More 2010 Honda Crosstour Images, More Criticism

TORRANCE, California — Since the first official images were released last week on Facebook, consumer reaction to the all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour has been brutal, to say the least.

One comment Monday on Honda's Facebook page was particularly telling: "This is a car that will MEGA FLOP. Where are the fun SPORTY, GOOD LOOKING cars that made Honda a success? Why is Honda looking to create a car for Pontiac AZTEK buyers?"

A second Facebook viewer observed: "Judging from the recent Acura cars, Honda's been in [an] ¿Ugly Phase.' But this hideous thing called Crosstour is just too horrible, much in the way Acura ZDX is. I wonder [if] this is an indication that Ugly Cars are starting to ¿trickle down' to [the] Honda badge."

In part to counter some of the negative feedback, Honda released additional shots of the vehicle on its consumer site and on the Crosstour's Facebook page. Needless to say, the new photographic angles don't appear to have muted the criticism.

Inside Line says: The comparison with the Pontiac Aztek, one of the most despised designs in recent decades, must seem particularly galling to Honda. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent