Pros: Graphics, cars, ability to modify, challenging courses/opponents
Cons: No manual shifting, no ferraris/porsches, not as realistic as some games for Xbox etc

Great game! The only DS game I currently own. I am very impressed with the graphics, sound and game play. I have owned this game for two weeks and there are still many cars to buy and courses to race. This game is addictive. I love the cars and the ability to modify them. This game is difficult to master and requires lots of time to get good at. Each car has unique handling characteristics and sounds etc.
Bottom line: I have played games like Gotham, Need for speed, Gran Turismo for Xbox, PS2 and Gamecube and this game lacks some features like the ability to shift manually, use reverse, or race actual tracks, but this game is surprisingly good. I feel the handing characteristics, gameplay, graphics, sound and large amount of cars, tracks and options make this a great game!!