Element vs CR-V, why did you choose Element?

[sean74]

I just purchased an '06 CR-V and while I was shopping my girlfriend seemed pretty interested in an Element. Actually I started looking at one myself while I was waiting on the financing on the CR-V I was shopping for and was thinking it looked pretty cool (inside at least, as far as the outside I'm happy with the way the CR-V looks in comparison)


Did anyone who bought an Element consider a CR-V as well? and if so what made you end up choosing the Element?

[Lee_K]

I seriously considered replacing my 99 CR-V with a new 06 before I ended up purchasing an 06 Element EX-P 5MT AWD. I did this for a couple of reasons:

1. Cargo versatility -- while the CR-V can hold a lot of stuff, the Element's unique configuration of a low load floor, tall ceiling, and side access via the clamshell doors is superior. The plastic floor also allows for easier cleanup. I coach Little League baseball teams, and I really like the tailgate configuration of the Element over the swinging door of the CR-V. It's easier to sit down on the tailgate before and after a game and have the kids put on and take off their spikes.

2. Availability of a five-speed manual transmission -- a CR-V can theoretically be obtained with a manual transmission, but they are nearly impossble to get because the dealers never order them that way. A manual CR-V will have to ordered from the factory with a corresponding wait time of several months. While manual Elements are also less common, they are much more readily available. When I bought mine, the dealer had several colors and models on the lot.

3. Fun to drive -- I find that a manual transmission is more engaging from a driving point of view. This is a subjective impression, I admit, but the Element with its lower center of gravity handles better and scoots along more quickly than a comparably equipped CR-V.

4. Cult car -- the Element Community can best be described as "quirky". CR-Vs are a dime a dozen, whereas Element owners are much more loyal (Consumer Reports leader in owner satisfaction in the small SUV category) and prone to give you a wave when you pass by.

5. Audio system -- The CR-V's audio quality is about what what one would expect from a factory system: poor at best. The Element is somewhat better, although I have to say that I was disappointed on first listen and immediately swapped out the factory speakers for much higer quality aftermarket items which made a large improvement. The EX level Element comes with XM Radio (which I don't like at all -- I'm a Sirius subscriber in my other car), and it has a powered subwoofer that is integrated into the lower dashboard. In my CR-V I installed an amplifier and a subwoofer enclosed in a box to bring desparately needed bass to the car, but at the expense of cargo room and the hassle of pulling the box out when I need to haul bulky things home from Home Depot. So the Element's system sounds better (particularly with a little tweaking) and it doesn't impede cargo flexibility.

I think the CR-V is an excellent vehicle and does what it does very well. My 99 has had only one problem (clutch master cylinder went out) in seven years and over 100,000 miles of use. It is the most reliable car I've ever owned. The ability to have a fifth passenger is a huge difference for families and a big advantage over the Element. It also gets better gas mileage, which today is another big issue for owners. Lastly, a CR-V with stability control is theoretically a safer vehicle. That scores a lot of points as well with safety-conscious owners.

But as far as drivability, cargo versatility, and coolness, the Element wins out over the CR-V. One can't go wrong with either vehicle. Personally, I chose the Element because of its unique strengths over similar vehicles. I haven't been disappointed by my choice and have never had one single regret.

Lee K

[WestTexan]

Lee,
Thanks for the excellent and thoughtful write-up. I'd say you about nailed the differences b/t the CRV and Element.

When I was shopping, I really wanted to want the Element, but b/c of the passenger limitations and safety shortfalls over the CRV, I went w/ the CRV. I am glad I did for our purposes.

I have a good friend who has an Element. He chose it over the CRV b/c the price point was lower and cargo capability was higher. He competes in triathalons and can get his bike in the back easily. The Element lends itself to a more athletic lifestyle than the CRV. The CRV is a a better family/travel vehicle.

[1dumbassscreenname]

well for me the CRV was too much "mom" (I'm 24 now, 21 at purchase) and the CRV wasnt even a thought. I also race Mountain bikes, Kayak, Paintball, camp and tailgate A LOT so a 21 year old guy with a CRV doesnt quite do it you know.

[mandi]

I went in to our local Honda dealership planning to look at the CR-V, and having no intention whatsoever of looking at an Element. (I thought they were "ugly".)

I looked at the CR-V. I didn't hate it, but I wasn't in love either. I mentioned some off-hand remark to the salesman (a friend of my fiance's) about having a big hairy dog that we'd be traveling with -- so he brought up the Element because of the plastic floor, etc.

