Bought this car used in 2006 with 12,000 miles roughly on it and we are now just hitting over the 65,000 mile mark, having only recently taken it in for some brake repairs. I bought it to get me through college and it sure did! It got me through college, a couple road trips, and is now the family vehicle. It is safe, very reliable, fun to drive, gives me great gas mileage, the prices at the pump are always nice the couple times a month I need to fuel up, and looks great. My only issue I've ever had with this car is during winter months in MN. Regardless if my tires are new winter ones or not, I always have to be a little more careful driving on ice. I don't know exactly why, I'm probably just not a good winter driver, but there's my two cents about it. I adore this vehicle though as it has always come through for me and continues to prove itself as a great investment.

quick speed, good build, smooth sound, good gas mileage, good maintenance, hugs the turns really well, shift gear is quick to change, just plain fun to drive

Updated, 26June15. Now more than 4 years of ownership this car is everything I expected and more. A/C blows popsicles at idle. Uses no oil, no problems at all. 75k miles now and have spent nothing for repair. Only regular maintenance costs. No regrets. Test drove a new Corolla, didn't like it so much. The CVT is sluggish up to about 30mph but the 2006 was actually quicker and half the cost of a new one. No, it's not for the younger people. At 61 years old it suits me fine. Not a chick-magnet (like I care) but not a cop-magnet either. (I do care) Have already taken several one-stop 250 mile drives and the comfort exceeded expectations. 40 mpg cruising at 65 and 37 mpg at 80 mph. Decent Audio system. Still starts first time every time with a very short cranking time even at 15°. Still no wind whistles either, quiet as a higher-end car. Now planning on a very long road-trip later this summer, and have no hesitations about it. The 130HP 1.8L has more acceleration than one might think, a perfect blend of power and economy. When I have to 'put my foot in it' I can actually feel the VVTi kick on at about 4000 rpm. I am never in a hurry, actually a quite laid-back driver content to follow a slow truck on a 2-lane highway I frequent, US 395 in East Calif. But when clear, and the truck is doing 50, I can pass safely.

The first Toyota I have ever owned. Has a lot of room inside that from looking at the car from outside one would not expect to have. I bought it after extensive research on reliability, how it will hold it's value and fuel economy. The EPA Rating is 35/26 but I get better than that. I have measured it and got anywhere from 36 to 40mpg. Never have done a measurement "in town" One time in a very long trip I had a real nice tail~wind and got 44, Really! A bit under powered but you can't have it all, either economy or power. But For a 1.8L with 130HP it goes up a steep grade nicely, simply kick it out of Overdrive and it will tach at 3800rpm at 70 on a 6% grade and scoot right up no problem. It is very light, about 2500lbs and in a cross wind it gets pushed easily. Must be careful in windy conditions. I respectfully disagree with the Instant Market Value assigned to my car, as it only has 62,100 miles as of 12Aug2013 and is in mint condition

Great price new. Overall it is extremely reliable and cost efffective. Only cost has been routine maintenance in over 6 years of ownership. Cabin room is good for a small car as is luggage capacity. After 6 years there is a bit of road noise that seeps into the cabin though.