This is an excellent, high-quality blender. We replaced an inexpensive Oster with it and like this KitchenAid much, much more. Things I really like:
1) Power - this blender whips through hard-frozen fruit like nothing is there for wonderful smoothies.
2) Smooth, one piece control panel - makes for super-easy clean-up as there are no cracks or crevices to trap spills. Yet, the buttons behind the panel still have a nice tactile click response so you know you pressed one.
3) Brushed nickel finish - very attractive on your counter.
4) Polycarbonate jar - this worried me when considering this purchase as our old blender had a nice, thick glass jar. But, after using this blender for 3 months, I like this jar better. It is thick, yet lightweight, and hasn't scratched (although I only use rubber or silicone spatulas inside any way).
5) One piece blades & jar - our old blender had a screw-off base, resulting in 4 parts for clean-up - the base, the blade assembly, the jar itself & a rubber gasket. This blender's blades are permanently mounted in the bottom of the jar making for easy clean-up. I either just put it in the dishwasher on the bottom shelf, or I rinse it out, fill it up halfway with warm water & a small squirt of dishwasher detergent and run it on medium for 10 seconds or so.
Unlike another reviewer, I have experienced no leaks. There is a hex hut on the bottom of the jar that holds in the blade assembly & I am sure there is a rubber gasket underneath the nut. If I ever do get a leak, I plan trying to slightly tighten this nut with an adjustable wrench - I imagine it could possibly loosen over time due to vibration.
The bottom line is that while there are certainly many less expensive blenders on the market, this is an extremely powerful, well-built & attractive option. I think it is worth the price (I had a $20 rebate to lessen the sting), but others may not depending on their budget.
UPDATE after a summer of making daiquiris & margaritas - This blender makes FANTASTIC frozen drinks. It really pulverizes the ice & frozen fruit to make a killer frozen cocktail!