Honda Element

ajkulacg

I went to the dealer yesterday to check it out. They only had one that was sold already so no test drive for me. I do like it a whole lot though, looks so much better than in the pictures. I was dissapointed with a non-full-size spare, and those back seats that are for all intents and purposes (cept short trips) usless since they are very low to the flor and when you lift them up they block the windows. I was mostly surprised by its size, it is much bigger than you would think. All weather floor and seats, storage comps for knick-nacks are all fine by me I wish they made more cars with those kind of things. The dealer said that they are going to make about 70K for the first year and that they are taking orders for now. My lease is up in about 5 months and I was all set on tacoma ext cab (hate to switch from honda) untill I saw this one in person. Price is not bad at all IMO, 21,600 for auto 4x4 EX with sunroof and other junk. I wish I could see how it drives beeing that it weights circa 3500 lbs tons and has only a 2.4 liter engine in it. I wonder how fast are these going to go. Thing is you either love it or hate it so we will have to see. Also some people compared it to minivans and what not. I think this car is no-where near the minivan category which are more comfortable rides (susp and seating) and should not be compared to it. I did not test E but I doubt its going to be a smooth ride.

anonymousposts

Everything I have read on the E say that the ride is one of the highlights. Firm and well-controlled. As for the 0-60 ... how many people will buy this thing with the intentions of street-racing them? Although a turbo E on some 18's would be pretty cool to watch.

himiler

Doing what, blowing up or rolling over in the turns?

anonymousposts

Why would it blow up or roll over? And you are street-racing. Street-racing usually doesn't involved cornering and if it did the Honda would obviously be out of it's "Element". haha ... I kill me ....

vadp

As for the 0-60 ... how many people will buy this thing with the intentions of street-racing them?

I think you're forgetting about the target buyer, or his/her age.

anonymousposts

But people should realize that a box on wheels with 160HP isn't going to be a street-racer. Just as I don't see very many people racing with X-terras. What would be the point? Honda's target buyer has a canoe or a bike on top. Wanna talk about funny .. picture the Element racing with a canoe and that little tailgate cabana on top.

s852

The 0-60 time is quite good IF you get a 2WD 5-speed and don't carry a lot of weight. I saw a road test on television and it scooted along quite well, chirping the tires even in second gear as it took off. 0-60 was about 8.0 seconds in their test.
However, if you get a 4WD EX automatic and weight it down with more than one passenger, I can imagine it will be barely adequate.

gatorgreg

Hope everyone had a great Xmas/holiday! [Pic created by the talented gphilip ]

nappyal

I went and sat in one this week and it is much bigger than I thought. If you go by the specs...the Element should be in a class with the 2door Explorer sport rather than the smaller escapes and libertys. If Honda comes out with a V-6 version of the Element, it would truly be in a class by itself (not that it isn't now).

anonymousposts

That Element is rather .......... festive.

kratas101

Well my father and I went down to the dealer and decided to check out the element. They had a black 4WD DX version and we had to wait around for a little while before it came back because people had been test driving it the entire day(they've had it for 6 days and it has 165 miles) Now since so many people have driven the thing, I'm not gonna be too critical of it due to most people testing out its performance and being hard on a new engine. The engine noise was more audible than my '02 Accord coupe, sounded like it was working a lot harder, probably because the car's additional weight. Also, since it was 4WD, it felt rather sluggish. Steering was fine, nothing special, nothing problematic either. No feeling of rolling over or anything though lol. The actual car itself is really cool and while doing the test drive, got lots of people staring at us or even people who are in front of us slow down to take a better look, too bad we had those ugly DX steel rims The seat material looks and feels pretty good. I had enough support for myself but that's a personal preference/situation. Sitting in the back seat, with the theatre style seating, really does elevate you and there was still pretty good head room. The cup holders do feel rather low when in the front since they are on the floor but for the back, the cup holders are built into the seat so everything is fine there. I bounced a little on the tailgate and it felt pretty sturdy, didn't feel like it was going to break off or any kind of movement downward. I would've tested the sound system had it been an EX but oh well. Overall, a pretty good impression of the car, a little slugish, but I'm going to wait for the 2WD EX before I make any kind of real judgement.

- BTW the first salesman we encountered said no element was there and it would come probably tomorrow so right when we were about to leave, a prelude caught my eye and I decided to just take a look. The used car salesman came out and showed us the car and then we asked about the element again and he told us it was taken out for a test drive and would be right back. So whoever goes to their dealer, make sure you at least talk to another salesman if the first one says no

peter116

I'm 45 and feel a little strange that I'm drawn to a vehicle that is targeted at 22 year olds. My fiance is a little less enthusiastic about it and thinks we should get a Ford Escape.

I like the Honda name and like the basic "less is better" concept of the interior of this vehicle. I also like the easy clean up features and the waterproof seating material is surprizingly comfortable.

I've driven a 4WD EX before Christmas and a 2WD EX today. Both felt about the same. The ride is suprizingly smooth - very car like. The turning radius is extremely tight - tighter than my fiance's civic and tigher than my current Nissan Altima.

The braking is excellent, quiet and easy to find controls. They've made a big deal out of the 270 watt stereo and I rate it a C. I love the MP3 jack concept, but cranked a couple local FM stations and I felt the sound was about as good as my Altima's factory radio - which is lousy. Once again, after market sound systems will be a better choice.

