Forester VS Element

Kind of ugly looking! ...the Element of course.

MN

When the Element first came out in 2003 someone wrote a very detailed analysis titled "Drove an Element & CRV" in rec.autos.makers.honda.

The long direct url is:

They may be right or wrong, but they brought up a lot of issues you may want to investigate for yourself.

I went to the dealer to get a Legacy, instead of an Element, and ended up getting a Forester. If Honda had real AWD instead of most of the time FWD, I probably would have gotten the Element. I was also a little spoiled with the mpg on my previous Honda Accord 4 and the Element IS a big box that sits up high.

Hacksaw and bungee cords will solve that legroom problem.

Personally think the Element is butt ugly. I've been tempted to ask owners if a pair of shoes comes with the box. Specs should be available for comparison of Forester and Element on the net. I think "high cargo area" means you can stack to ceiling. I saw one unloaded the other day and it seemed that cargo area was shorter than my Forester's and if you stack to ceiling in either, you cannot see out back of either.

I've always thought the Element was the box that the Pontiac Aztec came in.

As far as legroom goes, just about any kind of minivan will do. Honda Oddessy, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler, Ford, whatever. Actually maybe you should look at the Chrysler Pacifica, it comes with an all-wheel drive option (don't know how it compares to a Subie's).

Yousuf Khan

Doesn't the Element have only four seats? If that's true, then it's worse than a sedan for carrying people. But if four is enough and you like room, then you could consider it.

Tom

Be sure to drive an Element - a lot if possible. The fore-aft pitching made me almost nauseous! Take look at the Odyssey or - Tribeca! Also, Toyota Highlander is a great drive - but dunno about rear seat legroom.

Carl

Tom Re>

conflicted

What about a Legacy or an Outback? More legroom and good loadspace too, esp. the wagons. Cheers

Now *that's* funny! :-)