I don’t usually like change. Alright…I hate it. Change is bad is a mantra that I can’t keep from repeating over and over in my head. So it’s no wonder that I never embrace new products immediately. I typically can’t imagine why I would need it. I never have before, right?
That may make sense to you, but more than likely it seems crazy and illogical. And that’s alright. I’m aware of the implications! When it comes to something exciting and really, really new (as in not been done before) in the car industry…designers would probably like to think it happens all the time. But I’d have to disagree. The car industry definitely offers new vehicles every year, but for the most part, the evolution in design and function is quite slow (probably because most of us are nervous with huge change).
But sometimes evolution jumps ahead and the car designers throw something out that is so different from the other offerings that it’s shocking! My initial reaction to these “shockers” is to dislike them instantly. (Again…the issues with change in general). Sometimes my instant dislike is followed eventually by a general, acceptable dislike based upon actual qualities of the vehicle. But sometimes I’m wrong. Can you believe that?
At least I can admit when I’m wrong, I guess. Two such vehicles are the Ridgeline and the Element. Both are Honda vehicles and both brought on my ridiculous knee jerk reaction of instant dislike when they were offered up to the public.
The Ridgeline just seemed too much of a car to be called a truck. I know, I know. That’s quite silly considering that was the point. And I understand at this late date and recognize the Ridgeline in all its brilliance. You can have the truck bed for moving furniture, etc. and the cab that feels like a car. Unless you’re looking for a commercial vehicle the Ridgeline has most of the “truck” features you’re going to want to use randomly combined with a comfort that we all want in our everyday vehicles.
The Element was a stand out design. And I mean that literally. It stood out on the road. Other vehicle designs were embracing the curvy, and the fluid and the Element popped out looking definitely boxy. But it broke up the dominant look and made a space for itself. It still stands out on the road.
Both Honda vehicles, the Ridgeline and the Element, are great examples of the car industry coming up with something vital and new! And it’s obvious (at this late date) that my initial reactions were wrong. Drivers love both of the designs. You can’t deny it when you see them on the road, on the highway, in parking lots, in drive thru’s and in drive ways. And that’s where the Ridgeline and the Element find themselves…everywhere!