I was driving home on rt 80 and i could not believe what happened. To my left was a middle aged guy in a early 90's lincoln who honked his horn to get my attention, so I looked and the ahole looked at me and stuck his finger down his throat to let me know that my new 2 day old element was ugly as sin. now i can laugh about it then i was pissed because I was wondering what i got myself into by getting this car. now i live in new jersey which is land of the yupee's and not too many elements, at least from what i see. so there fore people stare at me like they saw a UFO or something.

Can others tell there stories

SSM EX 4WD AT

I tell them I like ugly and really don't give a **** what they think. If chicks tell you it's ugly tell them it looks better if they get nekkid in back.

Had my son say that it's ugly and them proceed to ask if he could have the keys so he could drive it?

Had my son say that it's ugly and them proceed to ask if he could have the keys so he could drive it?


Cincy-

That is totally classic!

Ever notice it's only ugly people (on the inside) who make that remark? Let 'em have their say. Karma will get them back.

I had a discussion yesterday with an older country gentleman as to whether my SOP was so ugly that maybe it was cute. He was driving an old Ford PU painted purple and white...

E=conversation starter

Had the finger down the throat reaction and got to hear the comments as well. I had parked at a strip mall went to one store and then had to pass by the Armadillo to go to my next destination and got to hear "That's ugly" accompanied by the gag me with a finger down the throat motion. My feelings were hurt, but then I do think it's ugly-cute.

Possibly.....and this is just a theroy of mine.....people (mostly insecure ones) fear the new, the different, the road less taken, and fear change most of all!

So these people who are making these comments are perhaps just afraid of the security that an E owner (or anyone doing something out of the "norm") has for who they are and what they like????

The people that I have heard rude comments from have been friends and family members that I know fit into this little theroy of mine.

Dare to be different and someone is bound to point, stare, take a picture, and more than likely say something that is proably best kept to their selves!

I belive in freedom of speach and freedom of expression.....but when it is directed in such a manner that it is not constructive and even goes as far as to hurt someone else that is where I draw the line....I believe that is when freedom of thought is at higest level of importance......because god knows that if we all went around saying EXACTLY what we think this world would be a totally different place.

Just my 2 cents!

Funny that I brought the E to work and everyone that knows me said....hey some ugly truck parked in your space.....so at lunch I walked over to the E to get some paperwork I needed to fax the dealer and I had a crowd around me saying....ahh..ohhhh....wow..... :wink:

And my son who doesn't live with me, stops by the house and every time he says...dad Evelyn's truck is growing on me..... :D .....my reply is...I know and wipe the drool off your chin.. :)

Dare to be different.

Conformity is a social disease.

These people that have such rude things to say about the E are driving exactly what society has told them looks good, or is a status symbol of some sort. Personally, I'va always taken pride in being a little different in my taste in most everything. I feel that way in my soul, it's not a deliberate effort to be different.

At the end of the day, who really gives a rat's ass what they think. Maybe Tommy Hilfiger or Ralph Lauren or some other "icon" told them the E was ugly. It could be worse, one of the self-appointed "fashion experts" could take a liking to the E, then we're all in trouble.

A yuppy world of E's? NO THANKS!!!

Last night I had a guy drive next to me, make eye contact, then do the finger-down-the-throat guesture before speeding off.

What's particularly strange about this is that the guy was driving an old VW Rabbit convertible that had once been red, but is now sun-faded orange and starting to rust! And he found something about my beloved truck to be less attractive that what he was in??

There really are all kinds of people in this world, I guess.

A guy at work has been giving me grief about how ugly my GG Element is. After a few conversations and seeing the back seats flipped out of the way I think he is ready to go buy his own :mrgreen:

I was with a friend last night and we had a few drinks, on the way home he commented that this Element may be bad because a cop would either pull it over just to check it out or that it would stand out like a sore thumb. He was making comments that this was a good looking camping vehicle compared to the pontiac aztek and the way he said it was funny.

All the time!

Dealing with these people is much easier with the E since after I give them the beating of thier life, I just fold the seats against the walls, throw them in the back and drive them to thier final destinations.

An added benefit is how easy an after-beating clean up is with the urethane floors. Just mop-n-go! 8)

Most of the people left in my community seem to like the E now. :lol:








Disclaimer: The post above is a parody. Neither I nor elementownersclub.com or Honda Motor Corporation officially condone the use of violence or use of the Element in any way related to use as a getaway vehicle, instrument of death, or hearse. Please be aware that beating people is illegal in all 50 states but I'm not sure about Canada.

People are rude, please act responsibly.

I can't believe someone would go out of their way to be so rude. Well, actually I can believe it because people can be incredibly stupid, ill-mannered and petty.

Snappy comebacks are in order.

"Yeah, my car might be ugly, but you're rude AND ugly."

"And I should care what you think because......?"

"Can I call up your mother and tell her she failed to raise you with any manners?"

"Yeah, well, I bet you collect troll dolls and Precious Moments figurines"

Or, here's my favorite:

"Kiss my aesthetics!"

:wink: :shock: :!:

[quote:03f705a590="eMass"]All the time!

Dealing with these people is much easier with the E since after I give them the beating of thier life, I just fold the seats against the walls, throw them in the back and drive them to thier final destinations.

An added benefit is how easy an after-beating clean up is with the urethane floors. Just mop-n-go! 8)

Most of the people left in my community seem to like the E now. :lol:

Disclaimer: The post above is a parody. Neither I nor elementownersclub.com or Honda Motor Corporation officially condone the use of violence or use of the Element in any way related to use as a getaway vehicle, instrument of death, or hearse. Please be aware that beating people is illegal in all 50 states but I'm not sure about Canada.

People are rude, please act responsibly.[/quote:03f705a590]

I LOVE THIS STATEMENT... Ahh nice to know I have a warped twin out there... smiles... yeah that is a great selling point, hee :lol: ... anyhow what I think is classic is the thread was started about a guy in a Lincoln gagging over the E.. Does that say enough there... can there be something more boring then a Lincoln... one of my many loves of the E is that it is far from boring, it is totally versatile, and I well really pity those with the yawn-mobiles.

I prefer no come backs to these people, to say anything is a waste of breath, merely since they are obviously that boring.

I did get a comment on my website with someone stating how UGLY it was, I just looked and laughed... see in person I don't know if people are afraid to say that directly to me... I must have something intimidating about me... I dunno... But anyhow everyone I have shown my E too, even if they expressed some form of doubt they are wowed by it... I have people stop me in parking lots to ask about it and what I think. I get people emailing me about my E.. So it is really cool... and those who are bright enough to see and realize it well, I think enough said... it is the bright who desire this vehicle! :wink:

My brother who is a die-hard American vehicle lover, he has not shot down the looks, but he is anti Japanese vehicles... I have pointed out the difference from the Fix Or Repair Daily and many other apt variations on some of the infamous wrecks... But he is very shortsighted and apparently hearing impaired when it comes to this.

My in-laws are also American vehicle lovers... in fact my hubbie was one too when we met... since has been transformed... he was shocked when he saw the Honda's I have had, never had to return to the shop, with the exception of routine maintenance like an oil change or brakes.. His family (note his one brother has a basic Jeep, the other a Geo Tracker... need I say more.. but we are often having to help them when stranded.. often!) have snickered about our E... but then they look at it very closely... humm more potential converts??

Anyhow when people skulk at the E... Look at them, look at what they drive, and any questions you have will be answered! :P

Yeah, I too have heard the 'ugly' refrain...but then I've used it too, HA! But it's like a little ugly duckling and it does so many wonderful things! Hadn't had our first one a week when I started dreaming about another one...and well, here we are.

I'm happy and they'er driving their chev or ford or whatever and wishing they were as kool as us Element drivers !!

http://www.angelfire.com/blog/dirkfour4/dualelements.jpg

I bought the Element BECAUSE it was "ugly". Ugly like a Sharpei is ugly, like Big Bird is ugly, like a newborn baby is ugly. I think it is wonderful to be different from the mainstream, boring, and conservative "sheep".
I once owned another "ugly" car, the V.W. "Thing" (now a collector's item). Our Elements will be in the same catregory some day...just you wait! Meanwhile, remember that many things that appear ugly at first glance become truly beautiful upon closer examination. :idea:

I wouldn't (normally) recommend responding to anyone's ignorant comments about the "E", but I have to admit that Kim's ("Hellcat's" )retort: "Kiss my Aesthetics" is truly a winner! :D

Driving over to my clients today, a young guy pulled up beside me and yelled out "NICE CAR". I looked over and saw him give a big thumbs up. I gave a big grin and a thumbs up back. I felt good all afternoon.

Let's start a thread with nothing but "ELEMENT COMPLIMENTS" and people saying that your car is fun, cute, a good value, quirky and delightful.

Poop on people who have negative things to say. Life is full of enough crapo without people trying to bring you down about your vehicle. May they reap what they sow.

I bet other people, nice people, have sown pretty seeds full of lovely compliments and kindness. Let's hear that!

Good point Kim, I was the one who actually started this thread because the first few days that I had my "E" I had nothing but either bad remarks or the "what the hell is that thing look" from people and I must say that more and more people are are really finding the Element fascinating and I have been getting lots of compliments. For example my neighbor liked mine so much they went out last week and bought a shiny new SOP EX them selves. Now I know that you are one of the moderators, i was wondering if you could help me. I have some great pics of my new "E" and i was wondering what is the easiest way to get them up on this site. Thanks, Shane

There's this real smart ass dude at my work, he's cool as hell, but he's a total smart ass. He walked out one day and said "God that car is ugly." When he turned to me, I had a huge grin on my face. He asked if it was mine, and I told him. Then he walked over to it, walked back, and said "fine, the interior saves it." hhahaha

"so I looked and the ahole looked at me and stuck his finger down his throat to let me know that my new 2 day old element was ugly as sin"

I keep thinking about this situation and what I might do -- if it ever happens, and it probably will (eventually) ...

I was thinking I would be tempted to point at their car and either do a "so so", or "thumbs down" ... and then point at my E and give a definitive "thumbs up". I know this is kind of lame to even discuss, but most of these people who don't like the E are about a boring or lame as you can get.

So the first time same guy in a boring old car comes up to me gives me the "gag me" sign, then I'll give them the -- your lame, i'm cool sign -- Its a fact.

I have found that people either really dislike it or really think its killer. I find people in old mid eighties accords not liking it ... but hell, its got more asthetics in its hood that most cars have in the entire chassis ....

I was in a donut show today, and some girls behind me were asking other people in line ... "is that your car ?!" ... and saying they "loved it" ...

Now when was the last time you heard that in your Accord or Camry ?

[quote:5ddf295d69="bunkers"]I was in a donut show today[/quote:5ddf295d69]
Whoa, stop right there!
...There is such a thing as a donut show?!? :lol:
...And you were in this donut show? :lol:
...Did you drive your donuts up to the judges table in your E? :lol:

Please, you gotta fill us in on all the details of this little adventure of yours. :lol:

Yeah what the hect is a donut show? should that read shop? Beacsue man if they are having donut shows I have this really wierd image of the Westminster Dog Show with donuts instaed of dogs....you know donuts on leashes parading around with bows on top and show donut moms and dads telling the donuts to smile bid and show their filling!

