I'm not sure, other than the Xterra is a notably larger vehicle dimensionally, and aimed at a very different market. Fuel mileage will be higher for the Element due to the smaller engine. The element feels positively HUGE inside, as it has a very high roof, and all of the pillars holding the roof in place are completely vertical. The way the doors open up on the Element make a massive side opening as well. Rear entry and exit are extremely easy. The inside of the vehicle is pure utilitarian, without a single stitch of carpet to be found anywhere inside that vehicle.
chris_b_01 said: We cross shopped the Element as well (and the WRX and the Vibe and the Mini and the. . .) Have to admit, my wife and I originally drove the Element because it was so ugly and we couldn't figure out how it could sell. The funny thing was, after we drove it we both really liked it and came very close to buying it. My son (age 10) loved the Element and my wife and I both thought it was a perfect car for a small family like ours. What ultimately turned us off though was with the automatic it seemed underpowered going up and down the hills in our area. We decided to hold out for the Prius and have been very happy with our choice since. I wouldn't mind having the Element as our second car though and we have even recommended to others. Going back to the ugly car conversation, I would have to vote for the BMW 7 series. If I'm going to spend that much money on a car I want it to at least look like the trunk is an integral part of the design (the 5 series ain't much better)
My first ever car ride, at 2 days old, was in a Dodge Magnum. A real one. The redesign irritates me to no end. That being said, I think that new Chevy truck that looks like a VW bug with a bed added as an afterthought is the most hideous thing I've seen in a very long time.
I can find something I could like about all the cars mentioned here so far with the exception of the Aztec. The only thing that I can think of that sells them is the perception of a "deal." If the Scion and Aztec cost the same I would take the Scion in that I know it would start every morning. Quality and ugly has value, ugly and low or no quality have nothing.
My husband and I came up for a generic term for all those strange boxy vans and SUVs. BUBOW - Butt Ugly Box On Wheels. (pronounced boo-bough) Included are: Scion xB Honda Element Mercedes G500
Until yesterday, I would have voted for the Aztec until I got a close up look at a new Cadillac (I think it was the CTS) ukeleft: What the heck were their engineers thinking with this design? Stealth bomber chic?
I'd have to rate the following for lacking in looks 1. Element 2. Scion xA and or xB 3. Aztec 4. Insight 5. Prius (don't fool yourself, it's not sexy)
Okay, maybe it's just me. I think the Aztec is pretty icky looking too, but doesn't anyone notice its uncanny resemblance to the car we all know and adore? Sorry, but the Aztec is just a plus-size Prius.
Which shows... size matters. Or at least, scale matters. I really like the way an '04 Prius looks; but if you blew it up to the size of an Aztec -- it looks goofy. Update: Just passed an Aztec today. Yes, there is some resemblance in overall shape. But there's no way the Prius would ever evolve into that Aztec front grille and hood. ukeright: Hmmm.... You know, if you shrunk an H2 down to the size of a Radio Flyer red wagon, it'd make a neat kids' toy. Throw out the engine, and use "Fred Flinstone" drive -- great MPG!
Just in case I were to suffer an idiot moment, How Expensive??? And what is the Blue Book, after I come to my senses 3 blocks later??? :tomato: :silly:
For a minute, I thought that was Toyota's Sports Hybrid Concept car: [Broken External Image]:http://www.toyota.com/images/vehicles/future/cs/photo_1.jpg
Actually, it isn't in production yet, AFAIK. Further, it's not the price as much as it would be whether you could get one at all; according to Pininfarina, 75 cars could be produced during 2005. But, on the other hand, maybe they'll increase production if they get a ton of folks on waiting lists. Sound familiar?
Well, that's interesting since this car, called the Enjoy, uses a four-cylinder Toyota Motor engine calibrated by Lotus.
My wife votes the 2004 Prius as one of the ugliest cars she's seen. And contrary to another post, my 2002 Ford Thunderbird is BEAUTIFUL. I like them both! Just goes to show you; beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. 8) As an update, we just purchased a brand new 2005 Prius with the BC package. We both love the car but honestly think it's pretty ugly. For looks, we still love our "Bird." :lol:
