how are they overall...
what are the pros and what are the cons?
is it a good buy?

I think so I am loving mine. 26MPG in the city so far with it. The trans is a nice piece I really like how the ratios are spread out. You don't have to shift alot with it. The shifter looks odd but, it works well. The engine is close to the top as my favorite part. Great idle, large power band, quite, and peppy for a 4 banger in a 3200lb box.

Test drove my 4x4 5-speed today. Taking delivery tomorrow!

I found the shifter to be nicely positioned. The engine and transmission were quieter than my 2000 Forester. Acceleration was fine; it's no Maserati, but then again no Maserti will be getting 29 mpg highway.

The whole package felt very 'solid'. :smiley_thumbs_up:

Just drove mine home today, much nicer to drive than my 5 speed '04 Liberty, and I should be seeing fewer gas stations as well. Took a bit of searching to find any 5 speeds, but worth the effort.

My 2 Maseratis BOTH got over 30 MPG on the highway - they were usually behind a tow truck! (The gas they used just kinda leaked out, I guess.....)

My 2 Maseratis BOTH got over 30 MPG on the highway - they were usually behind a tow truck! (The gas they used just kinda leaked out, I guess.....)

I would expect nothing less from a fine piece of Italian automotive engineering! :D :D :D (just kidding - I am a fan but Maserati never had enough money to fully Americanize their cars).

The shifter is solid on my 4x4 Limited. I've described it as similar to a good Japanese 5spd. transmission. Good linkage with short throws. Smooth clutch. Not quite sports car quick but sports sedan quick.

Loving my manual so far.....seems like throwing it into reverse was not always as smooth but may just be the rust of driving an automatic for the last 8 years before coming back to a 5-spd?

Almost to 800 miles and the shifting is starting to get smoother and smoother.

yea i gotta throw it into reverse, but i love driving the manual so much more than the CVT. I dont think the CVT is proven yet to be a reliable transmission yet for me to invest in one. Also i like having the control of a manual tranny.

I don't know about you but I like to have a little effort getting in to reverse with a manual. Better to make sure that was my intent. Usually the only times you touch the stick in an automatic/cvt unless you are going between Park/Drive/Reverse. Not so in a manual.

man, 26 in the city? My 4x4 will be getting as good of mileage as my wifes Neon! I'll be enjoying that in for sure.

I found the position on the shifter unusual at first glance but quickly discovered it is a very natural position.

The only down side I found is the MP3 player holder when opened is in the way for shifting. It was obviously designed for someone with an auto transmission

RichHelms are you also driving a Smart . I have a local Suzuki dealer here in greater Milwaukee trying to sell them(GREY MARKET) for 26,900 USD?