Yeah I know I am wierd....but what a strange, strange image that statement created in my mind!

I don't think we need a thread with only positive comments about the "E" (some things go without saying). Obviously there are far more complimentary remarks, nods, smiles, and head-scratching than there are the other kind. I think it helps to bolster our communal enthusiasm to hear the "flip side" comments too. Personally, my "E" and I are greeted with more smiles than frowns everywhere we go. (They're laughing WITH us...not AT us) :D We "E" buyers are not a timid group or we would have bought a CRV! So go ahead, give us your best shot! We can take it!

I don't think I've driven my E a day yet without someone making a comment. Most just say it's funky or cool. A lot of people say they want one. One man asked me if it was an electric car. I've only had one negative experience when a woman laughed and made a face at my lovely E... :shock: I'm thinking she probably drives a Yugo. :wink:

First, the Element is only 25% Japanese. The remaining 75% came from North America and Mexico according to my California dealership's window price tag.

Second, just tell people who think your vehicle is ugly that you only see it from the inside, where it matters!

Third, you could have bought a Pontiac Aztek, which is both ugly and impractical, but that would imply you're as dunb as the other 9,499 people who bought one the first year they came out, a disaster for Pontiac. Honda has sold over three times as many Elements in six months, but to smart people who know a winner when they see one!

"Well, ugly is better than boring!"

The first Element I saw on the road I remember saying, that is the ugliest vehicle I have ever seen. Now I have ordered one. I sure wish it would hurry up and get here. GG AWD auto. Should be here in another month. Why does it take so long?

[quote:79661eebaa="Rich M"]The first Element I saw on the road I remember saying, that is the ugliest vehicle I have ever seen. Now I have ordered one. I sure wish it would hurry up and get here. GG AWD auto. Should be here in another month. Why does it take so long?[/quote:79661eebaa]

Supply and demand, my friend... Supply and demand. :D

I had my first "ugly" incident today in my neighborhood. Bunch of punk kids playing hoops and one of them yelled "your car is ugly". Not too concerned about it because:

A) these kids drive bicycles
B) seeing what was in their driveway (a primer Civic "project car"), they're not hitting on much.

I didn't get my "E" to impress anyone. I've had two Volvo 544 model cars in the past. They are not just ugly, they are down-right homely, but I've had two. :D
Grew up covered with freckles and know the feeling of bring the butt of peoples insensitive comments...Don't feel a bit sorry for any of my friends who got a tattoo they now wish they hadn't gotten...I've got freckles.
:wink:

I've got freckles.



I feel your pain....I too have many freckles....and summer is here so they are starting to unite to try to form a tan, but it just never seems to work! It's just a shame that I make Casper look tan :cry:

We were out in our E just yesterday getting a tan... :D Two guys made comments: a teen said it was cool, and a senior said it was a nice car! They both liked it! So far the good out weighs the bad.

Now that's a POLL question if there ever was one. How many E owners had a childhood that involved being picked on for some physical trait that could not be changed or hidden. In my case, I had red hair, freckles, big lips, and a bubble butt. Most of these traits are gone. Hair's gone gray, lips are now sensuous (wifes' description), butt is "nice" (also wife's description), but the freckles live on. Oh well, 3 out of 4 ain't bad.

I used to own a Jeep, so I went to the Jeep forum like this at this site (http://www.jeepsunlimited.com), and just for a goof I did a search for "Honda Element" on their forum. Just as I thought, everyone there HATED it. They said they liked the interior's practicality, but thought it was Aztek ugly. I don't see it. Then again, these people had a revolt when Jeep came out with the Liberty. I thought they'd like the box shape since a lot of people over there drive old-school Cherokees which were really plain-jane designed. There were a lot of photo-shop goofs of the Element over there. I dunno, I bought my vehicle because I like it, and I can't change the world in a day...but I guess this goes back to the fact that some people just don't understand.

:roll:

Yep, I understand the hatred and disgust of other car forums. I hang out on VWVortex.com sometimes and they certainly don't have much love for the E. But then most of the people on that forum are very young and into cars in a very different way! It's all about making them "cooler" and "faster". I guess others just can't see the coolness of the E! I feel sorry for them! 8)

[quote:ea13b49504="pedsflightrn"]But then most of the people on that forum are very young and into cars in a very different way! It's all about making them "cooler" and "faster". [/quote:ea13b49504]

What I find ironic is that they usually aren't making them faster, just trying to make them LOOK faster. Why a wing the size of a surfboard makes sense on a compact car is beyond me; it's not doing anything except looking stupid. Plus, I love stickers like "Powered by Honda": hmm, what a surprise it IS a Honda (only owners of Saturn Vues with the engines sourced from Honda should be allowed to use this sticker). Then there are older cars where they add a vtec emblem yet vtec was never available with that vehicle.

I bought a NBP EX on May 17th and my wife, pooch, and I love it so far. We have put about 2500 miles on it in the first month and we find new things we like about it every day.

As far as the ugly comments go....I had a friend tell me I should "paint it white and sell ice cream out of the side". He was joking, but I can kind of see his point. Made me laugh.

For every person that thinks it is ugly, there is another one who can't wait to look inside. I have come out of the office to go to lunch on a couple of occassions to find people peeking in the windows to see what it is all about. I also had a group of women from my office building ask if they could look inside because they were curious. By the time I showed them everything it could do, I felt like a Honda salesman. They loved it!

It's funny, for every person who has said my vehicle was ugly that I have met in person or heard in person, there have been at least 15 or 20 that have said that my vehicle is cool. That's a pretty good ratio. I used to own a Jeep Liberty, and I had more people say THAT was ugly than said it was cool looking. So I must have did something right.

Worst case scenario: waking up and discovering someone had egged my car in the driveway- it was less than a month old. :evil:

Annoying case scenario: finding slimy green smoothie drink all over my car after parking in a teen mall-rat parking lot.

You gotta-be kiddin me scenario: It was mother's day, I was driving my mom home after having lunch with her. We see a pimple-faced youngster hang out of the back of a Crew cab pickup to scream
"Excuse me sir! You're driving a box!! A BOX!!!!!"

I have yet to witness anyone under the age of 25 react warmly to my E. (funny considering Honda marketed this vehicle to that demograpgic.) Doesn't bother me in the slightest...I didn't buy this vehicle to impress p.o.s.-driving teens. The vandalism does bother me. If I ever catch people doing that kind of crap to my car again...I won't be held accountable for my actions. They wanna buy the econo-sized can of whup-a$$...so be it. :P

Everyone that likes it, is in my age bracket (mid 30s) or higher.

Just plain funny scenario:
COWORKER: "I like that car, it really suits you."
ME: "You're not saying I'm ugly are you????" 8)

A lady just told me my E looks like what would happen if you mated a HUMMER with a Cooper MINI!!! :o

I was pulling out of the bank yesterday and heard some guy say, "The Germans had to have build that." Don't know if it was a compliment or an insult.

Lately I used a few new comebacks:
It's a Honda! I'm sure it will out live that Ford, Chevy or Dodge of yours.
I get alot of flack from family members for buying foreign cars, especially this one because of it's eccentric appearence. All I say is why should I buy something different if what I drive treats me well, extreamly well.


[quote:ecdb285831="TheLusciousHellcat"]I can't believe someone would go out of their way to be so rude. Well, actually I can believe it because people can be incredibly stupid, ill-mannered and petty.

Snappy comebacks are in order.

"Yeah, my car might be ugly, but you're rude AND ugly."

"And I should care what you think because......?"

"Can I call up your mother and tell her she failed to raise you with any manners?"

"Yeah, well, I bet you collect troll dolls and Precious Moments figurines"

Or, here's my favorite:

"Kiss my aesthetics!"

:wink: :shock: :!:[/quote:ecdb285831]

Sitting at a stop light when a couple of guys in Grand Cherokee yelled out the window as they passed by that my car was ugly. Bothered me for about ten minutes as drove home, the realized the E is not for everybody and the beauty is in the eye of the holder.
Anyhow, I still notice many people checking out my E as they drive by. Overall, most say it is interesting or has lots of utility, mainly from baby boomers but I once got a thumbs up from a Gen Y! That was cool! :)

Nowadays people see hundreds of SUVs go by.
Out of all of them which do they take time out of their busy
day to, or walk across the street to comment on
The "e" or I guess, a Hummer!
We're in good company, I'll take the attention everytime.
People put the label of "ugly" to their mental reponse
to something different because of their own inhibitions.
Notice nine out of ten young people like it!

http://smilies.sofrayt.com/1/g/hitchhik.gif

Last week a small group of General Motor dudes were getting in their rides car ,and one commented"Hey! check out the hearse.." I laughed to myself and downed my last drop of coffee as they rumbled off in a late model CADDILAC......

I have two of those comments too, I don't worries what other thinks. One guy give me thumb down when made a left-turn in front of me, and the other guy made a comment "is junk" as I was gas up. :evil:

These rude people think that I'm not aware of what Element look like, they think if they say it outloud that I would wake-up and agreed with them? I purchased the Element because of its look and it is uniqueness dispise the resembling to H2. I live south of the Twin Cities, there are lots of those "Good Old Boys" drive Ford and Chevy with mudd paddling tires. These GOB get very defensive about their trucks and absolutely hates everything else.

It is fact that most foreign brands are very reliable, and they can't dispute that facts, as a last resort saying it ugly, may relieves their insecurity.

You have to excuse on my writing skill, English is not my first language. :oops:

An E passed my 10-yr-old son's summer camp bus the other day. He yelled out proudly that his mom drives one and all the kids and counselors went on and on teasing him about how ugly it was. My son's feelings were so hurt that he was almost in tears when he told me about it. He really loves our E and was counting on inheriting it when he's old enough to drive. My kids both love it and it's perfect for us, but my 11-yr-old daughter says her friends all hate it and tease her too. :(

Kids teasing is one thing - counselors should know better. That's just rude, and sets a bad example for the kids. I'd speak up about that.

People are amazingly stupid. Anything 'different' is bad. People with the courage to be themselves, be different, express themselves, are just too much of a threat to what some people perceive as their place in this world.

I have no time for such baloney.

Joe, my best friend and co-worker calls my E the "Butt Ugly Urban Combat Vehicle".

I can live with that!

I posted this on another thread, but a couple of week ends ago, the CEO of my company got on the airplane, stuck his head in the ****pit and said, "Bill, that's the ugliest car I have ever seen".

He bought one the next day.

Last night we were having some frozen custard at Starlight, sitting at one of the outdoor tables, and I had parked beside a brand new Cadillac Escalade. Several people stopped and looked at the E, couple even walked up and looked inside, nobody even glanced at the Caddy. :)

I just laugh and say "Its OK, Honda knew there would be people like you! They also knew there would be people who just love it." They stand there like I just told them there were abducted by aliens and only Honda knows.

