Works fine... start very easily.
Bought this generator in 2004 after Hurricane Isabel primarily to provide some power to the house in the event of long power outages: and occasionaly for site work at some mountain property. Have used it maybe two dozen times.

Am always surprised how easy this is to start. One or two easy pulls and its running. Just be sure its on reasonably level ground as it has an "low oil" shut-off mechanism that's rather sensitive. I've also been very careful to roll it out of the garage every month or so for a test run of about 15 mins. And, I ALWAYS use gas stabilizer (e.g., Sta-Bil).

Have used it to simultaneously run; 3/4 HP well water pump, two large refrigerators, a deep freeze, microwave, and various lights, TVs, phones, computers, modems, etc... The only "lugging" occurs for a split second when the water pump kicks in, though you can't detect dimming of the lights when this happens. My longest run was for about 48 hours.

Obviously you can't run whole-house HVACs, electric water heaters, electric stoves, etc. on this size generator.

This size generator is never quiet, about as loud as a lawn mower... though maybe a bit lower in pitch, so after a few minutes the sound will blend into the background a bit.

Paid about $650 at BJ's in 2004... have seen them for $699 recently on sale (2008).

This is a heavy unit... was able to get it in and out of the truck on my own... but really takes two people to lift. With the large wheels and handle it is very easy to roll around. I can even pull it up steps with a little finesse and effort.

I am 100% pleased with this unit... well built, clean steady power, very very easy to start, easy to roll aound, and very well priced in comparision to other options.

Has a nice and simple power distribution panel with 240v and 120v outlets with individual breakers. Wish it had some kind of power meter to better guage how much juice its supplying, but haven't seen that option on generators of this size. You can buy an external meter for about $75 and I'm thinking about that.

As I have twin 200 amp power panels in my house, I am seriously thinking about getting a second one of these to essentially power all the rooms and circuits in the house. Again, if you want HVAC capacity you'll need to go with one of the "big boys"...

Its one of those things you buy and hope you'll never need... but you're real glad you have it when the meat and the ice cream in the freezer starts melting.

Great for the occassional power outage
I've had nothing but success with this unit. I've used it a half dozen times over the last year or so and it's more than met my expectations: 1) starts easily, 2)gives out plently of juice for the fridge, tv, satellite box and some lights and 3) doesn't sound like a jet engine parked outside the front door. Can't speak to its effectiveness on a jobsite, but it works fine when the power goes out and for the occassional outdoor party when I've needed power for appliances and compressors away from the house.

Not a great deal.
Got this generator last year the morning after Katrina hit out area and the power was out. Bought it mostly because there wasn't much to choose from at Home Depot and for the Porter Cable name.

Most generators this size & wattage usually come with a 30A generator extension cord included. Have had not problems with it. I just think there are better deals on generators with more features for the money.

Waste of money
Not sure if mine is a factory defect or if it's just under powered. It can't run a small 2.5 hp compressor and skill saw at the same time. This isn't a problem for other generators over 5000 watts. I'm bringing it in to the dealer tomorrow to see if it's a defect. Very disappointed