There is one more thing to consider. The Istitute for highway safety gave the 1997-2000 model only an "acceptable" crash rating for this model. As you can see in this link http://www.carsafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/97005.htm the car suffered extensive damage, and in my opinion crumpled unnaceptably for a car of this class.
I do not know about the earlier models though, as I have not seen any tests about them.
But I would stay away from any car that suffered such damage in the crash tests.