At work I get comments like its "strange " or "ugly" at the same time I have guys come up to me and say "I want one bad but my wife won't go for it" or "its great". So I don't mind bad comments because there are always unexpected good ones. I don't think the people who say bad things realize that.

I have a feeling the nice ding and nicked paint I got the first week in my parking lot at work did not come from an admirer of the E. :(

only comments have been joking comments from friends.
however, the first night we had the e, someone emptied a dry chemical fire extingusher all over it (i was pissed but did have to give the vandals points for creativity). no problems since (but, i did just put my howard dean for america sticker on the back so who know what might happen now!).

When I got my E two months ago only my brother said it was ugly. I thought he was a jerk for saying so when he has a dog that is the ugliest thing I have ever seen but I still ooh and ahh over him when I pet him. As far as young people are concerned, I live in a surf town and my "cool quotient" went up considerably. My ten year old dughter LOVES it and all my teenage nieces and nephews AND their friends want to ride in it. I am known all over town as I ride around and everyone waves! :D

It makes me sad that I have read of people having their Elements vandalized.

I haven't had a single person ever say anything bad to me. It has been completely the opposite. I've had total strangers come up to me and ask me all about the car and on more than one occasion say they wanted to get one themselves. I open it up, show them the inside, and everything, and they get more and more excited.

I can't understand why anyone would behave the way those other people do. Maybe if it where a Scion, people might laugh... :P

Has anyone in CA had such bad comments?

I've driven down to Palm Desert and had people there be really positive, and I've had the same great responses (like from random people in the movie theater parking lot) up here in Bay Area on many occasions.

So far always really positive spontaneous comments and praise...

About half my co-workers and friends think it's cool and the other half think i'm crazy for buying it but are too polite to say it.
If I ever confront someone who put's it in my face I'll just ask them what their car/truck will be worth in 4-5 years. I guarantee the Element or any Honda will hold their own in depreciation.

It's a free country so I don't let it get to me. Just think about those who drive a Aztec!
:lol:

First of all, I think the Aztec and the Avalanche are ugly, stupid vehicles. I have the right to say that, but I wouldn't just go up and tell someone that their vehicle is ugly or stupid. I do have some manners. :D
The first few times I drove my E to church, I came out after the service to find a crowd of people around it - mostly college kids - telling me how cool it was. A lot of high school and junior high kids have given me positive comments also. My kids are in elementary school and when I picked them up the first time, in our E, I heard about 200 kids go "WOW! WHOA! COOL CAR!" All the teachers comment on it too - positively.
BUT. there ARE those jerks who don't understand it, don't like it because it's different, and want to insult it. They are mainly "good-ole-boys" who can't understand why "different" is a good thing. My nephew (a good-ole-boy) calls it an ugly box. Last week, I came out of a store to find 2 "bubbas" discussing my vehicle. They were laughing and saying it was ugly. But when they saw me going toward it, they figured out I was the owner and shut up real quick. THey didn't have the balls to insult it in my presence.

OK so last Thursday I was driving to Hooters for Lunch, and this older gentleman was yelling at my E while I was at a stop light. The language he used to describe my color choice and the overall look of my E was horrible. Since I'm a bit more savvy than he I choose not to reply, although I thought it was funny that he was waiting for the City Bus.

Well, it finally happened.

i was driving home last friday and a dodge ram king cab pulled up next to me. The drivers side rear passenger window opened and a (redneck) guy poped his head out and said "hey" - i looked at him - and he said "you know, that thing is REALLY ugly!" - i said "ok ..." and drove on.

I cant belive the reactions and the emotions that the E can produce!!

On the nicer side, i have had quite a few passengers in other cars checking me out on the highway with glazed looks on them - they dont even notice me, they just are transfixed on my E!!

I had a older gentleman ( Iuse the term loosely) in an 80's model Chevrolet S-10 chase me down at a stop light get into the turning lane and motion for me to roll down the window. He then proceede to tell me how ugly ot was and how if he had to drive this or walk he would walk. I just waved and rolled up my window. The guy gets out of his S-10 walks to my window and proceed to continue his tyrant about my E. I smiled as the light turned green and he was still standing in the middle of the road screaming, while I was a block up. Some people :?

...even though I REALLY shouldn't let it get to me.

I've had my E for about 3 weeks now, and I've been dreading the worst. I've totally been expecting dents on the door, scratches everywhere, explicit words carved into the plastic, coke poured into my gas tank, or even having my antenna stolen...but not this!

Someone actually SPIT on my E today! The ultimate insult!!!

Wide spatter with a big yellow loogie flowing down the driver's side window. Had I been there a few minutes earlier, I would've caught the guy in the act (I was shopping). And he would've been SOOOO sorry to see me... a 6'5", 250 lb weight-lifter with a short temper.

From now on I'm packing an aluminum bat in my E. No mercy for @$*&$% like that. Some of you guys say that karma will eventually get them in the end? Then my name must be Karma.

What we really need is a forum on how to get back at these kinds of jerks. And I don't mean with words, either.

That really sucks man, I am sorry to hear that someone is that petty. I feel for them if you catch them though. I feel for you and your E.

Although the Element is not mentioned at all this new study applies as to why Honda is selling the car.
http://www.jdpower.com/cc/auto/releases/search.asp?CatID=1
While exterior vehicle styling is the primary reason consumers avoid certain models during the new-vehicle shopping process, models that inspire a "love it or hate it" attitude in terms of styling often have a sales advantage, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2003 Avoider StudySM released today

See the charts below for some interesting bits like H2 avoidance and the CRV is not rugged enough and S2000 not sporty looking enough.

Yeah....I said it may be ugly...but when you ride in the back your knees won't be shoved up into your forehead like in the back of a Jetta.... :D :!:

My wife and daughter remind me daily about the ugly... and I also keep paper bags handy for them to wear when we have to drive somewhere.
I should let them decorate those bags to match the seasons.

Keep on Truckin'

Don

Wow! :shock: I pick up my SOP Element tomorrow and am amazed at the reaction I've gotten already when I posted online that I was buying it (along with a pic).

Two people ragged on me right away about it being ugly. One guy has a PURPLE Ford truck and the other drives a Toyota MR2 Spyder!! :D :roll:

However for the most part I got polite comments and most were impressed with Honda quality. Some said they wished they could trade in their boring minivan for a cool truck with a 5 speed and almost everyone congratulated me on my choice.

I initially posted on the Miata forum that I was looking at an MPV and then midway thru the thread stated that I was getting an Element instead. Nobody got on my case for changing my mind and several people seemed envious of my choice. There was some comments on whether or not Honda should paint the plastic fenders to match the rest of the car but almost all the comments were favorable.

I did a search on the Miata forum to see what the overall impression of the Element was and for the most part it's favorable. One post was from a guy who couldn't decide whether to buy an Element or a Miata and the responses were for the most part "fair and balanced". Many said they wished they could have both. I'm lucky enough to be in that position.

Maybe it's because Miata owners also get teased and picked on for driving "A Jellybean", "A Chick Car", " A Gay Car", "A Tic Tac" or are constantly praying that we don't get run over by SUVs...I guess Miata owners can relate to the idiot teasing.

At any rate, I really don't care what other people say. When I sold my Mustang to buy a Miata I got an earful from my Ford friends. My response to them and to anyone who has ANYTHING to say about my Element will be..

LAST TIME I CHECKED I DIDN'T BUY IT FOR YOU!!! :P

My favorite response (can't take credit for it):

Yes, but your momma loves you doesn't she?

Most of "them" are also too stupid to realize it was no compliment to their mothers until it's too late, and you've already driven off by then! :twisted:

Yeh, the other day some stranger in a parking lot told me that my E was ugly. I promptly told him that I didn't give a sh_t what he thought and he should keep his f_ _kin' opinion to himself. Should have seen the look of shock on his face!!!! Go E!!

Yes all the time but when I hear that I say this.

Yeah man, I know its ugly as hell but so is your girlfriend and it did not stop me from buying her for a few hrs though.

Feel free to swap the words mom daughter sister girlfriend aunt cousin err for the girls boyfriend father brother ect.

Actually, the wife's parents were like "eeeehhhh" and the polite definition of that would be "we hate it". But they aren't making the payments so...

But, I just picked it up last night and first thing this morning took it to my local tire guy for the chrome 18's/BFG's for summer and to get rid of those worthless stock tires for some snow tires for our mountain travels.

The place was packed, probably 25 people in there (first big snow of the year coming tonight). I was barraged with questions from the staff and the folks waiting for tires. When the 18's were being fitted, there were people with their noses pressed against the glass looking into the garage waiting to see it. Basically, everyone liked it and was totally intrigued by it. I got asked a million questions today and not one negative comment.

But yeah, people stare at you in this ride, lol. We went skiing this afternoon and people in the parking lot were just gawking...either in delight or horror...I'm not sure.

Let's face it, the most efficient shape for transporting bulky objects is the box,which is what an Element is.It's styling tends to favor functionality over form and to me that makes it an attractive vehicle.No one would ever mistake it for a Corvette,but it's really not all that bad,either. In some ways I think of an Element as a reincarnated Checker Cab. The Checker, like the Element had boxy styling, tons of interior room,and was of durable construction. If someone were to make disparaging remarks about my E's styling I would politely remind them that it couldn't hold a candle to the current Ugliest Vehicle In Production,the Pontiac Aztek(pronounced"ass-tick")whose styling was influenced by TLC's Junkyard Wars.Actually,that's not a fair comparison-most of the stuff they cobb together on J.W. is more attractive than the Aztek(pronounced "ass-tick")

Yes. I was told that by the person I car pool to work with so in reply I said I guess your not goign to be ridig in an ugly car anymore... I think it made her mad because we haven't rode together all week... hmmm too bad for her I get to enjoy my E all to my seld yippee

There appears to be no middle ground. Folks either love or hate the SOP. One comment:

"Is that the box that your real car came in?"

I haven't purchased my E yet...but I have two more reasons to buy.

One is my fifteen year old daughter, who is soooo impatient to drive but hates the E. So maybe I'll have a vehicle that she won't be begging to borrow? (Of course, I remember when I was 16 and had "standards" and then got my license and was delighted to drive whatever I could get my hands on...).

The second is my ex-wife's reaction to the E (as reported by my kids). She said, "That's a clown car!" So...the E has confirmed why we're no longer married. No sense of humor in that woman! (BTW, she drives an old Jaguar that spends almost all its time in the shop. She desperately wants to impress everyone with her Jag. Cracks me up, since she spends most of her time driving a loaner Chevy!)

Aside from the obvious plusses of the vehicle itself, personally I like driving something "different," and really don't want all the foo foo fluff in most SUV's. Second, I llike being part of a community of people who seem to be friendly!

I am old enough to remember when people who had Beetles waved to each other on the road. I wonder if Element owners do the same -- hope so!

