I've only had my '03 5 speed since late December (4 weeks), and I sure drove a lot cars before I settled on it, mostly by reading Consumer Reports, and lots of Forums.
I just got 23.75 mpg on my last tank, and have been driving it hard! Coming from a full size truck, we should save $700 in fuel costs this year, and it is so much FUN. I plan on towing a big Zodiac boat with it, and already rigged it to carry my tandem-length bicycle. Like Perry said, wet stuff gets to stay in the back, and that is good for me in Florida, get one for sure if you can swing it!