Heck!, one of those S&R Free Spirits got me through my first two years in college. As long as you kept everything on it in lubed properly and in good adjustment and keep all the nuts and bolts tight, they were pretty reliable rides.....
I was the second of two brothers who used the bike for college, it eventually went to our younger cousins to continue its school tranpo service for many more years. I would not be surprised if it's still being ridden by some kid somewhere....