Honda Element question

[Trek420]

IFjane, how do you like your Element? I have a 4WD and it used to average about 24 mpg until I added a Thule M.O.A.B. on the roof and now it averages maybe 21 mpg.

I'm enjoying being blissfully car payment free. Don't tell my Alero but I'm looking at the Honda Fit. I checked the specs and it's remarkably roomy. With the seats down the teeny tiny car is pretty close to the Element

Sure, I can't roll bikes in or stand up in the back and dance but plenty of room for the Costco run and/or doggie.

Price is far less than the E, side curtain airbags and MPG 38/33 mpg.

[jeannierides]

I'm enjoying being blissfully car payment free.
Price is far less than the E, side curtain airbags and MPG 38/33 mpg.

I'm with you on the payment free aspect of things. I am that way as well - after 5 years! But I'm not feeling so safe in my car any more after my accident.
I'm impressed that the teeny little car has all the bells and whistles of a really safe car! I didn't mean that quite the way it sounded! The side curtain airbags are an absolute must for me!!
GO Honda! I've also checked into the CRV, but the airbags don't seem to be an option! What?? Anyway, all I've done so far is to check online. I haven't had the courage to go to a car dealership yet!

[Blueberry]

I *wanted* to like the Fit - really, I did. It was just too small for me - the seats weren't comfortable for my *admittedly well padded* rear end.

The CRV was a non-option for me because of the lack of a manual option. I *really* like my 5 speed

[TexanCzexican]

GO Honda! I've also checked into the CRV, but the airbags don't seem to be an option! What?? Anyway, all I've done so far is to check online. I haven't had the courage to go to a car dealership yet!

I think airbags aren't an option for the CRV because they come standard with the vehicle. I have an 04 CRV and it has front & side air bags. And he is paid off in less than a year (YIPEE). The bikes fit well in it, too.

[jeannierides]

I think airbags aren't an option for the CRV because they come standard with the vehicle. I have an 04 CRV and it has front & side air bags. And he is paid off in less than a year (YIPEE). The bikes fit well in it, too.

Isn't there a difference between the side airbags and the side curtain airbags that are standard on the Element? Maybe I'm just confused.

Ok, my bad. I just checked and the new CRV does come standard with the side curtain airbags.

[IFjane]

Maybe I'm just confused.

No comment!

Jeannie - just go out and buy and Element - you won't be disappointed. And your as-yet-unnamed pink & green bike will love it, too.

[Starfish]

While we're on Elements...another question.

Do any of you feel that the limited clearance keeps you from roads you would otherwise like to travel...like you might if you had a higher-clearance truck?

Anyone out there go from camping and tame off-roading in a pickup with canopy, to the Element? Comments?

I think I really want an Element for all that if offers...hauling the bike in the back, sleeping inside with access to ignition, etc, and better security.

But, I worry a little about wanting to go on roads that are a little more rutted or rough...not wild...just tame off-roading toward better a little more remote campsites, etc.

[Tuckervill]

I took mine on the Buffalo National River on the gravel bank (deep, always shifting, hard to walk on gravel). The AWD kicked in nicely and did its job.

I even pulled my husband's F150 out of the gravel. I told him not to drive down there without 4WD!

Overall I'm very pleased with its performance, and I wouldn't hesitate to drive down almost any road. But, do understand that I live in a place where I have a choice whether to drive down a road or not. I don't have to worry about deep snow ruts or anything like that.

Karen

[jeannierides]

No comment!

Jeannie - just go out and buy and Element - you won't be disappointed. And your as-yet-unnamed pink & green bike will love it, too.

HaHa Jane!! That really is the plan, but I have to wait til I'm back at work.