NO! I have a 2005 element ex 4wd automatic, and love it. It's practical, economical, rides smoothly, more roomy than larger suv's, easy to clean, xm radio with factory sub woofer sounds great. Nothing to complain about. (I rented a 2005 Chevy Tahoe before purchasing the Element, and it had less legroom, and headroom, especially in the rear seats. It also sucked the gas 11mpg, but that was to be expected). I average 21 mpg around town. 25mpg on road trips with my 4wd E.