We purchased this as a Christmas gift for our daughter who turned 4 in November.  Currently we have it set up in our basement (finished with carpet) that runs almost the length of our house.  She doesn't want to get off of it!  We set up some pillows at the end of the run so she wouldn't crash into the wall.  We had no idea how far the car would travel (20 feet past the end of the track) so we will be putting it outside once the weather turns nice.  It was fairly easy to set up but you do need two adults.  It is a safe toy as long as the run of the car stays clear (no dogs or other kids!) and getting the car up onto the deck to get in is no problem at all for her.  It is pretty much exactly as we expected and she is loving it right now.  I think each time a friend comes over to play, the car will be just as fun as it is now, all over again!