I've owned this vacuum for nearly a year and have had not one problem. Purchased it on advice of consumer website. With two dogs, a cat and kids, I have always had problems with belts breaking. Not so with this one. So far so good, anyway.
Yes, it's cheap. Got mine for $80. When you see it and pick it up, you know it's cheap. But then you turn it on, WHOE NELLIE, it takes off like a bandit. Awesome suction! Thankfully, it seems to know what to pick up and what not to or I'd be pulling socks outta the thing as I've had to do with other vaccuums. Great pick up.
Now the reasons I didn't give it 5 stars.
1. The brush never shuts off even on the bare floor setting. I raised it up a little and it did the job without damaging my hardwood. Would be better, though, if I could use the lowest setting.
2. The attachments don't stay tight on the back of the machine.
3. It's odd how the cord is wound up when you're done.
4. Difficult controlling the suction when doing drapes and such.
But these are minor things for me. I'm tired of paying hundreds of dollars more for machines that don't vaccuum as well. I am very happy with this purchase.