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Comments
Get Xterra neoprene seat covers for the back seats in the DX?
Only the 4WD gets the rear skylight!
Rear skylight means you can get a front skylight?
They are not painting the cladding as I suggested.
Hope Canada gets a middle LX model with decent stuff.
Yes it is an official press release and the Element was pictured in the local paper today. Hype is building. Parts must now be in Ohio. Can anyone see cladding over there piling up?
Further, this will create an opportunity for DIO/parts department upgrades, which are both near & dear to Honda dealers' hearts.
Finally, I too do NOT consider the Element a "decontented" CR-V, but rather a sportier/hipper line extension, in the same way the New Beetle extends the Golf/Jetta family...
but if they follow the current tier system they use with dx being stripped of all but basic amenities like air and only offer things like abs on the top of the line then bla
I was looking at a crv today and got to thinking I wonder exactly how different the interior dimensions will be between it and element.
The rear seats tumble forward and you can put 2 bikes in at an angle, but if those seats were removed I wonder if it could swallow them like the element does? food for thought
I'm looking largely at price though I do like the functionality of the element but unless it has comparable options on the dx to an lx crv why not spring the extra on a crv
Lets face it unless the American public embraces this thing like the pilot (doubtful) then it might depreciate like the insight (take a look at how its resale falls like a Korean) unless I love the element or its significantly cheaper than crv with comparable options a crv will probably win out. Like I said price and value will definitely be the biggest keys to my possibly purchasing element
on a side note of interest does anyone know where to find out details on the engine the dealer I visited today said the engine in a cr-v has a timing chain rather than a belt I've heard these never have to be changed (within reason)
also has anyone compiled a list of verifiable specs on element yet, like dimensions tire size ect?
chris777... the rear seats do come entirely out, and the automatic trans is not a rumor, MT and AT will both be available.
It would almost make more sense to offer a DX and LX, or an LX and EX. But all or nothing? No A/C, even? That's going backwards to the days when Oursiman Honda in Bethesda forced you to get the $1800 A/C option to get a low-end Civic.
I bet 80% of 'em will be EX models, watch.
-juice
Hondarulesall - I think Chris777 was referring to the 5 speed auto that has been rumored. Not the 4 speed auto that looks to be standard equipment.
Chris777 - I do not expect that the Element will be embraced like the Pilot or CR-V. It is a niche vehicle built for the weirdos on this planet. I'm sure Honda will find enough of them.
I may upgrade to a crv
lets just hope honda monitors these forums
cause if the 16k element is stripped with no air
there will be alot of discounted units on the honda lots collecting dust and pollen
though I have been trying to figure out how they will price it
especially with a 2wd ex
lx 2wd 16?
lx 4wd 17?
ex 2wd 19?
ex 4wd 21?
my guess would be somewhere in the neighborhood of this
I've seen matrixes advertised with civic lx equivalent options for 14900
if your reading this honda , might I suggest you don't try and make this thing the toyota echo of suv,s
if a dx includes standard a/c and at least the option of an added cruise for no more than 300
I might could live with hand crank windows
but I really don't want to shell out 17 or 18 when I can get a crv now for 18
come on honda give us some real incentive to buy this thing I thought a large part of its appeal would be affordability and functionality
"The newest model in the Honda lineup debuts in December as a 2003 model. The Element was designed from the inside out for maximum interior space and functionality. The Element accommodates up to four adults and their gear. Fold-away rear seats create an open cargo area with a tough easy to clean resin floor. Seating surfaces are waterproof and washable. A high power 270-watt stereo has an auxiliary input for use with external audio sources like MP3 players. The center opening side cargo doors lack a B-pillar and create a wide opening for cargo loading flexibility.
The Element is powered by a 2.4-liter, 160 horsepower, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine matched to a front wheel drive or Honda's Real Time 4WD(TM) automatic and manual transmissions will be available.
