I've always felt that you should buy to your needs, not to your neighbors. I drive a Civic, that's all I need to do most of what I do. We felt that an Element would answer the rest of our needs here, as the environment we live in has changed from urban to rural and semi-rural.

I do NOT need a Hummer, for instance, but I can envision the circumstances where I might (granted, they're remote!). If I needed a five-ton truck, I'd buy one.

It makes lots of sense to analyze your needs and buy to them instead of buying to what folks are telling you you need. You can save a bunch of money, for one thing.