[jluetjen]

We have a Mazda6 V6 with manual and love the car. There is one thing I don't like, so I'll get that out first -- the gear shift linkage feels awful. No problems getting a gear, but it just feels like you're trying to shift via bell-cranks -- which you are. I used to have a Mazda 323 and used to have a pretty nice shift feel. OK, that I have that off my chest -- the good news:

1) I really like the interior design. It actually looks (to me) like it was designed by someone with some artistic flair as opposed to just the standard Japanese style dash. It also has queues back to the MX6/Mieta.

2) The suspension is top notch. Even with the "heavy" V6 option in front.

3) The engine (at least the V6) is quite strong and get's quite racey from 4000 RPM up through the red-line.

4) The seats are comfortable and it's quite roomy. The trunk is also huge.

That's my $0.02.