All Dirt Devils are failures. Worst. Vaccuums/Cleaners. EVAR.
Me? I've had my Hoover SteamVac for about seven years now. Got a warranty through Sears (didn't need it really; it's always done a great job) and had it serviced for the first time last year. Runs even better than I remembered.
Hoover vacuum cleaners are pretty awesome, as well. Mine is at least 10 years old and still working like a charm.