I am new to the group, as I just picked up my 05 Ltd yesterday afternoon. I looked hard before deciding on the XFire. I test drove 4 GTO's, but I was not impressed, especially since GM was giving $6500 in rebates and incentives. Not good. The Mustang...been there, done that, three times. No more Fords! This weekend I drove the 2004 and the 2005 XFire. I brought an 04 home and my wife and I spent a few hours testing it. They had one 2004, with rebates sitting at $26,900, and it was loaded. But the 05 was a big improvement IMHO. It seemed much quieter on the road, and it had several upgrades to the interior. The dealer discounted it $2000 and I also received $2500 in DC rebates. I could not turn it down. It is a beautiful machine. I waxed it this afternoon, and the paint is flawless. As for power. I had no problem entering an Interstate with traffic running 70-75. I used the auto stick and again was impressed, although I would have preferred the six speed. Being 60, and still a died in wool car nut, and this is a great car!

John