Honda Element

I'll ditto the Scion!!!! I thought the Element was too boxy, but then my husband came home with the Scion xB about 18 months ago.

I LOVE IT!

Yes, it's boxy, but the room inside is very generous. My favorite part? I can easily move myself from the front to the back if needed. And I'm not a small girl at 5'2 and 180 pounds, it's not difficult to do if NECESSARY. (having driven from Orlando to Detroit, I did it probably three times)

Sam has a Britax Marathon in the center seat and we can also fit his large stroller and $300 worth of groceries in the car and still be able to see out the back window.

Much less expensive than the Element and you get the same features.

Hi A.!

I've had an Element for the last 4 yrs. I liked mine so much that quite a few of my friends bought one too! Gas mileage is great (I have a 4 cylinder) much better than other SUV's. I especially like that there is a lot of leg room in the back - may times I will change my toddlers diaper there on the floor, especially if I'm in a place where the changing table looks dirty or if there isn't one available. You sit up high off the road which is nice and your child will enjoy the stadium seating in the back - very good for children who tend to get car sick! Great for groceries, strollers, etc. EASY cleanup if you get the plastic floors (some of the newer models have carpet now so I'm not sure which one you were looking at...) They hold their value too, so pretty good investment as far as vehicles go. There is also a plug for your Ipod or mp3 player which I really enjoy. Also, keyless entry is a lifesaver!

Downsides - These are just things that I personally find difficult, they may not be a problem for you:

Because there is so much room in the backseat it is difficult to pass snacks, cups, coloring books, etc from the front to the back. Also, you must open the front door to get into the back and in tight parking spots I found myself twisting and maneuvering to get my son out without hitting other cars. That's about it!

I lease my Honda and my lease is just about up so we just purchased the Kia Rondo - only because I need more seating in the back (we're planning on having more children and I carpool with friends a lot) I really wish the Element had three back seats!

It sounds like it will be a good fit for you - have fun!

Dear A.,

My daughter works at a Honda Dealership in Vero Beach, I asked her and this is how she responded: I've raised her plus she has 3 younger brothers and we have a Honda Oddessy, but the younger personnel like the Element better (SEE BELOW)

Mom, Everyone that owns an Element loves them. Every
customer that comes in for service (oil changes) rants
and raves about it. About the space, the gas mileage,
and the reliablility. It's very versatile and there
are many different things you can do with the seating.
Most of those who own one are the adventurer type.
Camping, road trips, and biking are on their list of
things to do. There are also some who dont use it for
extracurricular activities, when needed they use it
for moving, and holding luggage for long vacations. We
have a musician here in town that has one, not only
does he love the fact that he can put his instruments
in the back, but they are safe inside the vehicle,
unlike on a truck. The greatest thing is the gas
mileage, I think they get 22 city and 27 highway...and
thats amazing for an suv. It is built much better than
its competetor, the Scion XB....Safer, and much more
comfortable. When it comes to haveing kids, Its great
if they play sports. The Element comes with all
weather floor mats that rinse really well! It seats
up to 4 adults...and has so much space for any
extras...like groceries, or luggage. Anyways, I hope
this helps. The best thing is to go down to a
certified Honda dealership and have a sales
professional demonstrate its abilities.
Love ya
Nicole

***NOTE: Good luck on what ever you decide.
L.
--- ____@____.com wrote:

Hi A.!

I have never heard anything bad about the Element. What my husband and I purchased was the Toyota Scion. I didn't like it because i thought it was too boxy but when i went to the dealership and checked it out i was so impressed. It's so roomy and we also have only 1 child so it's perfect for me. The other great thing is that it only takes $20-25 to fill up the tank.

Check it out and see if you like. Pictures are deceiving.