Automobile Blog

Honda Element

The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by Honda and released in the United States, Canada and Japan in 2003. Although the Element is based on the CR-V, its dimensions are significantly different. The length is a foot (300 mm) shorter, the wheelbase has been trimmed 1.7 in (43 mm), the roofline is 7.8 in (198 mm) higher, the front track 1.7 in (43 mm) narrower, and the floor about an inch (25 mm) lower.

The Element leverages its versatility and optional all-wheel drive into the ultimate niche vehicle for active young adventure-seekers and their toys. The Element, being a Honda, fulfills that role well. But we know that plenty other buyers also find it useful for routine errands and adventures of their own.

The Honda Element comes in three trim levels: regular LX, the upgraded EX and the special SC. For power, the vehicle has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 166 hp and 161 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic is optional. The Element LX and EX are available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, while the SC is front-drive only.

Honda named “Element” is seven inches shorter than the CR-V SUV upon which it’s based. As for its sheet metal, while looking like a cross between a Hummer and an ostraciidae is not in and of itself horrendous, the Elements’ exterior is covered with acres of faux Rubbermaid. The plastic treatment makes the car look like it’s fresh out of a pick-and-pull.

Element passengers will attempt to push rubber squares rearward of the rear doors to gain entry. Not so fast, Mr. Bond. Those are not door opening devices. They’re hinges! Yes 007, Honda’s Urban only Activity Vehicle flummoxes aspiring occupants with rear “access panels” . This eccentricity makes egress in tight parking spots more monumental than Elemental. As Sheriff J.W. Pepper might say: back that Rubbermaid ass up boy, or they isn’t getting’ in.

The Element also produces smiles from anyone who has to get into it, or load anything into it. With its high roof, low floor height, side doors that open to reveal a large B-pillar less portal on each side, and a two-piece flip-up and flip-down clamshell rear tailgate, access, even of large or unwieldy items, is not going to be a problem. Seats are upholstered in waterproof FXC(tm) fabric, in a pleasing herringbone pattern.

Firm foam ensures comfort, and, while the front seats are manually-adjustable, that adjustment includes driver’s cushion height. The two rear seats have adjustable back angles, from bolt upright to flat.

Slide the front seats forward, recline them completely, recline the rears and you get two beds. Beats a blown-out air mattress in a leaky tent! The rear seats may also be flipped up to the sides, or removed completely. According to Honda there are “over 64″ ways to configure the interior

Overall Honda Element is Fun to drive, excellent traction, and good power for 4cyl. Excellent sound system. Excellent seating room front and back, excellent cargo space. Reclinable/foldable/removeable rear seats are excellent. Lots of cool storage spaces in doors and dash.