My cousin, the Oakland Raiderette chearleader, that I've mentioned before had one and loved it. She initially leased it, and once the lease was up she purchased it for the residual amount.

I drove it one time and was awfully impressed. It was several years ago so I forgot what the driving experience was like. I just remember that it was a smooth, competent, and refined car, and it was a shame it was largely ignored by the car buying public.

At the time Mazda was going to follow the lead of Nissan and Toyota's luxury divisions, Infiniti and Lexus, by creating a new name plate.

The company's financial position worsened so much that they had too much debt and Mazda's banks refused to loan them anymore money. Ford came to the rescue and purchased Mazda.

In any event, the name plate venture was abandoned and it was sold as a Mazda.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".