The comments about CR are quite enlightening. I do feel that some people who buy foreign cars like to make people who own American cars feel inferior. Having said this, I think that they are far less likely to admit that their cars have problems like us mere mortals.
As far as the Ford product line is concerned, the writing was on the wall when I bought my Mystique brand new seven years ago. I had to order a car with a stick because they were hard to find in my area. I was hoping to move up to a Lincoln LS with a stick when the time came to replace the Mystique. I was very disappointed when the LS with a V6 and a stick was discontinued. I spoke to a Lincoln-Mercury rep at the NE Auto show a few years back and complained about the lack of upscale sporty cars with sticks. He told me, in a nice way, don't hold your breath, it's not our market.
Well, now it turns out that a CTS and a G35 are just the kind of cars I am looking for at the advanced age of 40. The stick Focuses are nice, but I want something a little nicer. I've wanted a Mustang since I was seven years old, but the time for that sort of car has come and gone for someone my age. The only hope for me is the Futura if my Mystique can hold on that long. If the car lacks content, quality, performace, and most of all a stick shift, I will be forced to look elsewhere for my next car. And I do mean car. I hope that the new vehicle market comes to its senses and ends this wasteful fascination with trucks and bloated crossovers. Not to offend any SUV owners out there , but they are just not my cup of tea.
Thanks to all who were willing to listen.
DFT
You are not old.....forty was considered old like in the 1800s when the average life expectancy was only like 55 or less and poor nutrition and lack of good medical care caused people to age faster. But now thats totally not the case. If you really want a certain vehicle don't deprive yourself of it because of society's oppressive and rediculous expectations of what people in certain age groups should be driving. (According to my marketing textbook...people in my age and demographic groups should be driving Jeep Wranglers....ummmmm....no....no....and once again no! 
). I plan to drive a totally bada$$ car when I'm forty....so do what you want and enjoy yourself. 