I LOVE mine! It's a 2003 and still going strong! I have the Thule T2 rack on the back for ease in bringing bikes, with plenty of room in the car for gear. I have also fit 2 bikes in the back when I removed the two back seats. Sharp turning radius, which comes in handy. Good gas mileage. When it gets dirty inside, I take a whisk broom and sweep out the back. Really versatile vehicle! It's a bit noisy inside (wind noise) but a small price to pay for so many other attributes.
Sleeping on the seats is so, so. However, I just put two thermarests down. They fit perfect. Then I have a Napier Sportz SUV tent off of the back and Skreenz for the front windows for hot summer nights. Only flaw, no internal release for the rear hatch, so a bitch to get out when you need to take a piss at night if you don't have the tent attached. Check out the EOC: http://www.elementownersclub.com/. Forums have tons of great mods. Like a platform for kicked up camping.
I get 19-21mpg and I drive like an old man. In the summer if I run the air it stays in the 18's. I would not say that is good mileage for a 4cyl. On the forums people say they get 28 or more but I don't see how that is possible. I've slept in the back of mine a bunch of times and I think its comfortable. Definitely enough room to stretch out. I can't afford a bike rack just yet so I just lay the seats flat, put a blanket down and toss the bike in the back. Love it!! The CD player just died in mine yesterday. First thing to break on it since I got it back in 2005.
I'm happy with my toaster (07' SC) ... fits a ton of stuff including two or three bikes, with a big plus of averaging about 25 mpg. Only concern is that if you turn the heat up too high, you'll pop out of the top (poor toaster joke).
Awesome, thanks everyone. I guess there's a reason I see them at nearly every trailhead. Any problems with the 2WD model? I hear great things about the 4WD but i'm finding less of those obviously
Any problems with the 2WD model? I hear great things about the 4WD but i'm finding less of those obviously[/QUOTE] the 4WD is more of an all wheel drive. I had this model and it came in handy in snowy/icy conditions. If you plan to drive in these conditions, then it's worthwhile.
I have an 07 and love it!! I added an in-dash nav and a bike rack, now it is perfect. I used to haul 2 bikes inside almost everyday with no problems. It does get a little annoying having to pull out all of your gear to get your bikes out, hence the rack, but it sure does the job. I also made a do it yourself rack for the inside, 1 2x4 piece of wood with 2 fork mounts. Great option for about 25 bucks. Beats the 100+ for the honda single bike option. I would recommend the car to anyone, and have personally been responsible for 2 sales. ha ha. Good luck in your search.
The only down side to the camper is that it maxes out the 1500lb capacity of the E. It's a peppy vehicle for around town, but it's got no balls at all.
i have 2wd. i like it just fine, but then again i dont drive up to mammoth or big bear in the the snow.
I've got a 2007 Element... or rather, my wife does, and it's been fairly low maintenance. There have been two voluntary recalls... speedo and brake system. The road noise is the only drawback, really. Otherwise, the product holds together well. We get approx. 24mpg hghwy, 19 local. Tom Borden Deftees.com/v-e-r-y ELEMENTAL t-shirts
