Hey Now:
Wife recently bought an 07 Honda SC Element. Never had liked the E until I rode and drove the car. Lots of room inside, Honda built, enough said.
Give it a try with a open mind and I think mom might just be in an Element. If you can find left over 07 on the lot, you can expect to pay about $1500 below INVOICE. Honda has an $1000 marketing support now until 9-4-2007 and low apr from Honda.
The only thing I see that the E does not have in your requirements, is it is a 4 seater, but has huge cargo space.
Got ours for $21,149 before taxes and title. Hope this helps