Color choices for the Element include:
Satin Silver Metallic
Galapagos Green
Shoreline Mist
Nighthawk Black
Eternal Blue Pearl
Sunset Orange Pearl"
- 2.4L 160hp i-VTEC 4cyl engine
- Pillar-less body side with "Open Wide Doors"
- Resin interior surfaces for easy cleaning
- Fold Away Rear Seats
- Front-Wheel-Drive with Optional Real Time 4WD
- 5spd Transmission with Available Automatic
- Rear Skylight (4WD Model) Color & Trim
Satin Silver Metallic
Galapagos Green
Shorline Mist Metallic
Eternal Blue Pearl
Sunset Orange Pearl
EX PRE-PRODUCTION Features (adds to DX)
- Alloy Wheels
- Anti-Lock Braking System
- Air Conditioning
- Cruise Control
- Power Windows
- 270 Watt AM/FM/CD 7-Speaker Audio System (inluding Subwoofer) with Auxiliary Audio Input for MP3 Players
- Anti-Lock Braking System
- Air Conditioning - Cruise Control
- Power Windows
Color & Trim
Satin Silver Metallic
Galapagos Green
Shorline Mist Metallic
Eternal Blue Pearl
Sunset Orange Pearl
don't know about anyone else but I don't like it
maby the specs will change b4 production
A lousy MP3 input jack? for 21K$ What about the GPS? How about a 110V jack?
Who needs power windows for just 2 windows. No power skylight.
Get your own 18 inch alloy wheels.
What the heck is the color shorline. They should have offered the SIR yellow. No white. Only light colors work with that gray cladding. The orange was rumoured for many upcoming cars by trend reports. Orange does not photograph or come across well on PC monitors.
I think this is one of those cases where you get a lot of vehicle, but not much content.
a used crv
scion bbx is supposed to base out under 18 loaded down with all power options(ala lx honda)
of course I can get a crv for 18 if I wanted to shell that much out
honda might I suggest you rethink this before your left with 50000 units collecting dust on lots
That web site still shows the one with blue cladding.
-juice
basically a commercial video
"Come December, a totally new type of vehicle will hit the streets: the Element, from Honda. The Element is equipped with side-cargo doors, so it's easy to load your gear, friends or both. Its interior can be configured 64 different ways... just in case. The seats and floor are so durable, they're practically begging for you to spill something. And its seamless 4-wheel-drive can transport you and yours to just about any destination you have in mind.
So enjoy this quick Element hors d'oeuvre. We'll have a new Web site with more information in early September. "
Gen-Yers don't want milk crates on wheels. They want low-slung coupes and sedans with good kit levels.
I can see the DX trim having crank windows, but no cruise control or ABS? Give me a friggin' break!
Also, notice that there is no mention of four-wheel disc brakes on either trim level.
Way to go, Honda. You're busy with this Aztek clone while at the same time considering axing the S2000 after 2004.
Bring on the Latitude! Which was probably a hedge against the possible failure of the Element anyway. One of the few Honda's that may depreciate badly at first?
...not a problem for the target demographics but maybe for us somewhat older folks. I know it's designed to put most of your stuff inside but are there roof rails built into those cladding pieces on the roof? They put the little stub antenna on the side, so it seems they were thinking some of us might like to carry stuff on the roof. And tow rating......i assume it'll be the same as the CR-V
....1500 lbs?
Why do you think the back seats will be hard to get into?
mhiggins- How do they look in real life? Smallerlarger than what you expected? Do they look better/worse than the pictures?
Some new pics of the Element on wieck.com.
so that is Galapagos Green ?
kinda looks like an old jeep
their are more pics why are they showing red when it wont be offered?
interior looks more drab with just gray instead of the blue highlights plus no yellow strapping on rear seats
the college hills site list a picnic table option
I'd rather see the cover support about 200-300 lbs. myself for hauling and changing if you will be able to do it
I asked on the crv at a dealer and the table is only supposed to support about 50 lb. evenly distributed so I'm hoping on a sturdy tire cover to stand on/load on
the cup holders are in a pan surrounding the brake I've seen a close up of it it also had a square pan I believe but I'm not sure where maybe vtec.net
I wish I had had a better digital camera when I saw it my pics were low res and didn't reveal too much unless your interested in door hinges and the hatch and I lost my disposable 35 mm cam
mhiggins2000 if you have a cam get some shots por favor
anyone else think that the "ex" is skimpy
all it has is abs and alloys and the sound system
for 21 it should have automatic front and rear moonroofs as well as the in dash dvd players along with rear disk brakes roof rack ect.
scion bbx is supposed to include all power options for less than 19
Hopefully they'll offer as much interior colors as they do exterior colors. I really like the car - it should be a hit with people who commute to school. Ditto to the weirdo comments.
