I used to hate Honda's too, but then my wife got one. I got's to say...it does way better on gas than my car does. It's not lowered or anything, it's an 03 Civic Si, and has 20's on it, a dvd player, and a gps. Tinted too. It's actually a really nice car to drive. You can just get in and go.
Mine on the other hand, is a pain in the ass to take anywhere...have to worry about bottoming out, pot holes, shit like that. But I still love it to death. Even if someone offered me a brand new say...350z. I'd still choose my car over it just because I love it that much. Our cars are our cars...and that's it.
So really it depends on what you are using it for. Mine is good for ripping around, car shows...dumping money into. And hers is still stylish, and economical.