I go to the auto show ever year and for the most part leave yawning. When I first laid eyes on an E, I said, "That's for me." Didn't even care that much what it cost. When I found out it was both one terrific vehicle AND didn't cost an arm and a leg, I had an orgasm. (Well, that last part's an exaggeration.)

I love it, my co-worker hates it.

His first words to me: "It's so ugly, it's not even cute."

yea, then i say:

"yea, you're right... i mean, you should know what ugly is - what with looking in the mirror on a daily basis."

"oh gee! really? wow! you're so observant! man, i wish i could be just like you! walking around, giving people on opinion on **** they never asked for! you're the greatest!"

"ugly huh? what's that car i see you driving? a ford? yea.... i guess the words 'reliable', 'dependable', and 'quality' arne't in ford's dictionary. have you ever used these words in reference to your car? gee, i guess not. but you sure know what ugly means! you're the proud definition of it!"

"okay.... and? who the f**k are you, the leader of the ugly police? i guess it takes the ugliest to be the chief..."

(these are 4 that i've actually said when morons gave me their opinion when i never asked for it... they were all capped off with a middle finger and a colgate smile)

My only comments have been positive...the worst thing anyones said to me so far is "what the f**k is that thing?" To which I responded, " the greatest truck ever!" and then proceeded to smoke him off the line :wink:

jesse

Constantly, after all beauty is only skin deep.

Thats the problem I've had with my Element--Morons who drive these lame stupid cars always got something to say--I was with a friend and I drove by a few girls after I had bought my Element 10 months ago--I heard one of them say"That cars ugly"-I drove back around a minute later and pulled up to the girls and said"What do you think of the car" the girls said"I think its ugly"--I told her"So are you but I wasn't going to say anything"--She replied"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT" then I drove off and laughed--Probably gave the girl a complex and embarassed her--Which was wrong--But she should shut her big nasty mouth up--Say it when I can't hear it--I could care less now-- Since then I've had plenty of people tell me its ugly and different--Plenty of people love it--It's a love or hate thing--Or an interior or exterior thing--I love the f----thing To me its the coolest car there is--I've learned from incidents that this car is different and everyone has an opinion--so I don't care anymore like i did a year ago--I think it's beautiful and it you don't like it you can kiss my a---- Jim

Lately, people have been saying what a cute car the E is. The first time, I thought it was a fluke, but after two more people said the same thing, maybe there's more of them out there than I thought.

One guy said, "hey, an Element!" Didn't say if that was good or bad.

Most people who notice (yeah, one person didn't even notice I'm not driving an F-150 any more) HAVE to look inside. When I flip up the seats, the E usually gets a "really cool" label (along with cute or whatever).

[quote:0d7b058cc8=" "]Lately, people have been saying what a cute car the E is. The first time, I thought it was a fluke, but after two more people said the same thing, maybe there's more of them out there than I thought.

One guy said, "hey, an Element!" Didn't say if that was good or bad.

Most people who notice (yeah, one person didn't even notice I'm not driving an F-150 any more) HAVE to look inside. When I flip up the seats, the E usually gets a "really cool" label (along with cute or whatever).[/quote:0d7b058cc8]

Aaaarrrrgggghhh! Don't call it cute! I'd rather that it be called "ugly" than "cute"! RAV4s are cute, Santa Fe's are cute, but my E is ugly! OOOOooo, scary! Oooo, don't look at it! You might turn to stone! Anything but CUTE!!!

Bill

WHEN THE E is perfect in every way.


Hard to be a BLISSMOBILE! I guess.

Oh Lord it's hard to be humble
When you're perfect in every way
I can't wait to look in the mirror
Cuz I get better lookin each day

To know me is to love me
I must be a hell of a man
Oh Lord it's hard to be humble
When your an ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS FAN

GO HOGS!!

:P Elements are continually becoming more accepted and more popular.
A new vehicle design always takes time to be accepted and appreciated.
Anytime someone rides in my Element they want to go buy one immediately.
You can't make everyone happy.

many times

Well, it is ugly, but in a way that is very attractive and has a lot of character. it is also very functional, which has a beauty of its own.

There are a lot of people who don't have any taste. Think of all the Tauruses and Camrys out there: Not ugly, just generic looking and really, really boring.

A young guy I work with said "Don't buy it, it's ugly." Now he says that it has grown on him and he likes it.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I am a bit of a non-conformist having owned real Mini Coopers, Corvairs and a Saab. I dare to be different. My pitbull is ugly and my Ovation guitar is pretty ugly to some also. But my pitbull is the most devoted companion dogs I have owned in 49 years and my Ovation can actually be played in the rain without damage. The Element is a functional beauty of an SUV. It fits my lifestyle and needs perfectly. Closed minded people are ignorant and live in a one dimensional, vanilla world.

Tom......

[quote:7ab130082f=" "]<snip> and my Ovation can actually be played in the rain without damage. <snip>Tom......[/quote:7ab130082f]

So when you sing in the shower, you can actually play too?

Bill

The acoustics in the shower a great! :lol:

When people tell me they don't like the looks of my E, I just tell them I did not buy it for them. It will usually shut them up.

One of the things that attracted me to the E was its out of the ordinary (i.e. extraordinary) looks. I've had people tell me it looks like a bread/milk/ups truck, an old English cab, a WWII army ambulance, a hearse and on and on. My UPS man pointed at my E parked in the driveway and said, "I have one question. What is THAT?" To all, I just laugh and show them how totally cool the inside is -- have even let a couple of people drive it -- and everyone begins to see it as I do -- a vehicle that always makes me smile. What a boring world it would be if we all thought the same things were beautiful ...

I don't think you can own an E without someone telling you it is ugly...it just comes with the territory!

I remind the children (who of course thought it was hideous when we first brought it home) to remember that when they borrow the Element...there is no hiding what you drive in our little town and if I hear that "an ugly green Honda that looks a lot like yours" was seen zipping through the downtown area...they will have to drive the family Windstar for a month!

LOL It was fun reading all the posts about people who thought the E was ugly. My cousin also thought the E was ugly and could not believe I was even contemplating getting one. However, when I finally purchased the E and showed it to her, her "ugly" comments stopped and she thought it was a nice looking vehicle! I guess for some people, they just have to see one up close to appreciate it.

The most common comment I get is how big the E really is when they see all the interior room it has (along with the theater style seating for the people in the back).

I've gotten many people saying that my E is ugly, but I think the most interesting comment I got is that it looks like a box. He said, "All the new cars are so aero dynamic then comes your car, which looks like a box." He stop mentioning it when he got inside and I told him I could fit my sportbike in there and didn't need a trailer.

My E also comfortable brings 4 guys and 4 snowboards with gear.

I wonder what was the most stuff people have gotten into an element. I'll look to see if there's a poll.

who cares what they think? i live here in sw florida.....the floors and seats are perfect when living on the beach. everyone that looks at them......is green with envy !!

keep in E inggggggg!!!

I find that people either love them or hate them. I love everything about them. Not sure what's wrong with the people who hate them. :)

I had a guy that lives down the street come up to me and offer congrats on my new E. He said that a first he thought it was really ugly...but now it is growing on him and he thinks it's kind of cool (I think it's the new cloud rider grill..really sharpens the front up). Anyway I proceeded to give him my "sales pitch" about all the very cool things the E has to offer...now he wants one. LOL

[quote="
From now on I'm packing an aluminum bat in my E. No mercy for @$*&$% like that. Some of you guys say that karma will eventually get them in the end? Then my name must be Karma. [/quote]

If the bat comment is real, let me make a suggestion.

Get a can of OC Pepper spray. If you hit someone with a bat, you could spend your remaining years in prison. The pepper spray hurts like HELL, but leave no permanent damage.

A two ounce can fits nicely on the far left dash ledge and can be easily discharged with the non-dominate (90% of population) left hand.

I have taken two hits from OC in cop training, believe me, it ruins your whole day.

yeah, I like the pepper spray idea...do they make a can small enough that I could actually use that "COIN tray" down there?

Is it ugly? Yeah, all of my employees think so, until they hear the sould system. My girlfriend thought it was ugly too, ever since we saw the concept at NAIAS. She changed her mind when she test drove it.

[quote:109eda6707=" "]A two ounce can fits nicely on the far left dash ledge and can be easily discharged with the non-dominate (90% of population) left hand.

I have taken two hits from OC in cop training, believe me, it ruins your whole day.[/quote:109eda6707]

Good recommendation, but like other weapons laws, you need to know your local regs.

e.g. in DC, possession of pepper spray isn't legal.

Really. Granted, that one's pretty dumb*, and a lot of people don't follow that one (e.g. a close family member who worked a long time at DC General).

So, if you do keep it in the car, and you do drive through DC, you might want to put it a bit farther out of sight.

-brendan

* on the flip side, the reason that law got passed was because the pepper spray was being abused in local establishments during fights, causing evacuations, etc. Stupid people...

Good recommendation, but like other weapons laws, you need to know your local regs.

e.g. in DC, possession of pepper spray isn't legal.

I did not know that about Washington DC & pepper spray. I guess if they can make stupid laws for the whole country, they can also screw up their local laws.

Pepper spray and other defensive sprays are illegal on all commercial aircraft, due to the shared air system. My daughter got busted in Boston airport shortly after 9/11 with a forgot can of pepper in a book bag. She said the experience was unpleasant. Of course, it was my fault.

[quote:54b5fc4aec=" "]yeah, I like the pepper spray idea...do they make a can small enough that I could actually use that "COIN tray" down there? [/quote:54b5fc4aec]

I sell pepper spray through my locksmith business to law enforcement & public. I carry a 0.50 ounce unit that comes with a holster and key ring to carry with keys. Out of the holster, it will fit nicely into the Element coin tray.

Some quick figuring, I can sell those 0.50 oz. units for $7.25 + $1.25 shipping US Mail, paypal to locksmith45891@yahoo.com

:wink:

I was kind of joking, but the more I think about it maybe I will take you up on that :)

people tell me its ugly all the time. i just tell them its the whole reason i got it. feels so good to rebel!

I am a college director at my church, so needless to say, I get a lot of nice compliments. There is one lady who told us to our face what an ugly car it was the 2nd day we owned it. How can anyone who call themselves your friend express that to you verbally? I think the Aztec is the ugliest thing on wheels, but if I ever meet anyone who owns one, I would never express it to their face. Funny thing, it seems older people sixties, late fifties, etc.. seem to take to the E once they see it inside and out. Its the 40 somethings that don't seem to get it.

Has anybody done a Google search +"Honda Element" +ugly

You wouldn't believe how many clueless, envious people are out there....

:roll:

Check this out: http://www.snoozebuttondreams.com/archives/007091.html

Too small to use as an SUV. No, make that too small to use as a vehicle pretty much period.


From that link, clearly they have not actually looked at the Element.

