If the dealer is near bellevue area(South C),I can scan the engine(for free) for any issues that have been captured by the ECU...email chakacrafts at email dot com

Never thought much of Mazda, but last week I had an order for a Mazda3 MPS Aero 2.3L, 6-speed (Alexa hatchback).
Usually 256bhp but this one has been re-mapped to around 330bhp. Was impressed by its power.
Its 'better' priced than WRX or Evo but compareable power.

Not really. Ford used to have a stake in Mazda which extended to a partnership in North America and Europe.

If I remember correctly Mazda was given access to assembly plants in exchange for engine technology.

Been a Mazda Demio owner for one year now. It's a small compact car but this thing is a monster - no other similar rated car matches this beast. Bought it at 34K, it's mileage just hit 82K this week. I mostly use it to run sales all over Kenya. Apart from normal servicing, the only thing I've had to change were the front shocks and the brakes. Incredible. I've recently installed heavy duty springs for 16K and 4K labour. I'm Mazda forever; my eyes on the RX-8 now.

Edit: If you do a lot of off-road driving, you'll certainly need to install the splash-guard; can't afford to break that engine.