (accelerating, breaking, cornering).. this has been very annoying.

General Comments:

Overall this car has been very reliable, as none of the problems I've had with it keep the car from functioning. I would recommend this car to others, but would add that I wish I had done some research into the cost of maintaining this vehicle. Everything from oil changes (a canister style filter ~$20US) to spark plugs (~$15US each!) end up making this car quite expensive to operate.

It is a fast, solid, fun car to drive.

Faults:

Do not buy this car, it has been in the service shop for defects more times in 2 years then cars I've had for 10 years.

Defective fuel pump relay, car shut off while driving and would not start. This happened only one month after purchasing the vehicle.

Fuel pump relay went out again, car shut off again when car was about 2 years.

Both driver and passenger windows had defective regulators and fell into the door when car was 1 year old. Took over a month to get fixed, had to tape window up. More defects.

Sunroof broke - before 1 year.

Plasic peeling on alloy rims after 1 year.

Indicator lights come on sporadically.

Car locks automatically when door is open or shut even if keys are in ignition, meaning I cannot shut the door and leave the key in the ignition or it will lock me out.

Electronic key (unlocks doors) stopped working after 1 year.

Horrible customer service at dealership - Ray Fladeboe in Irvine.

General Comments:

This was the first car I bought out of college and it was not the cheapest car (approx 24,000 and it has caused me more problems in less than 2 years then my 1990 Nissan sentra I drove for almost 10 years.

There are so many defects its ridiculous.

It only has 38000 miles and I'm afraid to drive it anywhere for fear something else will break.