I think I know what you mean, but just to be clear, the sunroof is optional on the '09 Grand Touring.

I know :). That really is the only reason I didn't get the previous model. I'm 6'3 1/2 and don't fit in the ones with the sunroof.

I actually think the car looks great in black. Otherwise, the nose is a bit...different. More power would have made this car much more sought after. Mazda may have dropped the ball there. They know they have an enthusiast crowd, but they could have reached a bit further.

I wouldn't say they dropped the ball at all. In fact, quite the opposite. Sure, they probably could have squeezed more power out, but what would be the point? It's not a slow car as-is, and even with a "realistic" bump in power of 25HP or 20TQ, it still wouldn't be able to match its so-called competition in terms of speed.

Instead, Mazda made the right choice. They tweaked the handling to an even further degree, and focused on changes that would improve long-term reliability. They can in no way be faulted for taking that approach.

As far as styling, I think it's a draw. The '09 looks cleaner than the '04-'08, but not quite as sporty or engaging.

I really hope to be able to place an order for an '10 as soon as the dealer is able next year...:cool:

And they haven't bumped the price at all really in it's tenure as a car.

The price is one of the biggest attractions to an 8. You can almost certainly get any new 8 for under 30 which is a bargain imo. I really think Mazda packages the car well.

The value can't be over-emphasized, I think. The Touring trim is the sweet spot, with lots of nice touches like LED tails, HIDs, a real LSD, and even auto-dimming mirror with Homelink. For a sticker price of $28K, it could be the best bargain out there. haha Can you tell I'm trying to convince myself that I really do need this car? :Eyecrazy:

I got my Touring for 26k with premium package, hardball the dealership ;)

Hey man, I'm right there with you. When I found out the sunroof was optional on all trims basically, I rose to cloud nine. I knew the R3 came without one but I had no idea it would finally be an option on the other trims as well. (hoorah!)

I'm a little skeptical on the gearing change since it doesn't seem to have done much for mileage or performance, but I haven't test driven an 09 yet. Lookin forward to it though...