Well, I decided to look at it -- and the minute I sat in the drivers seat, I was hooked. For me, it was the open feel of the interior and "utilitarian" sort of feel. And after I test-drove it... the car was sold. The salesman joked with me and said that the Element is a vehicle that sells itself from "the inside out" because people are skeptical of the boxy look -- but if he can get them to get IN it and drive it, they love it.

I couldn't be happier with my choice -- and I agree with everything Lee_K said too. My fiance is an avid Jeep fan (has a CJ-7) and there's a "Jeep wave" that they all do -- I think there should be an official Element wave policy too haha. :D

[Flomobile]

I had a CR-V before. I liked some things about it, and disliked others.

My reason for getting an Element mainly comes down to it being in my "sweet spot."

I've owned a variety of cars, and the Element seemed to encompass the positive attributes of each.

From my pickup:
- rubber floor
- expansive cargo area
- tailgate (MUCH better than the swing gate from the CR-V and Jeep or the one piece liftgate in the wifey's minivan)

From the Jeep:
- High seating position with excellent visibility.
- short wheelbase and overall length for great maneuverability in tight parking lots.
- removable roof panel for open air driving (not as cool as the softtop, but more practical and secure)

From the CR-V:
- Honda reliability
- terrific winter performance from the RT4WD system, without the tradeoffs for the CommandTrac in the Jeep. I rarely leave the pavement, so there is a positive benefit for me to have a lighter, more efficient AWD system over a more capable true 4x4.
- Spacious interior, with the ability to walk between the seats.

Overall, I like the ride of the Element better as well. The CR-V has more of a sloshy QEII* feel to it. The experience of driving it reminds me of a more responsive, balanced Wrangler.

[Mr. X Games]

I started looking for a new car in the summer of 02 to replace my tired but still-so-dependable 89 Camry, decided on a "cute-ute", and after driving everything I could find determined the CR-V was the best of the lot. However: (1) it looks frumpy as hell. (2) I couldnt find a dealer that would give me a decent deal on it. (3) Did I mention it looked frumpy as hell?

I shelved my purchase (I bought a Harley instead) until I spotted the Element that winter. One look and I was hooked! I LOVE the E's styling, but that's just me. I've heard it called everything from "igloo" to "UPS truck" (I get less of that now that there are so many of them on the road). But I dont care - it looks cool to me, and is incredibly comfortable, roomy and efficient. My girlfriend liked it so much after driving it once that she went right out and traded her '05 Insight in on an '07 EX-P (with the 5-speed auto, hers averages 6 mpg more than mine with its 4-speed auto). She liked its looks too! She also thinks the 3rd-gen CR-V looks like a mini-Lexus (that's not a compliment in her opinion) but we disagree on the driving merits of the '07 V, which I like but she refused to even test-drive.

[benny_h]

I actually was on the Honda lot looking at a CR-V. We were looking for something larger than our 4 door sedan so we could haul our dogs. (large breeds).

While trying to decide between the CR-V and the Pilot, the sales guy threw a wrench in th plan and suggested the Element. At first we were kind of standoffish but once we saw the interior - well the rest was history.

The Element just fit our needs better. Nothing against the CR-V, or the Pilot, but the Element was the vehicle for us.

Not to mention, it's got a great safety rating and it's a ball to drive. ;)

[perro_loco]

#1 reason was it could fit my mountain bike in it with no issue :)

2) 4 amazingly functional seats with no pretense of squeezing a 5th in the middle

3) You can't get a 3rd gen V in a 5spd manual

4) (to me) It looks better than the 2nd or 3rd gen V

5) Easy to clean interior

6) Handles better

7) I looove the clamshell doors (course I don't have people gettin in and out of the back seat much)

[OUZO Power]

I would buy an Element in a heart beat if it had 3 person seating in the back.

[lawrance]

My short list included the Mazda3 hatchback, Ford Escape, Scion XB & CR-V. I decided to take my real estate signs with me and was surprised that I had trouble fitting it in all the vehicles. While at the Honda dealer, I saw the Element and decide that since I was there... Sure enough, the sign fit flawlessly! I then realized the boxy shape was perfect for advertising on! So after a quick test drive, it became a no-brainer for me. The back hatch is also superior to G2 CR-V's and I hated the tire mounted on the back hatch. So in the end, I believe I chose the perfect vehicle. That was 3 years ago, and I'm still thrilled with my choice. If I had to do it all over again, I'd choose the Element without a second's thought.

