Your car has one of three possible things wrong with it.  a) battery,
b)  alternator or  c) an electrical connection loose.

What is happening is there is just enough power for accessories to work
but not enough to totally engage the starter.  Thats why the starter is
making a funny noise because the solenoid valve is actuating but the
starter itself isn't really turning because there just isn't enough
power.

If the battery is the origional than you need a new one.  They are only
good for about 3 to 5 years.  Less than 3 if you live in harsh weather
conditions.  Batteries are temperature sensitive just like ignition
coil packs.  They don't like big variations in temperature esp. within
a short period of time.

The cables could be loose where it connects to the battery.  Or it's
loose where it connects to the starter.  Or it's loose where it
connects to the ignition switch on the steering column.  Or it's the
ignition switch itself that is at fault.  It's impossible to know for
sure without diagnosing your car with a voltmeter.

If your Alternator isn't putting out the correct output.  Than your
battery was discharging the whole time while you've been driving
without even knowing it.  YES there is a battery warning light on your
dash, but it doesn't always go off when it should 100% of the time.  A
bad alternator will eventually leave you stranded with a dead battery.
Either while you are on the road the engine will stall, or you will
park somewhere and not have enough juice in the battery for the starter
to turn the engine again.

What you are experiencing is a very common problem that ANY car on the
market can exhibit.  It's one of those harsh realities like death,
taxes, STDs, and potholes.

Sure you can catch it before it leaves you stranded if you are extra
carefull and vigilant in finding problems before they happen.  You can
have your car safety checked regularly/anually similarly to how
aircraft is safety checked.  You can perform all necessary preventive
maintainance measures like replacing batteries once they reach 3 years
old.  Oil changes can be done religiously and replacing spark plugs
could be done on schedule.

But no matter what you do.  Stuff will happen.  Just a whole lot less
frequently if you do as stated in the second to the last paragraph.

East-

a) Have you tried to jump-start it? If not, try that. If it starts,
then you need a battery as the other poster notes. When batteries fail
in these beasts, they tend to go all-at-once, usually at the 4 - 5 year
range. From what you describe, it sound like the starter it not
engaging fully... another sign of a weak battery. As this is the
cheapest solution, keep your fingers crossed that this is the cause.

b) If a jump has the same results, the engine cranks but does not
start, it could be a number of things, the most likely being a bad
starter.

Was there any smell of gasoline, or did your "CHECK ENGINE" light come
on at any time before this happened? Automatic or manual?

Peter Wieck
Wyncote, PA