Last night the GF and I were at the grocery store. We live in a pretty trend area and there are a lot of SUVs in the lot. The GF saw the new Lexus and it made her sick to her stomic. There is no need at all for these vehicles. If you need passager space then get a mini van, better MPG and a lower kill rate. What exactly do people use these SUVs for? I understand truck I used have one and I am looking for a beater now. Trucks can work. I really don't get the SUV at all.

Bone

Everyone around town here has been really positive... we got a HUGE thumbs up from a 65+ yr. old. guy who parks cars at the Brewers Stadium... LOVED IT! (We do some serious tailgaiting here in Milwaukee)

This weekend, however, we went Up North to visit my in-laws (in the middle of NO-WHERE) There are very, very few Hondas up there b/c the closest dealership is 2.5 hours away in Green Bay. My DH was driving down mainstreet and some pre-teen girl proceeded to yell at him,
"YOU'RE DRIVING A BOX!" (But say it as FAST as you can as if it were one word)

He thinks that's so funny.

My husband's uncle thought it was so wierd, too. His reaction, "WTF is that?"

These are "Detroit Steel" people.

Too bad all those Flint GM's and Detroit Fords are all made in Mexico, and most of my Element was made in my home state of Ohio.

One of the employees in the building at my worked made a comment that my Element look likes a space ship… I don’t know if that a good or bad comment…. probably the latter but I love this vehicle and get more positive than negative comment and also a lot of confusion look/stare as I drive around the city and I know we all share that attribute.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9112

but I haven't had it a week!

So far I've had a "That's cute!" at a traffic light, and lots of praise from my neighbor who drives a Mercedes G-wagen. My sister (38 ) wants to see if her dogs will fit in it, and my brother (40) thinks it's cool. I think my parents don't know what to make of it, though!

Our other car is a green VW New Beetle, so people staring at us is nothing new. And we have two greyhounds, also gawk-inducing (little kids say "Those dogs are ugly!" a lot, which I just don't get at all :( ).

--betsy

I have a male friend, who is a total truck driving kind of guy (i guess, like my husband), and he came over to check out my E the day I brought it home....he said, gee, i dunno, the inside is roomy and sort of neat, but man, it's UGLY....my response? I said "I know, honey, but so are you, and I can always get a new car"....... :wink: took him a second to realize i had just insulted him........damn slow man! :o)



[quote:b89a6e1199=" "]I was driving home on rt 80 and i could not believe what happened. To my left was a middle aged guy in a early 90's lincoln who honked his horn to get my attention, so I looked and the ahole looked at me and stuck his finger down his throat to let me know that my new 2 day old element was ugly as sin. now i can laugh about it then i was pissed because I was wondering what i got myself into by getting this car. now i live in new jersey which is land of the yupee's and not too many elements, at least from what i see. so there fore people stare at me like they saw a UFO or something.

Can others tell there stories

SSM EX 4WD AT[/quote:b89a6e1199]

I got the ugly thing three times in one day and once the following day. First my mom (60's) said she would buy one if it weren't so damned ugly. Then a waitress (50's) said " I'm sorry, is that car yours? It's just the worst looking vehicle I've ever seen." Then a co-worker (50's) replied that it was not a good looking vehicle but he thought they were inventive. After that day I commented to my wife that I couldn't believe how people had to say something about it, even strangers. She said no one makes bad comments to her. I was encouraged by that and chalked it up as a bad day.

The following day my wife, myself and my two kids ages 8 and 5, were climbing in our E after lunch. This old guy siting outside a cafe about 10 feet away blurts out " That's the ugliest F***ING car I've ever seen". Well, I finally lost it. Mostly because of the swearing in front of my kids. I went after the guy and he quickly apologized before anything could happen. I think he suddenly realized what a stupid thing it was to say...regardless of my reaction. It doesn't help that I am a large man with mild rage issues. Later I collected myself, my wife was mortified by my reaction and my kids were a bit shocked. I don't care what people think, it's my car. I just wish they would have a bit more class and keep it to themselves. Was interesting to note all the negative comments were from older less cultured people. That includes you Mom. So leave me and my E alone... you'll live longer.

Spiderman...Insulting your Mom is not a good idea! The E is only a car!

Most of my comments on the car have been positive. I believe that those who make ugly remarks are actually JEALOUS...and don't know what else to say. They secretly think it is unique...and they are wishing it was their own.
So, nothing to get angry about! Just smile when they say it is "ugly"...and enjoy the heck out of it, and be glad it is yours!

I gotta say, considering it was your first post, you're gonna fit in just fine with this group of (whatever we are!?). :lol: :lol:

Well, yeah. My Element was so ugly that I felt sorry for it, and took it home where I just can't stop looking at it.:D

Well you know.. I always say. "you don't pay my way so it really don't matter what you think"

I then bring the to the front end and just look at it. Then I open all the doors... Usually get the .. didn't know it did that. Oh then i slide the driver's seat back and remove the head rest and recline the rear seat. Go ahead stretch out a bit. Then I flip the seats up and say no more.

Wait I do say more. " now show me what your car can do?" Then I told my brother if he's nice he can park his scionxb next to a real mini ute....... that has some style. Not the tin can with the echo engine.... :lol:

Hello!
My mom thought Elements where so ugly that she called me while my huband and I where buying one just to talk me out of it. She asked me " why would such a cute girl want to drive such an ugly car?" I just told her "I love you mom but I am buying the ugly car be glad its not an Aztek" and hung up. I've never hung up on my mom but it had to be done. I told her I'd only bring it by if she promised 2 b nice, and keep her mouth shut. She wouldn't promise.. I took it any way. She is still not a big fan but she does like the color. All this coming from someone whom drives a BIG yellow dodge Rummble Bee.. Not ugly but it sure does stand out!
I love my anti-car! Ugly to the world or not!

I've had my Element for 3 days. The day I brought her home one of my husbands clients saw it and said "why did you buy such an ugly truck?" I said " you don't have to drive it and I really don't care what you think so just Shut the F*** Up!!" I have never seen this guy speechless but he totally dropped it after that! I really don't care what other people think but if they are going to be rude about it I will say something. They don't have to like it, just be respectful of my choice. Everybody that actually takes the time and looks it over really well just loves it.

Who cares; people either love it or hate it. Personally, I think Lincolns are overpriced pre scap yard junk.I don't share that opinion as I am not that rude.You guys make the payments, harden up. Up here in Michigan the most butt ugly car I have ever seen is a tie between the Scion box and the now demised Pontiac Aztec. :grin:

Yeah today when I was leaving work early, as i was about to drive off parking lot one of my coworkers gave me a thumbs up and smiled and gave him the thumbs up aswell.
Lately I have been getting alot of compliments on my E .

each time i see another E I honk my horn and keep on driving. :)

all my friends thought it was ugly, but almost all love it after seeing the interior. occasionally, you see people in cars next to you motioning and staring with "that look". i haven't had a whole lot of people talk about how ugly it is...there are actually quite a few elements in the area around here. today alone, i've seen 4. a couple SOPs and a black driving and a silver at the bank. so maybe people around here have gotten used to them...dunno.

you didn't get the car to please them anyway, as long as you're happy with it, that's all that matters.

I bought my 2005 E because it was ugly and yet it was everything I needed living at the beach. Ugly is in, anyone can drive one of those fancy SUV's it takes determend car lovers to drive our E's!!!!

Yes...People tell me it ugly all the time....Isn't that great ! they are just jealous. :-D

Personally, I don't buy cars for looks. I buy them for function. The E fits my needs perfectly. It's pretty funny how usually the people who hate the E are SUV owners. I usually ask them why they bought it - and they usually say so they can haul stuff, ar the 4wd. I then ask how much cargo space they have and what their gas mileage is, and when they find out how much the E can hold and it's mpg, they feel pretty dumb.

I guy I work with told me that he was really mad at me because he use to think that the E was ugly and he would never want one of those. But, after seeing mine he thinks he may have to have one. :grin:

When I first bought the E some friends commented how interesting it looks. 4 months later and after some neat mods I now get a "thats cool" comment. I figure there are always going to be people out there that won't like something and if they comment on my E then so be it, I'm very happy with this Honda. :)

Yes, yesterday - I'm walking back to my E after paying the electic bill, and this eldery gent just loved the little thing asking if it has a V6 etc. Very nice guy must been about 80.

:? Then out of the blue comes this little wirey piss who starts shouting " Your stereo is made by Pioneer - I worked on the QC for all the buttons on the radio. (Some job) - Three steps later he's at my door - and says "I have to tell you this is the most ugly car ever" Well, being the kind soul that I am (totally pissed inside - feeling attacked), I say" This is your opinioin, and I happed to love IT"

For what seemed like hours, but lasted about 5 minutes, he just kept rambling and rambling about the stereo, & how he let got 'released' from the "QC" job for the radio when they moved operations to some other place, how he loved his Dakota V8, which, he then tells me with all authority, is the fastest production truck on the planet, and it has navigation... blah blah.

(inside my E now) I was locked in, E in reverse, and even had the stereo going - he just keeps on and on, he really like to hear himself talk... what a blapper mouth . . Finally - I just said I have to go now - and backed up.

I felt bad for the eldery guy - he had no room to chat...he just walked away..

Well, that's my story. I never did like Dodge products... and guess who will bring more at trade in time - me - the ugly E - (we know Dodge has pooooor resale)

See you at the meet...I get the honda plant tour... na na na... :-D

The other day I was helping my neighbor put a headlight in her Ford crap wagon and she has the nerve to tell me my car is ugly. I fixed her when I said we are getting a second one in two weeks.

One of my co-workers calls my Element the Ugliment but who cares? I love it for it's utility.

But really, who cares what other people think. We as E owners know what we drive is the best on so many levels.

My main 2 reasons for buying it were:

1) It's a Honda
2) It is so much fun to drive, I smile all the time.

I have only have my E since April 2005, so not had too many comments so far.

A friend of my brothers was beside me on the road at a traffic light. He yelled to me boy is that ugly. So with my usual finess, I replied with.
"Is that your girl friend beside you, or did your air bag go off!"

Silence!!



Tardis

Ok, here's a shocker. I just bought mine because of it's great looks!!!! I couldn't care less for utility or functionality....
:lol:

Heck it's worse than ugly, it's fugly! I just returned from Putnam Park in Indiana. It's a road race course where there use to be corn! The BMW club was having a club race and my partner was racing his 1975 2002 BMW. Since I built the engine and differencial I am the crew chief. I drove ol fugly to the track and took lots of abuse from the bimmer boys however after hauling all the tools, coolers, gas, tires, hydraulic jack, and the ez-up back and forth from pit lane. Running to the hotel and chaufering four adults to dinner. Putting it into four wheel drifts on the back roads to the track. There were several folks that had a change of heart by the end of the weekend as they really liked how funtional it was. Some even said they would have to look at them in a different light now. In the end though, it was still ugly! The best comment was the guy that called it a Hummer hairball!! I love it.
:lol:

I am in sales and everyone has to pass my E to get into my office. It is a great conversation piece and a ice breaker when the prospect asks if that "ugly box" is mine. :-D

The prospect that the looks of my Element might p*ss off or annoy the rednecks in my area is one that delights me no end. I've yet to receive any offensive comments (owned it less than a week) but I'm sure I will...and I'm sure my Irish mouth will respond accordingly with a hearty "go f*** yourself."

