Element Vs. CRV?

Does anyone have any ideas about which is a better buy? The Element is about
$3,300.00 dollars less than the CRV when comparably equipped, and that means
the ex and 4 wheel drive. I am thinking about getting an economy SUV that
can handle New England winters and snow. I don't want to spend over
$22,000.00 and don't want to use alot of gas and want to stay in the Honda
line. Does anyone have experience in driving these and what the ride,
comfort and handling are like for both of them? I want an automatic
transmission. I sat in both at the dealer in the showroom. The CRV feels
more like a car and the Element seemed bigger like an SUV.

 

====================

Biggest question would be whether you're planning to carry more than one
passenger. The seatbelts attached to the suicide doors will get
frustrating real fast.

'Curly'

 

First, you need to drive them. The Element is only a 4 seater, while the
CRV can seat 5. The CRV is noticeably longer though shorter in height.

I drove the 5 speed EX Element and enjoyed it. The best part of it for me
is that the back seats can flip and hang from the sides to give a nice floor
area for cargo (cargo tie-downs are standard). The backseats had a TON of
legroom (yes I sat in the back). I found the mileage a bit disappointing,
but I could live with it. For comparison, the Ford Escape V6 has better
mileage and a lot more engine. I was not a fan of the rear skylight in the
4WD. To me, I would think that lets in a lot of heat, bad news for me as I
live in Florida.

I did not drive the CRV, though I think I would like to have the extra
length of the vehicle.

-keith
tallahassee, fl

 

Here's a good thread on the topic:
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&threadm=v39hg4f10ommd2%40corp.supernews.com&rnum=2&prev=/groups%3Fq%3Dcompare%2Bcr-v%2Belement%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26ie%3DUTF-8%26group%3Drec.autos.makers.honda%26selm%3Dv39hg4f10ommd2%2540corp.supernews.com%26rnum%3D2

 

RAV4 gets better gas milage and has a superior AWD system than both.

 

I chose the Element. If you want carpeting that gets all crapped up by
the snow and mud on your boots, and a bunch of creature comforts that
(to me) are impractical, get the CRV.

If you want a boxy, roomy, basic, yet wonderfully practical vehicle that
can comfortably haul four people, and is easily cleaned, then go for the
Element.

The Element is cheaper (at least here in Arizona) and much roomier. The
CRV is much more "conventional" looking but the Element is way more
practical.

 

i dont notice them much any more. i did when they first came out. seems
like people looking for a box to haul stuff in are going with the scion xB.

 

Just saw my first one the other day. Looks fun but not as big as an
Element or CRV.

 

If the xB had AWD available, I'd be interested.

Nissan makes (for the Japanese market only) a vehicle like the xB
that uses independently-controlled electric motors to drive the
rear wheels when AWD is necessary. Even something like that --
capable of providing just enough more traction when the vehicle is
a bit stuck -- might be enough AWD for me.

--
George Bush's War of Choice on Iraq is a totally unnecessary war.
Every life lost, every limb lost, every disfigurement, every
disability caused there is more blood on George W. Bush's hands,
and on the hands of everyone who voted for George W. Bush.
The more you know, the less likely you were to vote for Bush.
<http://shorterlink.com/?47TBP8>
Feeling a draft? <http://shorterlink.com/?930B5U>
For the facts on Iraq, see <http://optruth.org>.

 

Here are some pictures of that vehicle, the Cube Cubic:

<http://imagesnissan1.free.fr/images/japon/nissan/2003_cube_cubic_10.jpg>

<http://imagesnissan1.free.fr/images/japon/nissan/2003_cube_cubic_+conran&partners_8.jpg>

More at <http://imagesnissan1.free.fr/images/japon/nissan/>.




--
George Bush's War of Choice on Iraq is a totally unnecessary war.
Every life lost, every limb lost, every disfigurement, every
disability caused there is more blood on George W. Bush's hands,
and on the hands of everyone who voted for George W. Bush.
For the facts on Iraq, see <http://optruth.org>.
Feeling a draft? <http://shorterlink.com/?930B5U>

 

It looks like the bastard child of the Element and the Scion xB.

IMO, the Element is the best looking of these, but that's not saying much.

 

I kinda like owning ugly cars. You don't have to worry about them
being high on the "most frequently stolen" list.

Well, with the possible exception of the Escalade...

--
George Bush's War of Choice on Iraq is a totally unnecessary war.
Every life lost, every limb lost, every disfigurement, every
disability caused there is more blood on George W. Bush's hands,
and on the hands of everyone who voted for George W. Bush.
The more you know, the less likely you were to vote for Bush.
<http://shorterlink.com/?47TBP8>
Feeling a draft? <http://shorterlink.com/?930B5U>
For the facts on Iraq, see <http://optruth.org>.

 

the only reason that monstrosity is stolen is because the parts easily
fit similar models like the tahoe, suburban, and chevy/gmc trucks. ive
seen a 1st gen escalade front clip on a chevy truck... pretty ghai.

same goes for the navigator/excursion.

 

too damb small.

 

Both are great vehicles.

I switched from a 2000 CRV to 2004 Element. I like being able to put my
toys (i.e. bicycles, skis, etc) inside the vehicle. Also, in a pinch it is
even easier to sleep in the Element.

It took a little while to get use to having no carpet in the Element ...
noisier and things side around.

- Steve

 

Go to the dealership and order a set of carpet matts for the floor.
Work great, fit great, and quiet the ride down nicely. They also pull
out for easy cleaning.

AL