Faults:

The A/C compressor is making a noise when the A/C is not engaged -- A/C still works though.

General Comments:

When it came time to grow up and get rid of my Trans Am, I searched for a car that had it all and would last me a long time. The Toyota Matrix seemed to the the car for me... except the Pontiac version looked better and was cheaper :)

Zero problems - above 25 MPG all the time - this car has enabled me to save much more of my income and move ahead in life. If only it could tow a boat ;)

Faults:

Will change rear brake shoes soon (at 106,500 miles).

Various small indicator lights on the dashboard/console have failed, such as the gear indicator light on the shifter and several lights in the radio.

Some trim panels on the dashboard are loose or rattling.

General Comments:

The base 1.8 liter engine is far from a performer, especially paired with the automatic transmission. At 65 MPH, the car downshifts (sometimes twice) to handle even moderate hills.

I would have expected better than 28 mpg from a Corolla-based platform, but I guess the slushomatic transmission and the added weight of the car's large frame contribute to undermine its fuel economy. Still, I've driven far worse.

That said, visibility is excellent, cornering is tight and adroit, and the suspension is comfortable and refined. This probably owes to the car's very large tire footprint courtesy of the 16" rims. Speaking of which, tires for this car do NOT come cheap.

I'm 6'1", and I find the front seats uncomfortable after about two hours' worth of driving. However there is plenty of headroom, even without the moon roof.

This car excels at utility. You can stuff practically anything into this little car, or tie it to the roof if it still won't fit. The flat-folding rear seats, the folding passenger seat, plastic decking and adjustable tie-down points have all been used and abused on many occasions.

Reliability has been stellar over the past 20,000 miles. I've done NOTHING to it but change the oil, buy two new tires, and replace a headlamp.

Faults:

Have not had any problems to date.

General Comments:

167,000 miles and it still runs like brand new.

No rust, no leaks, tight steering, and still 28 mpg in the city.

I find the seat a little uncomfortable after about an hour of constant driving.

Faults:

Replaced clutch at 100,000.

Back-up warning sensor (if you are too close to an object) has never worked. Every time I put it in reverse, I sound like a garbage truck backing up.

Far too loud! At between 2900 and 3100 RPM (which happens to be about 68 MPH), the tailpipe's resonance is a very loud hum, which becomes old quick. It isn't even an attractive hum, it is almost as bad as a Honda with those ridiculous pipe attachments.

Nothing major has broken on the car since purchasing it. The clutch is a normal wear-and-tear item, as long as it isn't too often.

General Comments:

This car has the VVTi engine, which has 180hp. Couple this with the 6-speed manual of the GT and it is quite zippy. You only really notice the power higher up in the band, somewhere close to 5500 RPM. You really notice the boost once it hits. Don't worry, the redline is near 8500. Watch your fingers when putting it into reverse, you can pinch them against the dash quite easily.

I am over 6 foot tall and there is ample headroom. Plus the seating position is probably the best of any car I have driven (well over 30 cars, not all mine of course). Extremely comfortable on longer trips. The 3 spoke wheel is great for driving as well.

However, this is still a Pontiac and will feel rickety, rough, and sometimes slapped together. I say it is made up for the fact that Toyota designed the mechanics.

Overall, the car is sporty, roomy, versatile, good on gas mileage, and mechanically sound if rough.