Scion Xb versus Honda Element?

[Bizzy C]

Im looking to purchase a new car for the upcoming year...Im not interested in having the latest model (2008/2005) or anywhere in between? doesnt matter -of the 2 but I am interested in picking out of the scion or the element, Im 23, single no kids, college student...what ya think which do you think is best?!?!

[chriskwan86]

It really depends on what you're looking to get out of it really. The Element is more of an SUV/cross, lots of room, 4wd, good all around vehicle, but a bit lacking on power for the weight and size.
The XB on the other hand was mainly designed as a city car, it's actually a fair bit smaller than the Element; and if you get an older model, is powered by a 1.5l engine (08 is now 2.0l). Good on gas but not so much for highway travel.
Either way both get good gas mileage, and reliability. One's a Honda and the other is a rebadged Toyota.

My personal preference is the XB, they look pretty nice dropped with a set of wheel without looking gawdy/ricey, it's a cruising car.

[12pleze]

No comparision. toyota has half moving parts 1/3 less welds and hold value better. This equals less problems although Hionda makes good cars. I would look at Civic before Fit which is not highl;y rated. Xb which uses the Toyota engine from Echo is highly rated.and lots more options standard.

[Bald Eagle]

I used to own an Element and now own a 2nd generation xB.

I was originally drawn to the Element because of its AWD capability, funky styling (the last thing I want is another me-too ride), big on the inside/small on the outside layout, long list of standard features, fun to drive factor, bang for the buck and Honda's reputation for trouble free vehicles.

The Element filled those requirements just fine for about three years and just enough mileage to put it out of warranty. Then things started going wrong. Not a lot of things, but not what I expected from a Honda. Besides, by then I had grown tired of the clamshell doors, the composite body panels were more of a hassle to take care of than conventional painted parts, I had concerns about the durability of the supposedly rugged interior, plus it was ready for new tires. The final straw was $1200 for a new heater core. That killed my confidence in Honda.

I replaced the Element with a 2008 Scion xB last summer. Although it has a lot of dedicated fans, I didn't care for the original xB design...but the new model is a different breed. It has all of the features that drew me to the Element except for AWD (which I never really used anyhow) and was $1000 cheaper out the door than the E was 4-1/2 years earlier. On top of that, the xB seats five (the Element only seats four), it's quieter with a smoother ride, and gets better gas mileage. Parked next to a friend's Element, the xB shines. It's sleek and contemporary and the Element just looks so...old. The E is still essentially the same design that was introduced in 2003 and really shows its age.

Oh, one other thing. I really appreciate being able to wash the roof of the xB without having to drag out something to stand on. The Element is too tall for that...unless, perhaps, you play pro basketball.

Granted, the xB isn't perfect. The interior is rather bland, there's no lock on the glovebox and the console/armrest is pretty useless. All petty stuff. It's comfortable, is a blast to drive, comes very well equipped, has airbags everywhere, and is a terrific value. No AWD, but it has traction control, stability control, and ABS...very sophisticated for the price you pay. The only remaining question is whether Toyota's reputation for building great cars is better than Honda's reputation for building great cars.

Bottom Line: The xB wins. As much as I enjoyed the Element I don't regret switching to the xB.

[NICK®]

Honda Element.

My Dad has a Honda Element and it has been great.

Ours is a 2003 and hasn't broken down at all.

It has a comfortable ride and funky styling.

The Element has a very versatile interior also.

The back seats fold up onto the side to give you huge amounts of cargo space.

The stereo is also very impressive too.

We may buy another one because it has been so great.