[InSaNeBoY]

I had wanted an Element since I first saw it in some car show pictures. Finally got one in 2005. Still totally love it, but having kids has thrown a wrench in the whole thing. As my son gets heavyer so grows my desire for real rear doors.

So, now I'm selling it and buying a 2003 passat wagon(from my father). Which is mildly amusing since I sold a pair of passat wagons(92 and 97) for the down payment on the element... If I didn't have a toddler and so many out-of-state family members visiting because of said toddler(constant need for a 5th seat) I would not sell my element :)

[dparrothead1]

I was looking at the CRV but the Element more suited my lifestyle.

I also have always been partial to driving something that didn't look like everyone elses vehicle......I had driven 2 Subrau Outbacks until eveybody and their brothers started driving them.

[Bald Eagle]

The Element was unique. The CRV was nice, but just looked like another ordinary small SUV.

[psschmied]

I knew that I wanted a Honda, if one was available that met my requirements.

In 2003,I started looking for a Japanese small/mid-size station wagon, I found none. I switched to any SUV that I didn't have to struggle getting in and out of. I went the Chicago auto show and eliminated any vehicle that made me duck. The E was far and away the easiest vehicle for me to enter and exit, the CR-V was adequate. The Psion was worse than average.

When I compared the two, against my other needs list, either would have been adequate. The E had a few more short-comings - slippery floor material may be easier to clean, but it's hell on cargo. (I installed my own fitted carpeting.) The E's front seat was not quite as comfortable as the CR-V. The E is a lot heavier, which reduces its cargo capacity.

I never sat in the E's rear seat before I bought it. I never ride in the back and don't have children. If I had, I probably would have chosen the CR-V. In the end, I chose the E because I couldn't see dealing with an exterior-mounted spare tire, and the E's clamshell rear entry is easier for me.

Overall I've been fairly happy with my 2004 EXS. My wife needs to use a cushion to drive it, but otherwise rves about how much better it handles than any other car we've had. But it's not without warts. One of the selling features, the plastic "scratch resistant" fenders aren't, their color is odd, and they require slightly more maintenance than painted ones. The exterior hasn't worn any better than any other vehicle I've had - all the scratches and dings I've ever gotten have been on the doors, and edges of the hood and tail gate. It would have been nice if the interior plastic were able to better withstand abrasion.

Given the bolted-on molded fenders and front fascia, I don't understand why Honda has been so slow in making exterior styling improvements. If I were to do a total redesign, I'd make the front bumper full-width, move the rear bumper out 1 inch, lose the skylight or move it forward, use the basic seat design from the Fit, replace the flooring material with urethane RUBBER, and either cut its weight or beef it up the suspension so that it had a 1200# load capacity. I'd lose an inch of body height and slope the windshield another 10 degrees. I'd put a impact-absorbing side molding across the doors- standard. Lastly, I'd look at the VW Beetle's molded finish fenders instead of paint.

I'd advise anyone who is considering buying a family vehicle, to load up luggage for a week-long family vacation, take a 10 mile rish hour drive on an expressway with your entire family, drive around town for a half hour more, try to park it, unload at home and then go grocery shopping.

[Mr. X Games]

...If I were to do a total redesign, I'd make the front bumper full-width, move the rear bumper out 1 inch, lose the skylight or move it forward, use the basic seat design from the Fit, replace the flooring material with urethane RUBBER, and either cut its weight or beef it up the suspension so that it had a 1200# load capacity. I'd lose an inch of body height and slope the windshield another 10 degrees. I'd put a impact-absorbing side molding across the doors- standard. Lastly, I'd look at the VW Beetle's molded finish fenders instead of paint...



I agree with 99% of what you say. To your improvements I would add only a telescoping wheel, electric rear side windows and heated mirrors, to make a credible 2nd-gen Element. Even better would be if Honda offered an Si version (maybe with a V6), 35mpg+ hybrid model, and an "off-road" package with low-range gearing and other goodies.

[Coastie]

The day I bought my SC I test drove a CRV first, then test drove the Element. I parked them nose to nose at the dealers lot and stood back and went through the mental inventory. I like them both. The CRV rode nice, performed nice, as did the Element. What it finally came down to for me is this....I do not want what everyone else has. Therefore I chose the Element SC in Royal Blue Pearl.