I agree that the 1st to 2nd shift is a problem. It is not smooth and first gear is so low that the shift happens very quickly especially if you are lead footing it. For mild driving I usually start in 2nd as a very flexible gear to start off. The motor has very good low end torque thus allowing a 2nd gear start and is NOT a rev monster. I find all other shifts fairly easy. However note that my previous ride was a Mazda6 3.0L 5 speed. That transmission was the most unfriendly manual shift I have driven. But the car made up for is by is outstanding driving dynamics for a 4 door sedan with good power.