I've known a few people that had one and they found it fine. If you could use the utility of it, then its bad rep(see above) makes it a pretty good deal.
C&D actually liked it for the most part when it came out, it got second in their hatch back comparison, and I liked my 95 Neon so I don't count having Neon parts against it.
For an efficient wagon, I voted Focus though and don't regret it. If you like to drive, try a Focus wagon out with a manual, you might like it. I slung mine around last weekend at autocross to finish 2nd of 45.