I gave a ride to a couple of co-workers last week and I had to park under Soldier Field (home of the #$%%^ chicago bears), and one of them remarked 'now this is the type of car that should be parked under a football stadium'. I dont know what to think of that ... ??

Markus don't be perturbed, two years ago I used to get comments from some elderly people about how ugly my Element was but apparently these people never went to art school such as the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena California, where I went to school, let me tell you these people don't know great design when they see it! One of the reasons I bought my Element was because of its uniqueness. Apparently they have never seen the Mercedes G 500 or the Landrover Discovery, talk about boxes. If you ever get to California, try to visit the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and visit their industrial design department, they have drawings and models of concept cars that look just like the Element. You are a connoisseur and way beyond these peoples perception of good design. In fact I would like to know if any one in the club knows who designed the Element? I would not be astonished if some one from Art Center didn't have a hand in it.
Now in 2005 I get complements on my 2003 SOP! So don't fret, your a trend setter (and I don't mean the hunting dog). We are the only ones with good taste!

Most people I know like my E, the only real negative comment has come from my ex-girlfriend. Usually if someone thinks it's ugly I show them the inside and what the seats can do and they change their minds pretty quickly. A guy I work with who drives a Porsche went to lunch with me today in my E. The entire ride to the restaurant he went on and on about how cool the E was. Another friend of mine used to go on forever about how ugly Elements were until I bought mine. Then he realized I had a tailgate that was perfect for tailgating before sporting events. Changed his mind quickly.

I think everyone's initial reaction is that it was ugly, I know I thought that the first time I saw one right after they were introduced. It grew on me pretty quickly and a year later when I was looking for a new car I just had to test drive one. Fell in love with it the moment I slid behind the wheel. Bought mine a few months later.

I live in Florida and just about every where I turn I see an Element. I think that Florida is the Element Capital of the World. I have actually had a few chixs ask me if they can drive my "E". My Wife didn't like it so I made her Walk. LOL . Just kidding !

I took it to a family outing and my 8 year old 2nd cousin asked me:

"Did you WANT the orange color?"

Had to laugh at that one.

A friend calls it the "Tupperware Car"

a man told me that my element was the ugliest thing he'd ever seen. i said he must have my element confused with his wife. he didn't like that too much.

The remarks (from my friends anyways) stopped as soon as they had a ride, and the 6'5" guy in the bunch couldn't believe he could stretch his s**t out like that.
Now they all call when the need to move stuff, actually fit a 90 gallon fish tank in it including cabinent.

Had a guy tell me it was so ugly it was cute. Didn't know what to say so I drove off as fast as possible

I was driving home on rt 80 and i could not believe what happened. To my left was a middle aged guy in a early 90's lincoln who honked his horn to get my attention, so I looked and the ahole looked at me and stuck his finger down his throat to let me know that my new 2 day old element was ugly as sin. now i can laugh about it then i was pissed because I was wondering what i got myself into by getting this car. now i live in new jersey which is land of the yupee's and not too many elements, at least from what i see. so there fore people stare at me like they saw a UFO or something.

Can others tell there stories

SSM EX 4WD AT

I would have gone slobber in reply so that s/he knows i love ugly.

To my left was a middle aged guy in a early 90's lincoln who honked his horn to get my attention, so I looked and the ahole looked at me and stuck his finger down his throat to let me know that my new 2 day old element was ugly as sin.

Yeah, because when I think of the world's most beautiful cars, an early-'90s Lincoln is right there at the top! :roll:

I've yet to hear any negative comments. Heard another "I love your Element!" yesterday afternoon.

My neighbor's boyfriend, clearly testosteroned up, walked over and asked me if the fenders were really plastic, or just painted that way, in a condesending manner. I said "yes". I then asked him if his RX-8 really burns 3-5 quarts of oil per 3000 miles, like the car magazines say. He shut up. His girlfriend, however, was into the E. She said that she loved it. I guess the hottie's opinion should be more valued than her knuckle-dragging boyfriend. Especially here in blue-collar Pittsburgh. My wife disagrees.
I have had at least 12 people ask me to open up my E and show then the interior. 12:1 ain't bad, if that matters to you.

Function=Form

My friend's sister commented on it and said, Wow, why did you buy that thing, it's ulgy looking. I just smiled and said~~ You should consider buying one, it's kind of square, like yourself. Another friend of mine said look, it's a silver toaster, so the name's kind of stuck. I thought that was hilarious!
I had the first one in town (of about 20,000) for a month or so, and now I've seen 5 so far... I've started a trend.. ha ha I love it!

I was driving home on rt 80 and i could not believe what happened. To my left was a middle aged guy in a early 90's lincoln who honked his horn to get my attention, so I looked and the ahole looked at me and stuck his finger down his throat to let me know that my new 2 day old element was ugly as sin. now i can laugh about it then i was pissed because I was wondering what i got myself into by getting this car. now i live in new jersey which is land of the yupee's and not too many elements, at least from what i see. so there fore people stare at me like they saw a UFO or something.

Can others tell there stories

SSM EX 4WD AT
Shane....Thats a dangerous attitude for a guy from NJ 2 do to you...gotta get a plate frame with the bullet holes and a sicilian flag...Try
Apollo on 46 ;-)

The better question would be, "Has anyone NOT been told their Element is ugly?"

I usually answer with a reference to their being ugly but their parents loving them anyway.

Before I got my E, I had a Geo Tracker, people called it ugly in a cute sort of way. When I told people I was getting an Element, ugly was the first word to come out. My ex-fiancee even told me that if I bought it , she would never ride in it. I love my E, best vehicle I've ever bought."If you can't accept my E then you can't accept me"!!

Heck, I almost told someone thier Element was ugly! I just wasn't raised that way, but the first one I saw was in a store parking lot in that ugly green color and I figured this guy was a GI Joe wanna be. Clearly, the Kool-Aide has worked, but I'll bet I'm not the only person here who had that reaction. :)

What's really funny is that I thought they were ugly, and then my son talked me into going with him to test drive an Element. Two weeks later I had the Element. That was 16 months ago and I have loved every minute of it.

What's really funny is that I thought they were ugly, and then my son talked me into going with him to test drive an Element. Two weeks later I had the Element. That was 16 months ago and I have loved every minute of it.

So did you *both* get one?

One of my friends who owns, of all things, a Pontiac Aztek, thinks the Element is ugly :lol:

I beleave the Axiom and the Aztec were pre-cursors to the E, not that it matters but yeah, your right! that dude shouldn't be bad mouthing the E. The Aztec never got good revues in Consumer Report, the E did!

I usually tell them, "It's so ugly you cant stop staring at it" :grin:

I say it's about 50/50...half love it, half hate it. I fell in love with it the first time I saw it and drove it about 2 years ago at a car auction. Now back then everyone thought it was ugly, but I always loved the Element. I never thought that 2 years later I'd be sitting in my very own ugly box.

i went to checker auto parts today to get another 12v outlet to install, and as i was browsing the aisle, i heard one of the employees over at the counter say "look at that piece of s**t element out there" i just left, they didnt have an outlet i liked anyway, but i couldnt believe an employee would say that, knowing that it belonged to a customer in the store, im sure they saw me go out and get into it... i love my car, besides i dont know what he drove, but there were certainly no other cars in the parking lot that were better than an element, just an old minivan and a couple of old sedans... :-x

Now I would have said, "Yeah, that would be mine." I just love those awkward silences.

I work at a firehouse. The first day I showed up in my new E I got alot of "ugly"and "wierd" comments. Keep in mind that the parking lot is predominately a pickup truck lot(except for the days when they wash and wax Mamma's SUV or minivan). Since that day in the first week of August,it has changed to cool, different, and practical. The fact that my E is rallye red with black panels helps alot. :) :grin:

Apparently, the "E"'s are so interesting and different, that people express themselves, one way or another. Anything that makes people take notice, is ok.

I just got my E today and I like it... but I admit that it's ugly. Yeah, I bought an ugly vehicle. The inside is cool and that's where I spend my time, so that's what matters to me.

I pre-emptively start the weird box on wheels comments to keep people from ripping on it. Then I show them the versatility of the inside-opinions change...I might even grow to think it looks good :D

It's funny to see that this thread that I started 2 1/2 years ago is still bumping around..

Today at the gas station, I went in to pay for my gas, and said that I was at pump #6. The kid at the register said "Is that your Scion looking thing". I laughed.

Ive had my E for 2 1/2 years now and I still feel like I am defending it sometimes. I tell people 76 k and not a major problem, and if the person who makes the coment has a ford or a gm product, I rave about my resale value, and HQ Japanese engineering and I usuallly piss people off with it, I don't care.

oh i hate it so much when people mistake my elle for a scion or compare it to a scion. i think elements look pretty cool, but in my opinion those scions are terrible. i think they just look cheap, like a toy car. i dont know what it is, but i cant stand them. no offense if there are any scion owners out there, this is just my own opinion...

My best case of "mistaken identity" was when we went to the local Outback for dinner. Talk about luck -- we got the parking spot right in front of the door.

Anyway, we're sitting on the benches out front, waiting for our table, when a whole gaggle of teen-age girls, all giggly and squealy, arrive for dinner.

They notice the E sitting right in front and start whispering back and forth about it. Finally, one notices the big "H" emblem on the grill and announces loudly to the rest of them: "Oooohh! It's a Hummer!"

oh i hate it so much when people mistake my elle for a scion or compare it to a scion. i think elements look pretty cool, but in my opinion those scions are terrible. i think they just look cheap, like a toy car. i dont know what it is, but i cant stand them. no offense if there are any scion owners out there, this is just my own opinion...

I think the Scion is more Dangerous than odd looking. How would you like to be sitting at a light with your kids in the back seat and get hit from the back by a big speeding truck that was not paying attention to the road? :? I think the Scion would crush up like a pop can.

As far as anyone calling my "E" ugly....Philiphs Scr*w them!!!!!! I love the darn thing. My favorite of all time. :) I like how the Scion looks and would be good to drive in Spain or Portugal or the likes. They all drive small cars and Mopeds over there mostly. We are all entitled to our opinions. Oh yeah I like toy cars! :grin:

This is what happened to my Monte Carlo(my last car before the E). If this would have been a Scion.....OMG....oUCH!

One of my friends who owns, of all things, a Pontiac Aztek, thinks the Element is ugly :lol:

So...the Aztek guy thinks he's...styling in the that crap a## Pontiac? Oh gee whiz :rolleyes:

I love this thread. I come back to read it every so often, just to get a laugh.

I too thought the E was, Ugly. I got one just the same. It fit our needs. The last person that asked for a look inside, after the tour. Proclaimed, It's the uglyist thing I ever wanted to have this badly!!

I gave him a big grinn, hoped in, and drove off.

