Honda Element?

Yes, that's one thing I hate, how the plastic in the back (not the floor) gets scratched up so easily. My friend had one before me (has since traded for a Pilot) and hers was never scratched up. I don't know how she kept it so nice.

Karen

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by milkbone

Looking to buy a new vehicle in the near future. Heard about the Element today. I have a Honda Civic and I love it.
Just wondering if anyone has any input.

I have two boys (9 and &7), we are involved in scouts, soccer, cycling (all three of us), camping, kayaking and many other various activities.

Thanks in advance.

---

My friends have one. Great car, but probably not great if you have people getting in/out of the back. See, the back doors only open if the front doors are open. Then you have to close them before the front doors can close. I suppose this might be great with kids? Maybe not. I found it to be rather annoying as an adult sitting in the back.

I test drove one and considered buying one... but it just had NO get up and and go to it. Not to mention, being a box on wheels ensures that it is not areodynamic at all. In a strong wind, it gets pushed around pretty easily (rode in my friends driving into a 30 mph headwind).

have you thought about the CR-V? more comfy driving i imagine, both our bikes fit in back with only the smaller 1/3-seat behind the driver up. passenger doors both sides. just a thought.

My son was in that age group when I drove an Element.

I loved it.

The "suicide doors" aggravated me at first but I got used to them. In fact, they're somewhat of an advantage at keeping the child "contained" until you want him to get out.

After I traded up to a Ridgeline, I kept reaching to open the back door the wrong way.

Yes, wind is a big deal. Very, very bike and camping friendly.

I had 4WD but there wasn't enough ground clearance for the off-roading that I do.