Thanks for all the replies about safety.

A funny thing about the Element is that it WAS designed for twenty
somethings but much to Honda's surprise the median age for buying an Element
is 42. That one nailed me exactly.  When I first saw them on the road I
though "Who would drive that stupid looking p&^*& ^ #$?". I then saw a local
access program from a local dealer that showed how the interior is all
plain, no frills, the seats pop out or tuck up to the sides, had plenty of
space, has a 4cyl has optional curtain kit for camping and is 4wd.  This was
looking like a mini-microbus to me. It had the same purpose, cheap and
practical. It also fits 2 double basses with no problems. :) I bought the
most loaded one I could and that included the rare side airbags which meant
I had to order it since that extra $300 option was no were to be seen on the
dealers lot.  I guess most people would rather spend the money on mag
wheels.  It was still only $22K, cheap by today's standards thought too much
much money for most twentysomethings.  The most hysterical thing is the
maintenance schedule: 10K - Oil change, 20K - Oil Change, 30K - Oil and Air
Filter, etc. etc. My old Jetta was: 10K new brakes and rotors, 20K, new
wheel bearings, 21K, more front end parts, etc.  My only complaint about the
Element is the lousy gas mileage for a 4cyl.  I've squeezed 26 mpg out of it
on the highway but local driving gives me about 18-19, my 83.5 Westy gets
better mileage in the city. Pretty sad when you think about it.  In any
event, it's great to have the reliable Honda in the driveway, parked next to
my 83.5 Westy and my wife's '98 Audi A4 money pit.

Bryan