I'm looking at getting a small utility vehicle.
Usage would be 70% Commuting (5 miles each way - expressways), 20% Musical equipment hauling, 10% various recreation.

I'm leaning towards the Element.
-CR-V is too overpriced around here, and Element has enough in common for way cheaper.
-PT Cruiser has virtually no room with the second seat up
-Matrix - the jury is still out
-Forrester/Outback/Impreza- similar situation as the CR-V
-New RAV4 has gotten one notch too big for Bay Area use.
-HHR - jury is still out

Opinions? Thoughts? Driving Impressions? it up here.

 

No personal experience but the Escape/Tribute/Mercury ? would fit in that camp as well as the Chevy Equinox.

If you will consider used, look for a SAAB 93 hatchback (lots of space) or 95 wagon. Both are great used car buys and have lots of interior room.

 

Scion xB for the room and MPG's. It's also kind of fun to drive.

I had a chance to look over the new Honda Fit last week and it had a ton of room in it for such a small car.

The Element is a good choice but I just don't enjoy driving it -- still I can't help but like it.

 

I bought a 05 Element in August.

I am very happy with the Vehicle, I sold my 98 CRV with 100K and didn't like the new CRV's. I paid 20K for a EX 5-PD AWD and got 1.9% 3-year financing.

It has great storage space, the rear seats either fold up or can be removed, mine has been a 3 seater since Sept.

I drove it to Maine and back in Sept and found it comfortable and really enjoyed the XM radio on the trip. I got about 27MPG on the trip and get about 22-24 around town.

This weekend I drove it around in a foot of snow, I can see even 2 feet not being a problem (that's about it for AWD use)

I did get the Floor mats cargo cover and net and driver side console and arm rest from Hardtop guy as add ons.

Honda recommended 10K oil changes 5 for severe use on this engine. I did the first change at 5K.

I am sure I will have this for the next 5-8 years.

 

My parents got a 2005 CR-V SE at around 300 under invoice from San Bruno Honda. Considering that the 2006 CR-V is in its last year for this generation, the prices are even better. So I dont know what you mean by overpriced in this area...

Also, keep in mind that while the Element is cheaper think about the following:
1) The Element only seats 4.
2) ALL trims of the CR-V come with front, side, and side curtain airbags as well as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). You cant get VSA or curtain airbags on the Element.

 

I had a 9-5 a year and a half ago, and it was frightening. Excelent finish, great handling, and the engine sounded really, really wrong. Even used, it's way out of my desired price range.
My band rented an Escape last year, and we gave it the big .
The Equinox *appears* a hair too big, but I may have to go check it out. Thanks.

 

Element comparo. YMMV

Personally, I prefer the CRV. I just don't "get" the Element's interior.

 

Dude...you have to wait for the Toyota FJ cruiser...its like an element with balls. Plus its in the low $20s.

 

I'll see about the FJ. I'm waiting for an insurance check, and then I'll be buying my new vehicle (I only have one).
If the money is tight, I'll give the Fit a shot.
I loved the xB, but haven't found a crash impact rating good enough for me.

 

FJ Cruiser, a minivan, Forrester, Tuscon or Santa Fe -
Matrix, Element - :thumbdown:
Jeep Liberty, HHR, PT Cruiser - maybe...