 I compared the Acura TL, IS300, G35, Passat, and others before making the Mazda my choice. I was dead set on a V-6 so the S model was the only choice, too bad I didn't know gas would rocket up! After looking at all the comps, and for the price, the Mazda was the best choice in bang for the buck. I commuted and wanted something with some zip (or Zoom Zoom), the reason for the v-6 and just couldn't bring myself to pay the extra $10K for a TL, IS300, or G35. I got it all in a Mazda. I think Mazda is the sleeper; in 2004 when I bought my car you just didn't see that many Mazdas. So 27000 miles later, I still like my car, nothing is broken except for the wallet for owning the V-6. It's still fun!