We love this UGLY E to death !

Was having a garage sale. Heard a teenager get out of her van and say, "Ewww, it's one of those UGLY cars." So I "made" her come over and look INSIDE, and she was won over...:grin:

Was having a garage sale. Heard a teenager get out of her van and say, "Ewww, it's one of those UGLY cars." So I "made" her come over and look INSIDE, and she was won over...:grin:

Good for you for making her eat her words. Can't understand how people are so rude where we'll will SAY ANY F##%ING THING to near anybody. :confused: People are way too rude man:-x

Element, you either love it or hate it. me of course love it but a lot of my friend don't like box style that much:roll:

ME - as I stood in shock at seeing my 05 in pain - The front hit a late 90's GMC Jimmy and the rear was hit by a 06 Ford Escape (being transported for dealer trade)

Anyway - not really ugly, but just not looking her pretty self. I the rear is pretty smacked - the driver door is tough to open, both of them.

So I hate that she is all alone at the Honda dealer alone, cold, and in the rain. She's very used to her garage. :sad: Poor Ele'

Well, I'll try to get pics tomorrow. I wondering if the fame is damaged due to the door being hard to open. The front hit dead on - only pushed back the grill about an inch - didn't even break, blue front trim has two holes from the bumper guard. Air bags still intact too.

have a good night..

I imagine I'll get more but so far it's been pretty light on the comments. My fishing friends like it (no surprise there). Other friends like it overall but admit it's weird looking. Best comment so far was when I was talking to one of my co-workers about it. I told him I bought it. He looks at me really calm, and calmly says: "Why'd you do that?" Cracked me up!

Not as much as I expected, I have actually had several people stop and say that's a nice car what is it, or that's a cool ______ (vehichle). One guy at the bottle exchange said he thought it was cool but he didn't like the plastic part.

When people tell me that I say "I don't care. You have to look at it. I get to drive it!"

people tend to think the element is ugly at first but then it grows on them and they can't get enough of it

:) Hummm, I liked mine at first sight. Then after the test drive I loved it..:twisted:

I usually say in a very proud voice: "Yes, I know. It is really ugly"

i have gotten a few "ugly" statements but ive gotten 100times more "nice" comments.. it was really tuff when they 1st came out but everyday i see more and more and more E's on the road i see 2 a day everyday!! when 2 years ago id see 1 like every 2 weeks. All u have to do is show them how practical a car it is and the pricetag.. i have friends calling to see if they can borrow my car for the weekends when they go on lil trips or need help moving. Its funny how the tables are turning. Once the ugly ducking now turning into the swan of beauty.. i love how my E is different from everyone else!! if i wanted to be like everyone else i would have bought a chevy tahoe, loaded it up with my 2.3 kids and 1.8 dogs and complain about my gas mileage and how bad my breaks squeak lol.

i LOVE my E

*if they think its ugly, they wont steal it lol*

I was visiting my family at xmas and some friends of theirs stopped over. they asked whose E was parked out front- they had looked at the E and CRV and pilot, but decided the E was "too ugly" and looked like an "urban assault vehicle". the settled for an 06 trailblazer :mad: I just laughed and ate my turkey! :cool:

These are my experiences:

Im in my car parked at the mall waiting for moms and 2 girls were walking past me heading towards the bus stop.

Girls: OMG how sad is that! He tried making his Honda look like a hummer!
Me: Make sure you wave from the bus when my wanna be hummer passes you by!
__________________________________________________ ______________

I just armed my car and was about to go into the mall.
Dude:Is that an Element?
Me: Yes.
Dude: What possesed you to buy that damn thing?
Me: The same thing that possesed you when you bought that jacket...It was what I could afford.

Same day.....
Couple: (Standing in front of my car)OMG... what car is that? Its got a Honda symbol on it
Me: (Over hearing the conversation as I walked pass them) Its a honda Element. Its new. (This was the first year they came out)
Couple: Oh I see. (Wife) I could never imagine myself having something that ugly (as they walked away)
Me: Hey... its possible... he married you right!?


If u have nothing good to say ... Neither do I!

Everyone I have ever talked to has said it's ugly and laughed at it. They then ask do you like it and I tell them that I really do. I then show them the inside and all the things you can do with it( my bigest sellers are that " all the seats fold together to make a bed and the the spare tire cover it a table") I have never herd the same people Diss my car since. Theres this one guy in my office that when nobodys around he is always asking me questions and says he likes it but when other people are around he jumps on the "your car is ugly" ban wagon. Deep down after really looking at the E everyone knows they want one.

I had a similar experience over Christmas. It was my parents' first time seeing our E. I gave them the outside tour, so to speak, and they said it was "funny looking". Once I opened up the front and suicide doors for full effect, they were suddenly impressed, and once they were sitting inside, they were only saying good things. I took them for a ride and they suddenly seemed sold on the E.

People just need a chance to see the E for what it was. I always thought they were an interesting idea until the day I really went to check it out in detail, test drive it, etc. I was instantly hooked!

These were stolen from a previous thread and worked for me:

Lady at Publix: "Boy that is one ugly car."
Me: "I'm glad you have something in common with it."

Guy at Mall: "Dude, that is SOOO ugly"
Me: "Your girlfriend likes it."

Sorority Girl: "I could never ride in a car like that."
Me: "Don't worry... you can lay down in it..."
Took her a second to get that one...

Older Lady: "I looked at one of those... I love those xB's"
Me: "It's a Honda Element, not an xB."
Older Lady: "Ohhh, it is one of those ugly ones."
(I just laughed... I had nothing for it after that stupidity.)

Biggest Insult I've Received:
Dude walking by my house while I was washing it: "What is that, a Chevy?" :shock:
Me: "No, it's a Honda. Denoted by the big H symbol... "
Dude: "Oh... I didn't know Honda made ugly cars..."
Me: "No that's just your reflection."

As a newbie, I am catching up on the old threads. I haven't had mine for two weeks and have already had atleast 5 people laugh at me when I told them what I got. To which I offer to show them the car. Once they see what it can do, and is capable of, they change their tune. Sure it looks different, but thats the appeal of it. :D

Oh, Yea---everybody I know! They also tell me my dogs are ugly (pugs). Come to think of it, years ago my granny told me "your boyfriend's so ugly---he's cute." (He's been my husband for 35 yrs!) I'm starting to see a pattern here---I'm either blind as a bat, dumb as on ox, or I march to a different drummer. All I know is my hubby was love at first sight, Skippy and Elli were love at first sight, and "PUGTOY" (license plate on the E) was love at first sight! And I don't regret choosing any of 'em!
Poor dumb people, they don't know what they're missing! Now I've got the camping "bug", and have been devouring your posts about tents, netting, bed frames, etc. I'm ready to get on the road with that man of mine and puggies in the car of my dreams!!!!

I don't know who wrote it or if it was an original posting in here, but we need a sticker or tee shirt or something:

Some people laugh at us because we're different; we laugh at you because you're all the same....

Love that!

We need something snappier. Hmm. "Bad news, your personality test came back negative!"

[Edit---"I'd be bitter too if *I* failed a personality test..." Maybe that's better?]

EXCELLENT Ace! I'd wear 'em proudly!!!

Or if it's a guy: "Compensating for smaller genitals?"

Oh, my I love this group! We're such spit fires!!! I also have a sticker on my car that says: MY PUG IS SMARTER THAN YOUR HONOR STUDENT

This is a recurring theme here, PugMom. Don't let the others get you down.

There's a guy I work with who calls it the "washing machine." Don't get me wrong---he isn't overtly nasty about it or anything, and it's all in good fun, but I know he doesn't like it. So I printed out a fold up Element, and a gal I work with (who drives an xB) had me color it and she fold it. I "anonymously" left it on his desk.

Haven't heard a word about it yet. CRACKS ME UP!:-D

Best way to get even with the jerks: enjoy the hell out of your SWEET ride!

A guy I work with calls it "the pizza oven", and "homeless shelter on wheels". Don't worry---doesn't bother me! I got what I wanted. That poor guy is single, alone, and drives a 198something Olds. He's also 6'5" and I saw his eyes light up when he sat in my E!!!

I wouldn't classify them as dumb people. I think in general ppl who owe E's are people who process life differently, see ugly as unique, see outside the box and ask why, if, and what if. so for the masses it makes sense to have an E. We are ppl with a different view on life and don't typically go for the norm.
In my professional life I'm critical of others, because I have to be, I have to think for them in order to ensure they are a happy customer. So when I saw the E I did discount it. I was set on a Ridgeline. But, after seeing this little blue panel box in the show room, sitting quietly, with no one paying it any attention, except 2 kids playing w/the seats, moving them up and down, opening all the doors. (kids embrace things that are different and must investigate), so I started looking it over ( I climbed inside just like the boys) - I asked myself, why do I need the ridge, what does the E offer me. BOOM - I was sold and saved 10 grand in the process hehe.

Thats my 2 cents of wisdom on a Sunday morning with my second cup of coffee, snow on the ground, and 28 degrees out. Just the past week is was mid 50's :shock:

A few people have told me that they thought mine was ugly, but they were people I know and so tried to do it gently. Truthfully, I still think the E is sort of ugly myself. But I love everything else about it so much that I don't really care about ugly. It is by far the best car I have ever owned and I can't think of anything else that even comes close to it in terms of practicality and fuinction. So who cares if it's ugly?

The B-52 Stratofortress is also referred to by its acronym, BUFF. The word "ugly" is part of that acronym. I guess whatever kills you best is REALLY ugly!

Also tops on the ugly list IMHO is the P-47 Thunderbolt and its forebear, the A-10 Warthog; the BMW R-GS series motorcycles; the original VW bug; Johnnie Cash and Abraham Lincoln. Love 'em all.

The E is just cute.

Two of the people on my line asked if that was my 'ugly little Jeep' when I first got my E; but Dave, one of the other Leads, thinks it's cool. He was even more impressed when he found out it had 4wd.

Oh, yeah, Dave commutes to work in a 1966 Unimog, so there's no cornering the market on 'ugly trucks'

A woman at work parked next to the E the other day. She said she hoped none of the "ugly" rubbed off on her car (a Saturn Vue).

I should have said, "Oh, right, I noticed a Saturn next to mine. I keep forgetting that you have a green one now. The one you had to take back under lemon law was red, wasn't it?"

We need to start keeping track of what other people drive over the long term. Some E owners will be able to say, "That Dodge you had---was it before the Chevy and after the Ford?---had some nice lines on it." And of course as they're going through car after car, we'll still be driving the E :-D

I have a friend/co-worker who was beside herself that I'd buy such an ugly beast (shhhh- Nelly the Element isn't ugly, she's got Character). It's hilarious, because she still maintains that my E is Fugly- but somehow she always ends up riding in my car whenever she can... hmm... I'd like to think it's me, but methinks it's the E. :rolleyes:

Also FWIW- I went to pick up a friend and his wife at the airport. Pulled up to the curb, opened the back and the side doors, loaded people and bags. As I closed the passenger door, a guy on the curb said that was possibly the best advertisement he's ever seen. He wanted one...

