Pros: Powerful and consistent suction, Advanced features, Condensed design.
Cons: Expensive, No light, Somewhat firm hose.
The bottom line: This vacuum will give you top quality cleaning performance especially for pet and stair clean up. The extra features and attention to detail make this unit a clear winner.
First let me say I am thrilled with this vacuum. I replaced a Bissel (not the Healthy Home which I compare the Dyson to in this review) and the difference in performance is amazing. Both are "12 amp" vacuums, but the Dyson is far superior. The attachment tools are wonder, especially the brush/pet attachment which removes pet hair in a jiffy off chairs and couches and even the floor in tight spots.

Using the vacuum to clean up loose cat litter on the large outdoor rug is also a breeze now. I have one of those grooved carpets and the litter than fell into the grooves was difficult if not impossible to get up with the old vacuum. The Dyson clears that out very well, which is pretty good considering those grooves are half an inch wide and about an 1/8th of an inch deep.

For those who are really wondering how these two vacuums compare (the Bissel Healthy Home and the Dyson DC17) let me share some comparison points.

1. The Bissel has a HEPA filter that requires replacement. The Dyson HEPA filter is permanent and washable (as is the pre-filter, same on the Bissel).
2. The Bissel requires manual height adjustment, the Dyson is automatic.
3. The Bissel's brush is powered by the Vacuum motor. The Dyson's brush has an independent, and very powerful, motor.
4. When the handle is in the full upright position the Bissel continues to run the brushes and suck at the floor, the Dyson stops the brushes and redirects the suction to the top of the vacuum handle. Result? You can safely leave the Dyson running while upright.
5. The Bissel at 25 lbs is significantly heavier than the Dyson at 20lbs, by 5 pounds.
6. The Dyson's self powered brush adds additional, and significant, assistance to moving the vacuum as compared to the Bissel which has little or no additional pull.
7. Suction wise the Bissel and the Dyson are probably very close. Specifically comparing the DC17 and this Bissel Healthy Home. Why? Because aside from the features listed above the Bissel is a copy of the DC17. The DC17 also uses slightly better components and has a more efficient structural design (see the HEPA and Pre-Filter integration and lifetime design, and the integrated hose). Those that have "owned Dysons" owned older smaller models, more in line price wise with this Heavy Home.
8. The Bissel uses belts which will require changing. The Dyson does not.
9. The Dyson includes a low reach floor tool which the Bissel does not.
10. The Dyson's handle drops virtually all the way to the floor allowing you to run the vacuum under tables and dining room chairs without having to use attachments or move the chairs. Same with coffee and end tables.
11. The Bissel has a front light, the Dyson does not.

When you make your choice of a vacuum decide how important price is compared to the added benefits of the Dyson over the Bissel, especially in the area of easy of operation (weight, powered brush, automatic height adjustment, ALL washable filters , safe free standing and construction.)

Certainly the Bissel is a well designed vacuum (virtually all of it's design is a copy of the Dyson after all) and it's half the price, which is great for those on a budget. However you get what you pay for and as many have stated the Dyson will be easier on the back and knees over it's lifetime. The 5 year warranty doesn't hurt either (compared to the Bissels 2 year).

UPDATE, 2 week mark: Just wanted to update the review with some thoughts after 2 weeks and to add a bit to what I might have left out. First, the Dyson really is a pleasure to use. It's already done wonders for the left over cat hair from my Bissell (around edges mainly) although you'll find you will need to use an edge tool to get ALL the nooks and crannies, the vacuum doesn't grab "everything" in the corner edges buried in the carpet. But compared to the old vacuum it does come close.