Well the good ol' 172 is a pretty reliable and solid machine, but I find them rather boring to be honest. And significantly overpriced in N. America, especially used ones; I have a Beech 180 hp, aerobatic-capable Sundowner that I picked up for less than a Lycoming-powered C-172 (the older Continental versions are significantly cheaper).
I've never had trouble flying the Skyhawk, pretty much trim it and go. Bit heavy in the flare with full flaps but that's the only vice I can think of.
But I'd still rather fly my Beech: quicker ailerons, better in-flight visibility, wider cabin, more stable in turbulence, better x-wind landing, lighter controls.