Transmission failure soon?
 

1st and 2nd gear hit hard. Especially when slowing down.
Car feels sluggish and not smooth.

2001 3.0 101,000 miles.

I have warranty, but I doubt they'll give me a new transmission until this one goes poof?

I had tha same problem and symptoms as u discribed with my 2001 3.0 at about 25-30 k. miles, all they did was reset software for transmition and all was working fine... good luck

you can reset the tranny software yourself by turning the key to position 2 and holding the gas pedal down to the floor for 20-30 seconds. (just read this on a post so I might have it wrong, but search for it on here)

mine is jerky when downshifting in sport mode (holds the gears longer) but I like it that way when in sport mode. drive is as smooth as can be.

I also have heard of tranny software updates from the dealer. You may want to read about this too since yours is an 01'