Power from a 4 cylinder???

I am looking at the Solara for my daughter because a website entitled "informed for life" indicated that statistically, it was one of the safest cars on the road for cars manufactured between 1999 and 2002.

My question is, how responsive is the 4 cylinder engine in these cars??

I know the 6 cylinder is preferred but, then again there is gas mileage plus, the 4 cylinder is quite a bit cheaper to buy.

Also, did Toyota fix the sludge problems? Seems I read that after 1999, Toyota fixed this problem. Is this right?

Thanks