I'll take 2 please.

 

You lost me on the Aztek, but the Element is a practical design. It isn't much of an offroader, but I think it would make a good urban runabout. If I need a "doorstop" to use as a commuter car, I'd really consider the Element.

The biggest downside to the Element is that it's too hot from the sales standpoint. They're hard to track down because they sell immediately.

 

Are you kidding me, who is buying this thing. it seems to be more of a van than an SUV.

check it out http://www.visi.com/~rlmodels/graphics/RC50001.jpg

 

I think that's the point of the Element. Instead of producing a 2-door CRV, Honda has actually produced something original and useful. Look at the Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix duo, two underengined slugs in AWD form, then look at the Element. Honda has created a wonky looking product that's adequate in performance and superb in packaging. I don't dig on the looks especially, but at least there's room for my duffle.

 

The Element has to be the ugliest car on the road, bar none. I think that if any other car maker put this car out, it would be met with much more criticism.

 

I just don't understand how you can rip apart GM designs so easily yet be so accepting of the Element. Yes it's useful but useful can be packaged and styled in many different ways. And I especially can't believe you'd suggest GM use the clinics that Honda used for this thing, aren't clinics like this supposedly what gave us Aztek and other non-mentionable GM designs in the first place?

 

Yes. Honda deserves every bit of respect that it gets, too.

 

No one is saying that the Element is beautiful. It clearly is not. Park it next to a Ferrari Lusso or Jaguar MkI and you will clearly see the difference.

All I'm saying is that in it's rugged utilty there is a certain elegance of design that makes it sort of neat.

Regarding "ripping apart GM design"...you have to admit, they have fallen short of the mark in recent years. I liken it to a fellow who wants to dress sharp. He's heard that Armani makes suits. But is ucomfortable with their cost and the visit to the tailor. Instead he goes to Farm And Fleet and buys what he thinks is a good substitute, off the rack. He may feel dapper..and may even find a Farm And Fleet consumer clinic to tell him so.

But is he really that dapper?

 

Same here... How can one accept Element with open arms, but bash Aztek?

 

Sorry. This is not the Aztek bashing thread....this is the "I'm surprised I liked the Element" thread.

 

!!!

 

So be it... but saying "I can live with Element because it is practical, even though it's ugly" and then saying "Aztek is ugly, it sucks, even though it is practical, I hate it" seems rather odd and unfair.

(For the record, I hate them both )

 

Putting looks aside for a moment. The Aztec is merely a 5 door mini van... with less utility that regular minivans, ( I have 3 kids..so I am well versed in minivans).

The Element is a completely different animal. It's car based, with new and interesting design elements that give it incredible utility.

Getting into a pi$sing match on which LOOKS better, Element or Aztec....completely misses the point.

 

Well, I won't proclaim to be an Aztek expert, but all you ever hear about the thing is how practical and useful it is after you get past the monstrous styling...

Can you tell me specifically what the "new and interesting design elements that give it incredible utility" of Element are that Aztek doesn't have?


LOL, AGREED!!!

 

Most of it comes from it's side cargo doors, re-configurable interior and lowered floor. Honda calls it a "mega function adveture tool", as opposed to a car, and I can see why.