I can't believe how silly consumers can be when they rate these "see-thru" upright vacuum cleaners.

People fall for the oldest vacuum selling technique in the book. Consumers believe that because they can see the dirt going into a see-thru plastic cup that somehow these vacuums are cleaning better than a vacuum cleaner that uses disposable bags.

Rediculous! Upright vacuums with see-thru dirt cups DO NOT clean any better then a vacuum with a disposable bag. Vacuum performance is based on how many amps of suction power it has and quality of design. Consumers "think" these see-thru dirt cup vacuums are cleaning better because they can see the dirt.

I have to laugh as consumers give these crazy vacuums rave reviews. Don't forget, you have to CLEAN the large dirt cup and hepa filter after every use. It is a messy, dusty, time consuming task if done properly.

What's my advice? IF you can afford it, purchase a vacuum that uses disposable bags. These vacuums pick up the exact same amount of dirt (depending on amps) as see-thru dirt cup vacuums without the messy time consuming maintenance.

Don't worry about not being able to see the dirt going into a vacuum with disposable bags. I gurantee there's dirt going in that bag. Vacuum thouroughly at least twice per week and your carpets will be clean. And the best part is, when the bag is full you take it out and throw it in the trash. No messy clean up needed.

I think some of the above reviewers will be singing a different song after a few months. I received this vac. as a Christmas gift. Almost immediately the belt broke. After two more belt replacements, the fourth belt melted inside the machine. We managed to clean up that mess and get it working again only to have it go completely dead. Turned it on, loud snap and now nothing. DOA. Gonzo. In addition to these very serious difficulties, the hose attachment does not stay secured in it's "place" which means you constantly have to stoop and replace it. This is a two handed maneuver and often the whole thing would topple while I fixed the hose. This happened two or three times EACH time I vacuumed.

Sorry to say this vacuum was a huge frustration.

I just bought this vac about 2 weeks ago and I must say it cleans the best out of any other vacuum I have ever used. I can even smell the difference in the air (less dusty after vacuuming). For me, the cord isnt long enough, but that may be because I live in a ranch house. I agree with the others about cleaning out the canister, it can get very messy! I try to empy the most of it in the garbage can and then take it outside to tap it out the rest of the way. I havent tried to clean the filter yet. They say you can rinse it out and let it dry...we'll see. The attachment hose isnt really long enough for me to get into the places I need to get too like for dusting the top of the curtains. Overall this vacuum works awesome as far as cleaing goes. Better than any other I have used.

I agree with other customers in that you spend nearly as much time cleaning the canister as you do vacuuming.
But you know what?
I am just happy to have a vacuum that works.

I have long haired cats and waaaaaaaaaaaay too much fur -- and this actually gets most of it up.

That said, let me just give a brief rundown of my main comments:

* I can't believe the amount of dust and "fuzz" the thing collects -- even if I just vacuumed the day before. Unreal.

* The hush mode is, as others say, basically useless. I really don't hear much of a difference in the sound level. Don't buy it if you want to clean while baby is sleeping.

* The "super" mode (I can't remember what it is called -- it provides extra motor power when flipped on) DOES work pretty well. Especially on stairs with the attachments... it provides the extra boost that is sometimes needed.

* Be cautious on the stairs. There is a warning about the fact the head keeps spinning even when you are using attachments, but I didn't think much of it. I vacuumed the stairs, resting the unit on the edge of several as I went up. After I was finished I discovered to my horror I had BURNED THE CARPET TO A HARD CONSISTENCY on several stairs in 2-3 inch wide spaces. It was, I am sure, when the head was. BE CAREFUL!

* The power cord is a nice length. Longer than ones on previous vacuums I've had. The attachment cord is a bit short, but I think you can buy longer ones from Hoover if you wish. All the attachments also fit nicely on the machine. On other machines I always had one attachment head (like the crevace tool or such) that would never stay on. The second I moved the machine it would fall off and get lost under something. This one holds all the heads and extensions well.

* The on/off switch is in a weird place.
It FEELS like it should be where the "super" mode switch is. But it isn't. It is down the unit. An odd design really.

* READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. Someone else reviewed that it didn't work at all -- and spit dirt out in all directions.
I think I know what she did.
She took the "attachment" hose out of the slot.
This vacuum is a bit odd in that the hose ALWAYS has to be in the "attachments" slot.
Always.
On other vacuums I have had, you only attach the "attachment hose" when you are (duh) using the attachments.
In this one, it is part of the "circulation" (if you will) and must be attached at all times, or it won't work.
Don't get me wrong -- this IS NOT A PROBLEM -- you just need to know about it.
I think this must have been an issue for many people, because they even have a large, yellow-colored, insert stuffed in the instructions (which of course I didn't read first).

* What ever happened to retractable cords? This would be sooo great if it had that.

Overall, though I have focused on some negative aspects, I think this is a great vacuum.
I have too many pets, and have had LOTS of vacuums, and this is a great machine -- especially for the price.
The only thing I want now is a second one for upstairs (why can't these things be light!) or a DYSON (as if).

I bought this machine in April 2004 and the belt broke the during the first use. Since then, I have replaced the belt three more times. I have four cats and a dog and the canister fills up quickly. I am breathing far more dust and dirt while cleaning the filter and emptying the canister than I would with a bagged vacuum.

I find that I spend more time maintaining the vacuum, then vacuuming. Also, the attachment hose is not long enough.

The good part....when it works, it works incredibly well! I would not recommend this vacuum for anyone with kids or pets.