Well, you COULD wait for Toyota’s Scion.
I was thinking about buying one too, until I saw it in person. I didn’t like the fact that the whole thing was made out of plastic.
I don’t know about that Scion. Too bulky at the front end. It looks like a genetic mistake involving a steam train and a minivan.
I thought I had replied earlier thanking everyone for their comments, but I don’t see it. Oh, well, I chalk it up to my own stupidity before accusing the hamsters of anything.
Hello Again Yes I saw that, but I noticed they didn’t test the Element with side airbags (Honda didn’t want to pay for it I guess). Looking at the data it seems that the Element rated poor on torso injuries and acceptable or better on everything else. I think torso injuries are what side air bags are supposed to help with? I would be interested to see the results with side airbags. And if I bought one, I’d want side air bags anyway.
Montgomery Burns You make very valid points. In some respects the Element is totally impractal. The fact that it only seats 4 may be the deciding factor against it. On the other hand, my wife and I both agree that it has that certain . . . something. No other car we’ve looked has affected us quite the same way. I think we can agree that it’s more practical than a compact car, but less so than a minivan. The question is then, are the trade offs worth it to you? I think they might for me.
Thanks for the replies everyone. I’ll let you know how it comes out.
GES
I agree with this 100%. To me buying a new vehicle involves trade offs between form, function, price and reliability. In this case the trade offs aren’t worth it to me, but may be perfectly acceptable to you. In that case, enjoy your new Element if that is what you buy.
I was all for the Element until I saw that its gas mileage was only in the mid-20’s for highway. That’s too low for me.
I’m keeping an eye out for the Toyota Scion. Oh yeah, and a job that will let me afford to buy a new vehicle.
According to an article I read the other day, the average age of the Element buyer is 41. Apparently, a good number of older people think it’s ideal for the gardener, antiquer, dog shower, etc., etc. The reviewers think it is underpowered, but Honda will probably fix that next year.
48hrs last night ran the side impact segment. Sure, they banged the hell out of the cars head on into their broadsides…but the hit it simulates is running a red light on a highway intersection and getting hit by an SUV (fullsized) with no brakes a-la ‘COPS’.
Sure, it might not happen and the test might, as some manufacturers claim, be going too far. But technically it is a possibility (not that we should all drive around in Sherman Tanks).
I purchased an Element two weeks ago and I am just starting to love it. My wife is having a baby and my previous car would not meet our future needs. After test driving all the mini SUV’s on the market I picked the Element because of its interior versatility. I can kneel down on the floor of the rear seat area while I set up the baby seat. The rear seats are hinged so they can fold sideways opening up the entire backend for storage.
Some people find the appearance offensive but that’s ok with me. I think it is a cool ride and the more time I spend with it the more I like it.
Green Eyed Stranger, if you want a more detailed review I would be happy to elaborate.
Jamlad, I’m curious about the Element, so I would definitely be interested in hearing more firsthand experiences from a new owner. How does it handle? How is the legroom and headroom in the driver’s seat? (I’m very tall, and headroom is often a dealbreaker.) Is the engine responsive or sluggish?
Giraffe,
Handling - Better then I expected. It has a fairly nimble feel to it. I drove it to Montreal last weekend and cruised at 140km’s the entire way (I was driving solo). I also managed a few defensive maneuvers that gave me some confidence with its handing potential. I have loaded it with 4 adults without compromise. The ride is a bit stiff so some bumps are felt.
Engine - It has the 2.4L four cylinder (160hp) that powers the CRV and the Accord. The gearing must be different because it does not feel as peppy as the CRV .It is not the fastest car in the world but it holds up. I am stepping down in horse power from my previous car so I am learning to adjust. More horse power would be nice.
Legroom and Headroom - Plenty of both (especially in the rear seat). I am six feet tall and have room to spare in this car.
I find it very amusing that a car would stir up so much emotion. I have had anger directed towards me because of the Element. The best part is that once I give someone the tour they always change their opinion about it. If I take them for a ride they want one.
One of my good friends loves it. He’s a surfer and has never bothered to put the rear seats back in since removing them. I didn’t see this mentioned yet, but the inside is basically waterproof. After his sandy dog and sandy wetsuit and sandy board have been removed from the interior, he runs a hose through it to wash it out. It’s also really easy for him to get his board inside thanks to those side doors that open all the way out. (He lost a board when a bungee cord broke one time, and has never put his board on top of a car since then).
I will say this, though - it is really, really slow. I have a new Forester XS (4cyl 165hp) and I blow its doors off. I also get better gas mileage than he does. (But not by much).
I just bought a Scion on Tuesday!
Sure, it looks slightly funny, but my wife absolutely loves it! It seems really safe and maintenance should be minimal. Oil change every 7500 miles, first major service at 100,000 miles. 34 mpg highway.
My old Tercel is still going strong at 190,000 miles so anything Toyota makes is fine by me. I think the price is very good, too. No haggling with the Scions, the price is set by the factory.