Faults:

Toe in out from the factory, nothing bent. Cost me two tires and alignment mount and balance at 19k miles. I feel Hyundai or the dealer should have at least covered the labor.

Passenger airbag keeps deactivating with a passenger present. Dealer will not do anything till it throws a code up. Called Hyundai customer service, which is nothing but a call center, useless waste of time. In the meantime, I drive with family or a friend as passenger, wondering if they will have an airbag in this little car. Think I will try some government agency. Very serious.

Drivers visor would spring up, so it was either straight down or all up. Minor.

Shift boot developed a wear hole; dealer just got new one. Minor.

Fuel mileage not as good as expected. Was thinking it would be like a Corolla; about 5mpg less, seemed to improve slightly since alignment. Disappointing.

General Comments:

This car is fun to drive, handles well, good in snow, and has sufficient for what it is. Ride is what you would expect from a sporty driving car.

Interior made too cheaply. I know it is an economy car, but most anyone would probably pay a few hundred bucks more for better quality materials.

Great heat and AC.

Kind of a buzz box on the highway.

Getting into reverse is tricky at times.

If it not for the airbag issue, I would say it's a good car.

Faults:

The only irregular occurrence with the car thus far is the check engine light appearing twice. First was thought to be an air leak and was reset by the dealer. Second time several weeks later, the dealer said it was given new logic and the light hasn't reappeared since. The Accent was running fine during this issue.

General Comments:

Quality feels as good as past Civics I've owned.

Fit and finish is well done at this price level.

Being the Sport model, the ride is a bit choppy, but I knew that going into the deal.

On a smooth back road, driving this car is very rewarding; carving corners with vigor.

I do miss having a temp gauge; it's strangely absent on even the upper model.

The shift to second is clunky and reluctant, more so when cold. I'm hoping the accessory short shifter may cure this.

Quite reasonable low end torque, and pulls nicely when revved, keeping in perspective this is a small car.

Works well in winter in snow and ice, provided you use proper tires. Cheap brand studded snows worked great commuting through blizzards.

I've never driven a car that varied the mileage so much depending on your driving mode. Keep it revving and speeds higher, and expect 31 or 32 mpg. Run posted highway and you'll see maybe 36 or 37mpg. The sweet spot seems to be in the 80 to 95 kph range, as my commutes with some backroad cruising has netted 44mpg on several occasions.

Uniquely styled. A pleasure to look at in the driveway!