Reliability & durability
Over 180K on the odometer, and I've had only one non-wear item to need repair. That being said, that one problem could have been a huge issue -- it was adefective engine block that suddenly developed a small crack that leaked coolant. Fortunately, it was 100% covered by Honda as an extended warranty item on my 7-year old car -- they literally replaced the engine block including labor.
Fuel economy
Excellent fuel economy, nears 40 MPG if strictly lower-speed highway driving. Even in winter city driver, never belowe 30 MPG
Controls and instruments
Everything is east to reach, read and follow. Climate control has features that work exactly as they should. Radio controls areexcellent as well. Split instrument panel with LCD spedometer is nice.
Handling
Goodhandling for such a small non-sporty car -- not amazing handling mind you, just better-than-avrage for a car of this type.
Tires
Specifically, WINTER handling. Excellent handling in summer, lousy road manners in winter. Never had a FWD car that acted so twitchy in the snow. This was withsnow tires of the samestock tire size. When I replaced the tires with a narrower 15" snow tire, handling improved to acceptable -- but the low ground clearance and other factors still make it less than ideal in the wnow.
Front seat support & comfort
It took me a long time to find a comfortable driving position in this car. It may because of the low seat. I was finally (mostly) successful, but it took a long time to find it, and it is very different than my typical driving position.
Also, not great on long trips -- the seat is generally supportive, but it starts to break down a few hours in.
Quietness
Lots of wind noise -- car is loud! Put on snow tires and it's worse.
Exterior styling
Specifically, paint durability. Paint is fading and chipping after 8 years.
(Otherwise, I'd say this is a handsome car)