Honda Element?

[Tuckervill]

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

[KSH]

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).

[PinkBike]

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.

[SlowButSteady]

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.