The red Element is actually the orange one. Too much red. No guts to do a bright orange or yellow. No guts to do black cladding. Even a black Element will look awkward with that medium gray cladding.
Never mind about the washable seats. Go to Canadian Tire hardware store and get some bright seat covers.
the red Element looks huge...like a panel van:
http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_026890
I find it hard to believe it is on the CRV wheelbase. My perception is Element is larger; esp considering the 16" wheels & known height increase.
Closest comparable photo of a CRV I could find:
http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_041787
This photo does demonstrate the additional roof area/cargo volume to be gained by squaring off the rear-end.
Don't know 'bout "Gen Y" appeal, but this buggy is going to be a hit with the Boomers!
Would like to see one parked beside a CR-V. Haven't totally given up on the X-Trail either.
Honda has made a subtle but extraordinary effort to hide the length of the Element with: "foreshortening" 3/4 views; avoiding scale elements such as other vehicles & people. Just as they did the Pilot. And as I look at some of these Element photos to make out the driver; seems there is as much room behind driver as in a Pilot. Then again, difference between CRV and Pilot wheelbase is only 3" (103" vs 106").
The Element could very well be to the CRV what the Pilot is to the MDX; a more functional variation of a Honda product. By just straightening out some body lines & increasing height; and using the same drivetrain the Element stands to gain 10% in volume as the Pilot did over the MDX (90cf vs 82). So 10% increase over CRV 72cf would yield about 80cf. The Element could have the cargo volume of an MDX! Though I would not be surprised if it had more.
Will be very interesting to see Element up close.
Varmint: Did I just imply the CRV is an Acura?!
-juice
Regarding the pics... I still like the silver. The green looks interesting. The red is icky. I wish the auto CR-V had the same center stack. The jury is still out on the large bezzle gauges. Generally, I like the dash (colors and all), but the interior looks too dark.
We are used to going in forward, then sitting back. All while leaning at an angle, too.
With suicide-style doors, they are completely out of your way. So while the opening is smaller, nothing blocks your feet from getting in easily.
-juice
-juice
This Scion business is really different.
seriously though if the sticker price for a dx element is 16000 (and not 16900) plus 460 destination
how many of you are willing to shell out what 18000 appx for a 5 speed and 18800(auto) for a dx vehicle, just to get air conditioning in a base vehicle?
I like the functionality too but honda will have to offer serious discounts or rethink the options packaging for this vehicle to live, especially with crv pricing being around 18000 in advertising . The mini suv segment is too competitive
that's what I am saying
while honda Isn't feeling the economic pinch like American manufacturers its still feeling it accords are 5000 off in several places
and I've seen civics discounted heavily too ex and si models. I'm saying this in hopes that someone from honda will hear this, because for resale value alone I'd pay 2 grand more for a crv . If element is finalized with these options they will loose one prospective buyer.
who is going to pay 16000 for a stripper?
and the ex only has alloys, abs and a stereo as ex equipped options?(aside from 2 power windows and locks) for 5 thousand more? thats a pretty wide gap
Add A/C for $1000 (I don't even think it costs that much) to a DX Element, and it's a bargain at 16K IMO.
If you wait until the hype dies down you probably could get a deal on a scum green one (should've been lime green) or the bland tan one (should've been yellow).
My friend bought a Aztec when they first came out. He likes it but not the depreciation and the people talking behind his back.
Someone at Edmunds loves it, so maybe it's something you have to see/drive to appreciate. I'm not sure why they chose to make the max seating capacity 4, though.
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I like the pictures of the monotone color ELement! I would seriously consider buying it if I didn't already own a 2002 CRV.
Did Honda trade engines for GM cladding. I don't think it was a fair exchange. LOL