Find one and test drive it. There's only one rattle in my car, and that's from the gauge cluster. These cars aren't the same as the G5 or Cobalt when it comes to interior quality. That chassis doesn't feel as floppy as the Cobalts I've driven, either.
The thing to remember is that it's still an econo box with goodies added on. It's not a fast car, but it's adequate for commuter use. The air box is a pretty major restriction, as is the exhaust. Someone on satrunfans.com did just an intake and an exhaust and picked up around 15HP according to his dyno runs.
