when we went shopping for a suv, we checked the pilot. it's a great car, but it just doesnt do it for me. the styling is very mundane.. when was the last time you or your friends were like, "hey, there goes a pilot...". fuel economy isnt that great, and it's large. for the price, the pilot is an awesome deal (especially with the navigation), but living in the city and having a large truck just doesnt make sense. our main factors for choosing the element was - fuel economy, space, and utility. the element is also about the same length as the accord which eases street parking.

the element gets the same mpg as the accord, and take a look at the rear seat room and head room on the element.. it's astonishing how much space there is. utility? we went camping on the beach a few weeks ago. we took a trail that was 4WD only, and we got to choose the sweetest spot ontop of a dune overlooking the ocean. we didnt even bring the tent this time, inflatable matress, power converter and custom made interior privacy curtains and we had a great time.

as for styling, i must admit that in some colors and angles (dead-on rear shot), the element is just downright nasty. but trust me, it grows on you. my biggest gripe was the aztec-ish plastic panels, but now i absolutely love them. it's what differentiates the element from the crv. it gives it it's own flair and style..

hello, my name is brian, and i love the element.