"The AP1's had a bit more problem with the transmission (mostly from abuse, skip shifting) and there were some improvements. Consumer Reports shows a black mark on the transmission for the 03, though I don't think there was any difference between the 00 to 03."
I have an 02 and it has the sweetest shifting tranny I've ever experienced. And I have owned Porsches, Afla Romeo, Mercedes, etc. Yes the ride puts you in touch with the road, literally and I'm not 24 anymore...I'm 74.