The reason I bought it 1) Price 1st and foremost and value for the dollar, got AWD, heated seats, great stereo etc 2) drove a lot better than the Accord EX V6, Chevy Malibu V6 and handles like or better than the BMW 328i I test drove. I really wanted something less pedestrian and with a better image but in today's economy I am lot wiser with my money. I say this because I am coming from owning a 2004 corvette for the last 5 years which I had bought brand new. Loved it but pricey. I will wait a year or two and get something sportier again. If the money thing turns around.