 Smooth, quiet engine.  Transmission shifts well even though it could use another gear or two.  I've been averaging 34-35mpg with 60% highway.  Could've been better with an 5 or 6 speed.  Steering and handling is dull and unresponsive.  The car does not give any feed back during cornering nor give any warning when near the limit.  Steering is really loose.  My wife's 2006 Mazda MPV is a better vehicle to drive.  Exterior styling on the S is clean and nice to look at.  Interior is simple and easy to look at and functional.  Quite basic compared to some competition though.  If you need an reliable car with no frills, you found it.  