Mine will be partially replacing a '94 SW2, my second Saturn. 117,000 miles on the clock. Burning about a quart every 1,000 miles, but still a good car. I'm keeping it for downtown commuting. I really like the Saturn- particularly the plastic panels, whihc led me to the E.
I looked at the VUE, but I wasn't impressed. More expensive than the Element, cargo room isn't as well laid out, and handling isn't as car-like. I'd hoped for another small Saturn wagon but the Ion wagon isn't due until the '05 model year, from what I hear, and who knows if it'll be what I want.
The Elementr reminds me a lot of my last pre-Saturn car, the 5-door Civic wagon. You never saw too many on the road, but it was a super vehicle, particularly in the 4WD/6-speed version sold in the Midwest. A friend still has his '87.