Before I bought the xB in May I was a Honda Element owner for 4-1/2 years.  The Element sold me on the big on the inside, small on the outside, boxy, unusual looking ride that was a great value and fun to drive.  I enjoyed it for the first four years, was very active in an Element owners club and met a lot of great people who shared a common interest.  It was kind of funny, the Element drew us together and then we all discovered the other common interests we shared, whether it was kayaking, cycling, dogs, Guitar Hero, poker, Star Wars...whatever. 

Anyhow, I took the xB to an Element owners meet last weekend to hook up with my E-buddies and was surprised how old the Element looked next to the xB.  The comparison was rather startling.  The xB was sleek and contemporary while the Elements all looked so...old, so...80's.  A number of fanatical Element owners checked out the Silver Brick and more than one commented that the xB might be their next ride. 

First generation Elements are butt-ugly. This year they look a lot better in a single color, but I still think the xB is a lot sleeker looking, with cleaner body lines.

When I was looking for a new vehicle it was between the Element SC and the xB. I liked the element, but the xB was more me.

I don't ever remember there being any buzz about the Element. 

You're right though, Americans can only stand a car about 4 years before it needs refreshing.

My wifes next car will be an element. mainly for the rugged inside and AWD.  Need something more "country" for our move back east in a few years.

 

I had an Element for two years. I liked it but not the way I felt in it or the way it handled. We had the 4wd  model and it worked like fecal matter. In other words I'm not sure it EVER really worked. Blew through large expensive tires, sucked on gas and was too tall. We traded it for an Xa in 06 and today I'm trading in my 03 Soob for an Xb. I LOVE the way the XB handles and feels compared to the E. It has similar cargo room and is way nicer inside. And for the price, I would have been a fool to get another E. We're now a two scion family.