Cybertruck: The Next Honda Element or the Next Pontiac Aztek?
On the eve of Tesla’s Cybertruck launch, there are endless posts and articles about what is expected or what is disappointing or what Tesla should have built. On my end, I have no doubt that this will be an impressive vehicle and those that can understand its utility will love their purchase. Although it’s billed as a truck, I think comparing it to a versatile large SUV will more closely match its customer base. What I’m not so sure about is if in ten years, the design will seem completely ridiculous because no other vehicle adopted a similar aesthetic (Pontiac Aztek), or if its owners will hold onto every build year with imitation after imitation (Honda Element).
If you’re not familiar, the Pontiac Aztek was built from 2001 - 2005 and has largely been hailed as one of the ugliest vehicles ever made. Its selling points tried to be its versatility as a camping vehicle, large cargo space, configurable cargo net system and built-in air compressor. I rode in it a few times and mostly think that it was ahead of its time, since basically every vehicle these days is a similar sort of crossover. The biggest difference between it and the Element is that much fewer were built, Pontiac as a GM sub-brand no longer exists, and the car did not age well.
2001 - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
The Honda Element was a small SUV built from 2007 - 2011 that was first introduced appealing to a younger audience but was eventually found its niche for anyone (including the elderly) that wanted a vehicle that was easy to get into and out of, was easy to clean, had numerous attachment points and accessories, and plenty of storage. Contrasted to the Aztek, you still see many Honda Elements out and about, and their owners are a fan-filled community. The orange Element below is driving around 12 years after its last production year, and you will see many for sale on used car lists as a heavily sought-after vehicle.
2008 Honda Element
The Cybertruck fits feature lists from both Aztek and Element:
Emphasizes function over form
Emphasizes durability over aesthetic
Emphasizes ability to be configured for multiple different uses
Emphasize high amounts of storage space
Emphasizes atypical vehicle options (built-in air compressor, vehicle to load charging, mutliple tie-down points, ability to drive in large amounts of water)
Honda Element in the wild in 2023 - 12 years after it’s last production year
So, what’s my point? Like the Honda Element, the Cybertruck will find its fans among those who use it in unique ways, and probably won’t fit the use cases Tesla had in mind. There will eventually be a lot of copycats, but its current large truck size will not be duplicated by many. In the future, I can see there being more adventure/car companies who can lean into the boxy, angular design in a smaller form factor. Likely these will trend more toward commercial uses (Boring Company van, last-mile delivery, cargo transport, etc.) rather than personal use.
Tomorrow’s delivery event will be a marker in time - the Pontiac Aztek reborn? Not exactly. This Cybertruck will be around for a long time to come. If you hate it now, you will still be hating it 12 years from now when they will continue to be driven, sold and re-sold.
