2000 Ford SVT Contour was my first 'new' car.
Back in the day, it was constantly compared to the BMW (325i). Since my salary at the time couldn't afford a BMW, this is what I got.
To this day, one of my favorite cars I've owned.
EDIT: I've also wanted a G35 for a long time, they sure look sweet...but after owning a POS MazdaSpeed6...I vowed never to own a Japanese car again.