Is the Element ugly? Forget the utility and the reliability and the price, is it ugly to look at? Yeah, maybe, but in a "puppy ugly" way...like so ugly it's cute. I think women secretly resist the urge to pat it on it's square little behind all the while calling it ugly in that endearing, sweet tone they use for adorably geeky kids and awkwardly put-together dog mixes. Heck, I LOVE the E but even I thought it looked kinda like something out of "The Little People Garage" the 1st time I saw one. Now, do I care if people think it's ugly? Nope. In fact. I like the idea that most people don't "get it". Don't like it, don't buy it - go right ahead and buy something that will make you blend in with the masses...in nondescript generic medium grey if possible. And Heaven forbid any display of personality other than the also generic "my kids a ..........." sticker that the PTO made you buy.
What do I think is truly ugly - the Mercedes Maybach - a sweet half mill or more of ugly. Given a choice to be seen in one or the other, I'd take the Element. That thing is downright goofy looking - and not in a cute way. Lends truth to the "money is no guarantee of taste" parable.

My E is unique, innovative, creative and impossible to lose in a parking lot. It doesn't "fit in" and neither do I and we're both happy to be exactly what we are.

I'm still so in love with my E... I was running rescue last month, cruising back to the station after breakfast, with of my favorite crew members, and I commented (more than pleasantly :roll: ) on an E that was going the other direction. "Oh, they're so ugly!" was his response. "You think so?" I asked. About 5 minutes later we got back to the station and I showed him Opie. He got really quiet, but I still gave him the "grand tour." Hmmm... he stayed quiet. :sigh:

yea ive been told my"E" is ugly but i get mostly cool comments bout it. most people like the color. if anyone saids anything bout it being ugly just look at them and say" well ure just jealous b/c u dont have one and probably cant afford one." that should make them hush by saying that. :-D

I just got my E and I went to work with it and a co-worker of mine said "Who would buy such an ugly car. It looks like a box!". I repeatedly told him it was mine and he laughed because he didn't believe me. I think it takes a special person to buy an E but that's what I like about them, they are different from everything else on the road.

I had some people at work give me a hard time about my E. Said it looked like a box. I corrected them and said "it is a toaster, thank you!!!"

My 9 year old son 12 year old daughter think it's the coolest thing.

One guy at work with said that he thinks it's ugly so I reminded him that I am his boss. That shut him up fast. :)

People who hate the e just do not get it. It's not their fault they don't get it.
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Shouldn't that be "Think differently" or is that the point?:?

Well, isn't that something? - Gildna Radner philosophy

They might also observe that the sun was round, butt who knows?:roll:

"They laugh at us, cuz we are different"
"We laugh at them, cuz they are all the same"

I have been told many a time that my E is ugly. But considering I go to a school in which half of students can't own cars its amazing how people will change their tune when they want to borrow it to go see a movie. But I didn't by the E because it was a pretty car.

Every time I approach my E, with my husband in tow, and say "My car is soooo cute. Look at it, isn't it cute?!" He says "No!". I say, "you're just jealous."

Then, I hop in and burn rubber out of the place, leaving him standing there :-P :-P :-P

Just kidding...only about the leaving him standing there.

...I posted a link to his site on another forum (Lonely Planet Thorn Tree), and another poster retorted w/: "You drive an Ecrement? Those things are uglier than I am!".

Yep, by an owner of a Pontiac Aztek, no less. Can you believe it? Guess she was just in 'defensive mode'. Must be terrible owning such a 'fugly' car, that doesn't have the 'cute factor' of the Element.

Everyone at work, and all of my friends, think the car is great for me (dog owner and outdoorsy guy), and they think the car looks just fine. Many are thinking about buying one themselves.

I had a experience with someone at my gym about my E. I was walking to the car to put my gym back away after working out and this couple who parked next to me came over. I the girls boyfriend asked how could I drive something so ugly. I promptly told him his mom didn't think so last night. I know, I know...juvenile. I am normally better than that but I HAD to take him down a notch or two. But, what came next, totally suprised me.
His cute girlfriend proceeded to peek inside and marvel at the room and layout. I let her sit in it and take it all in along with the sound system with the sub. She said it was very cool and functional. The boyfriend just stewed in his juices. I mentioned the comfortable ride, fits my boogie board, surf board, bikes, music equipment, etc. and got a great reaction!

Yeah! The Element's a c-blocker, who woulda thought! :lol:

I get a lot of grief from co-workers and friends for driving an Element. That just makes me love it even more. :razz:

Got my first comment today! Well, other than from people I've showed it to. In those instances I always say "some people think it's ugly but I think it' so CUTE" and they're usually like "no it's not ugly, I like it!"

Well, I got my first stranger comment tonight, and I'm happy to say - it was a positive comment!

So I ran to Dairy Queen, mainly because I haven't had it in FOREVER but also as a little celebratory .... thingie for myself (graduating college, getting a new car and new job, blah blah). Anyway, the guy at the window was like:

Him: "That's a cool truck."
Me: "Thanks! I just got it last Thursday."
Him: "Oh really?"
*gives me my Brownie Earthquake (tm)*
Him: "Now go put your little truck to bed."
Me: "Haha. Thanks!"

I KNEW it was cute. Even makes burly older men talk like it's a cutsey thing :D

I'm just waiting for the time people insult her. :< I have to think of some snappy come-back before it happens!

I get that crap all the time. And the looking askance - and the "why you buy THAT ugly thing?"

Which I then politely tell them....because I happen to like it! It's my MINI HUMMER! LOL - then everyone laughs. THEN I tell them that I've never had a MOMENT's problem with it, and it IS, after all, a HONDA! And Honda's ROCK!:D

Yes, but I just laugh.

It usually comes from some moron driving a POS car, Usually I make them point it out, then they shut up.

Yes, but my proctologist mentioned that I have a nice ...(1) :-o

Regards,

(1) ...after surgery :twisted:

My mother-in-law asked how I could drive something so ugly...I told her I happened to like it!

Ever notice it's only ugly people (on the inside) who make that remark? Let 'em have their say. Karma will get them back.

My Mom tells me it's ugly, so I take some offense... but not much. She's annoying as can be. Conformist isn't the right word... it bothers me that so many people can't see the beauty of the function, and would choose the form instead. I guess her Camry is more... "acceptible" in her little world. Just call me Howard Roarke.

I'm resembling my Element more and more every day

When I had my 03 with unpainted cladding I heard quite a few neg. remarks. My 06 with the painted cladding I only hear positive comments :)

My girlfriends mother said "there is one other car that's uglier". Second place in an ugly contest. I don't know how to feel about that.

My girlfriends mother said "there is one other car that's uglier". Second place in an ugly contest. I don't know how to feel about that.
You can get another g/f!!!!!!! If you want to know how a girl is going to look or act in 25 years....look at her mother!!!!!

Huge thanks to goosler, many of us now have the sticker that says: "Your car looks funny too(!)" :rolleyes:

When I first started researching the Element in '02, my wife said "You will not have one of those ugly boxes!" Now when I wake up in the morning, I have to see if the wife has stolen my truck to go to work. I think she likes it now. :) My whole family hated the "E" and asked how I could buy such an ugly truck before I bought it, but everybody wants to borrow it now.

When I told the guys in the office I was looking for a new car they asked what I was going to get. I told them a Honda Element because it was so ugly no one would steal it. I figured the statement was a preemptive strike.

My dad told me that it's an "ugly little box" I guess he hasn't looked into the mirror lately, @ 5'6" (and shrinking)-that may be considered little, and his dunlap syndrome(and growing)-that may be considered a box? he's working on 2 outta 3. I sure am glad he doesn't get onto this forum

On my job, I visit a variety of new and used car dealers every week. Comments about the E range from indifferent to "EEEEWWW! Why would you want one of those #$%^&*#@ing ugly things." Who cares. I like it.

Also, most of the haters have never sat in an E. That changes a few opinions.
Got a "Why can't Chevy make an interior that BIG in a car this small."

At stoplights I get looks all the time from guys in their big SUVs. They sort of have that look down their nose laughing look, but underneath that I can see their minds thinking " I wonder what kind of mileage he gets on that thing" .
I also think I get the same look as I sometimes get as a musician. It's the
" you're some kind of freakazoid boy !" but underneath they're secretly wishing they could be in a band. :cool:

Countless times!!!! However, I think most people that I know who have ridden in our element have changed their minds on the ride, interior, and cool factor alone.

My Mother said my Element was ugly once.

Once.

I've had a few people I know say they don't care for the looks, but no one has ever been rude about it... and most of the comments include (no offense to anyone here) "I'm glad you didn't get the checkerboard sides"... However, everyone who has seen the seats fold up, thinks its pretty darn cool...

I used to think they were really ugly, but this little thing is growing on me... I've been driving it the last few days, and was a little disappointed to see my Civic sitting in the drive this morning when I went out for work... (The wifey leaves before I do)...

For the first time since owning my E (Sept. 2005) someone insulted the E to my face.

Last week, my girlfriend from Connecticut pulled up in the drive way. Said she immediately thought. That is the ugliest thing I have ever seen. When I went outside to greet her. She said, "De let me tell you that is the ugliest car I have ever seen."

Then she told me how she was at a rest stop and saw a hot guy come out of the building. She said he was a definite 10. Then she saw him approaching a Kiwi E and starting think--"Oh no, no, no, no. That can't be his car." She said he quickly dropped from a 10 to a 5.

Needless to say I told her to sleep on the driveway and that the 13-year friendship was over!



Okay not really. But she drives a Black Saturn Vue! And she's got problems with the E?!!!

At a imromptu family get together in May I pulled in front of my sisters house and parked. As I was walking up the sidewalk she stormed out of her front door and said "Your not parking that "thing" in front of my house!" She grinned broadly after that. Later she admitted she thought the Element stole the ugly title from the Aztec.

Pulled into a spot at the beer distributor the other day,followed by some guy
in one of those HUGE yukon type somethingorother vehicles.

He approaches me as I'm exiting my E and says (NOT insulting/rude in any way)

"looks like one of them matchbox cars"
I said to him it's the kind of vehicle you either love or hate,there seems to be no in-between.

I then pointed his attention to my dash where my black matchbox and black
ebbro E models are proudly displayed and told him those companies only
replicate "cool cars" :wink:

I have a good friend at work from Germany. When I showed her my new Element, she said "What a beatutiful color(atomic blue)!!", "but it is ugly."

Upon seeing my new Element, two of my coworkers and my mom all said nearly the exact same thing: "When those first came out, I thought they were so ugly, but that is niiiiice!!" I do think it has something to do with the painted panels.

When someone tells me it is ugly I say, "It isn't a car, it is a mirror as to how you see yourself."

I have been using, "SO IS YOUR MOTHER!" as a universal reply to rude drivers for almost 40 years now and it is is still as timeless a reply as there gets.