If it's any consolation, they can shift quite nicely. I have a later 04 model and as I have mentioned before that a shift to 2nd before 1st, makes the 1st gear shift great. Reverse is very easy also. Surely I'm not the only one that shifts properly, so, if we know they can work, then it's time to see the dealer. There is a standard shift lever adjustment with tool # 9120 so you might want to try that 1st. Of course we all know that a cold transmission is tough until it warms up a bit. Believe me, I know, -40 last night. Please let me know if it helps.