With the 2.3L like my car, it's relatively eco. The 5sp. auto has a Freeway OD which makes it more of a cruiser than my 5sp. manual with shorter gears. In the city, don't expect good fuel economy, at all. when I drove an auto 3 around for a bit (same engine/tranny but lighter) I did mid 20's in the city with it (but I'm a conscious driver)... It's not a quick car but for an average DD it should be good. That engine is built well and it's quite rare to hear about someone blowing one (I think I've heard two cases ever, and they were beating on it). If your buddy can get over the bland looks of the car, tell him to look at a 7th gen (03-07 I think) Accord 4cyl. sedan. From what I've heard, they are a better DD car. They can be had at a decent price these days...