Topaz has been a great car for me

I have had a two door Mercury Topaz GS since I was 16 years old... it was my first car. I love this car, probably because it is my first car and I've had it for over six years, but also because it's a great little car.

First, the bad:
no cruise control
vinyl on center console breaks easily
paint on roof gets damaged easily
no cupholders

Now the good:

The car had 77,000 miles when I first got it, and now it has 94,000 or so. I drove it two hours back and forth from college many times with nary a problem.

I have had a recurring problem with the ignition not starting unless the parking brake is perfectly in place, but I am told this is a common problem with all Fords of this time, not just the Topaz.

The car is adorable and a beautiful blue color and I've been told many times that it looks gorgeous at night. Although passengers have to climb in the back, there's more room back there than you'd think, and the trunk is very roomy. I love the trunk and gas door buttons which are in the glove compartment, and the automatic seat belts (no not-wearing-a-seat belt tickets for anyone driving this car!)

I'm very short, and anyone taller than me who drives the car complains about what a tight fit the driver's seat is. However, for short people it's great, and I've had people of all sizes and shapes in the passenger seat with no problems.

The radio buttons are easily reached, and the dashboard is flat so it's easy to put things on it without them falling off.

Overall, I love this car and would recommend it to any short person for a first car. You'll love it, too.