Thursday, May 8, 2008
Three years into its legacy, the Honda Element is still getting its share of
unusual stares and snide comments. It's been called a toaster, a
pumpkin and a box on wheels. And then there are those who don't like
the vehicle.
But for those who've taken a closer look, the Element has distinguished
itself. It's another in the ever-expanding series of innovative vehicles
from Honda, and there may not be a better combination of value and
versatility on the road today.
Introduced in 2003, the Element was primarily expected to appeal to
younger buyers seeking the cargo space of a pick-up truck but in an
enclosed space. The vehicle has done well in that demographic, but its
popularity has spread across diverse user groups.
As soccer moms to competitive cyclists and garage sale junkies to
sportsmen have discovered, the Element is an ideal utilitarian vehicle
with a wide range of style and equipment options at an appealing price
point. Its 2005 least inexpensive base model is $16,100, and its highest-
priced offering with every available option is $21,350.
Described by one consumer guide as a "motorized gear tote for active
lifestyle types," the Element is based on Honda's CR-V utility wagon. But
it has plenty of its own style, not the least of which is its center-opening
side doors. The back side doors won't open independently without first
opening the front side doors. And when both doors are fully open, the
interior space between the front and rear seat is cavernous. Add the
myriad storage compartments throughout the vehicle, and the Element
is easily defined. It's a "pack-rat's" dream.
The Element's various nicknames as a "box" derive from its tall stature.
Combined with efficient front and back seat positions and its unique
door configurations, the vehicle offers an incredible amount of interior
space. The area behind the split rear bench seat is 25 cubic feet. And
plenty of other manufacturer claims seem realistic — like room for a 10-
foot surfboard or the capacity for two six-foot occupants to sleep
comfortably with the rear hatch closed.
Spaciousness aside, the Element offers a unique drive. My weekly test
vehicle was the All-Wheel Drive, automatic EX-model, the highest-
priced of 16 available Element configurations.
For 2005, it includes antilock, four-wheel disc brakes, cruise control,
power mirrors, remote keyless entry, map lights, visor mirrors, alloy
wheels, manual rear sunroof, all-wheel drive, standard front side
airbags and an impressive audio and electronic system. An MP3 media
jack is also included and, for the first time, there's XM satellite radio.
Considering its body type, the Element has a mixed bag of performance
characteristics. Its turning radius, for example, is remarkably short and
the vehicle fits comfortably in compact-only parking spaces. Its steering
and handling are adequate and its acceleration (the Element has a 2.4-
liter, 160-horsepower, 16-valve engine) is better than the rather low
grades it received from various consumer publications.
But the Element is far from quiet, particularly on the freeway, and rear
passengers are in for a bumpy ride even when the vehicle encounters
only slight bumps in the road.
The Element also has water-resistant upholstery and rubberlike floor
coverings. One urban legend has owners hosing out the interior. I
haven't tried that test, nor have I witnessed anyone else's self-service
interior Element car wash.
But even without such experiments, the Element still gets plenty of
attention. Passersby are curious and owners' glowing testimonials have
overtly nullified detractors' opinions.
2005 Honda Element
Safety features — Driver and front passenger dual-stage front
and side airbags; Antilock brakes
Fuel Mileage (estimates) — 21 (city), 24 (highway).
Warranty — Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles;
Powertrain, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.
Base price — $16,100.
James Raia is a journalist, author and publisher in Sacramento, Calif.
Read more of his car reviews, various of sports, fitness and human-
interest articles and subscribe to his free newsletter on his web site:
http://www.ByJamesRaia.com
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