Elemental Surprise No. 2: It's fun to drive. With a 160-hp VTEC-equipped inline-four, you wouldn't expect too much. But acceleration is more than adequate for most situations, especially in two-wheel-drive/five-speed-manual form. While the Element isn't as nimble as the smaller/lower/lighter Civic Si, it's a relative hoot to hustle through mountain passes and offers a smooth, nicely controlled highway ride. For all its practicality and outer space-inspired attitude, the Element throws one additional trump card: value. In base form, it runs around $16,000. Fully loaded, it tops out around $21,000. Although Honda plans to spend most of its marketing dollars on Gen-X and younger buyers, we feel it'll find popularity with anyone--even more "mature" types--looking for a funky, cost-effective way to move people and stuff.
Proving that outstanding execution is just as important as breakthrough innovation, the Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX 470 also caught our collective eye. Neither accomplishes anything particularly new; it's just that they so well accomplish what they intend to. While the two share many platform, chassis, and powertrain components, each model has unique sheetmetal and interiors.
In plain and simple terms, these trucks just work.
Though of body-on-frame design, they feel tight and solid, delivering more carlike handling and ride than one might expect of vehicles with relatively high tow-ratings and a real 4WD system. The engines are smooth and powerful with the 4Runner getting its first-ever V-8. Likewise, the transmissions always seem to be in the right gear at the right time. Toyota takes a "metallic-tech" approach to the 4Runner's interior, while Lexus goes heavy on the polished wood and leather. Each looks and feels appropriate to its respective brand. The 4Runner is a bit wider than the version it replaces, while the GX 470 slots neatly in between the car-based RX 300 and the larger, more expensive LX 470.
Each should find ready acceptance in the marketplace and is an easy-to-point-to definition of a job well done.
--Matt Stone