I'm not saying Ford's are crap. There is just a noticable difference between the quality and appearance of interior trim components on a Japanese made Mazda and a domestic (at least North American) made Mazda. I haven't had a 3 and a Focus or a 6 and a Taurus side by side, but would assume they use many of the same panels/covers/etc.

That seems to be he norm with most companies. The BMW's assembled in South Carolina (3's, Z's, X's) all suffer from crappy interior quality vs. their German counterparts, as well. Honda's no different with a Jap. S-2000 vs. an Ohio Accord. Go to a Chrysler dealer and look at a Crossfire vs. anything else in their line. Then look at the assembly points on the Maroney labels... (off subject) - Anyone seen the previews for the supercharged Crossfire? 330hp. and stiffer suspension. Maybe they'll get away from the 19's in the rear so someone can actually autocross one on race rubber.

On the Mazda subject. We're hearing the MazdaSpeed RX-8 will be out in the fall. Contrary to the magazine write-ups, it will peak around 275 hp., have a little more torque, wind up faster, have stiffer springs and sway bars, a mild aero pack, and be available w/o a roof/leather/Bose. Sounds like the 2005 BS car to have and you can throw a set of wheels in the back seat with an entire trunk left over.