I personally think that chinchillas make excellent pets, they are easy to care for, and if cleaned weakly, they have absolutely no odor to them.
Personality wise, hmmm, hard to explain, they are all different. Some hate to be held, and some love it, but normally they are not considered cuddly pets. They are kind of like a cat in that manner. They do need time out to run around and stretch their legs, but they also need to be watched closely as they do like to chew
If you're ever thinking of getting one as a pet, your best bet is to visit a breeder and see what they are like. If you need a breeder in your area, let me know, I may be able to find someone near you.