The few items are keeping me from pulling the trigger: I've always hated the Honda arm rest on the driver seats of their CR-Vs - and this is identical. These things break and are wimpy/lame. Why the hell don't they offer an optional storage/arm rest system to sit between the seats for lots of storage and topped off with an arm rest? I've seen some mfg that offer such an item and it's easily detachable.

The [non-permissible content removed] end of the Element is very mini-van looking. This makes me pause. I shudder at the thought of a soccer-mom looking rear end.

Although I love the postless suicide doors, I don't dig the second seat popup onlyh windows.

Finally, the 4WD comes with a rear, pop-up moon roof. I understand the purpose to stand up and dress with privacy mirrors and perhaps sleep under the stars in the reclined seats. However, realistically I'd never go through the hassle of opening it, then later closing it.

I wished they'd offer this roof up front and perhaps with a motorized electric option.

Maybe I'm showing my age and should just lighten up on the items I mention above. I'm leaning strongly to buy one. I've owned 3 other Hondas (accords and civics) and loved them.

The Ford Escape is a good package too, but my dad was a Ford guy for 40 years and every vehicle he's owned has had continual nagging issues, doesn't hold resale value and seems ready for graveyard at 80k. So, I have an aversion to Fords. Plus, is it me or do you see the radical difference between the sales people at a Honda dealiership and the "old world" sleazy feeling, poor dental care sales people seemingly at every Ford dealership?

dindak

I have seen seniors driving Azteks and Minis, I'm sure it's not that unusual to be older and driving a car targeting 22 year olds.

moonkat

Peter116:
You have no reason to apologize or feel incorrect about wanting an E.

I'm further along than you (wait til you hit the half-century mark), and attribute my fascination with the E to function (funtion!?). E satisfies basic requirements of Home Depot, shopping warehouse duty, and reliable transportation, reasonable economy, and (reportedly) fun to to drive.

What's not to like, except maybe need for more hp.

rsholland

Honda had 2 Elements on display: a base DX model w/steel wheels, and a EX AWD model. Both vehicles were generating huge crowds—of people of all ages.

Bob

geneseedepot

OK, Vibe/Matrix is selling relatively well in our market...but who do you see driving them? It's not a popular car for the younger crowd. I'm anticipating the same for the Element. Or maybe the car makers think people in their 30's and 40's like to buy cars marketed to a younger age group.

chris777

has anyone else heard about a 675 lb load rating including occupants, cargo, accessories, and the tongue weight(if towing a trailer)?

I like it ,but if I cant carry much in it what's the point?

that along with the 1500 mark up I'm hearing from some dealers,

I'm beginning to wonder if the "shortage" is hype,(to create demand) or if their is legitimate demand to warrant the mark up.
I had originally thought (the apparent shortage)was with the west coast dock mess, but Honda has made no official announcement on it (other that having to shut down east liberty a few days)
how is pricing and demand in other areas aside from Atlanta?

Anakin

I think the marketing agencies know that 20 somethings won't be able to afford this car. Thing is, you show young, active people driving the car so people who want to appear young and active will buy it. ;^)

vadp

"Public interest for the Model X concept reached high levels on the auto show circuit. It earned a fast track into production for the 2003 model year, just in time to greet a rapidly emerging generation of new vehicle buyers between the ages of 22 and 32 – the upper spectrum of what is commonly known as Generation Y and the lower spectrum of Generation X.

Honda Canada anticipates the 20- to 34-year-old demographic is expected to account for one- quarter of the vehicle buying public by 2006. Although Element is designed with "Gen X" and "Gen Y" in mind and is based on the generation’s unique vehicle wants, it’s expected to appeal more to a frame-of-mind (active, youthful) rather than an specific age group."

rsholland

<< has anyone else heard about a 675 lb load rating including occupants, cargo, accessories, and the tongue weight(if towing a trailer)? >>

I double-checked the payload rating on both Elements at the DC auto show. Both stated 675 pounds payload on a sticker right on the inside edge of the driver's door, along with tire info.

Somebody earlier questioned the load rating of the tires. I remember seeing one Element wearing Goodyear Wrangler HT tires, which are light-truck tires. So, the tires should plenty capable.

Bob

rsholland

<< Although Element is designed with "Gen X" and "Gen Y" in mind and is based on the generation&#146;s unique vehicle wants, it&#146;s expected to appeal more to a frame-of-mind (active, youthful) rather than an specific age group." >>

Several of the folks at the DC show that were real curious about the Element were well into their 60s, I would guess. I'll be 58 in 6 weeks. Does that mean we're "youthful," or just "immature?"

Bob

ropedart

I can see right thru Honda's marketing intent thru the color choices. The green and shoreline mist colors are nice but they scream BOOMER!

The Xterra now offers an orange color this year.

Expect the Element to change the Suv/Minivan design forever. The rear part of the Element is brilliant. The clamshell door was tried in the 93? Civic but was too small to be effective. Scaled up to van size it makes sense. Swing out doors with mounted tires are plain stupid. They are inconvenient and susceptible to damage. Expect vans to have wipe out floors. Now that Honda has shown you can lick the sound proofing issues. Carpets are just a cheap way of hiding rough work and killing sound.

robertsmx

What is the load rating of the tires? For all you know, 675 lb. payload may be Honda conservative to avoid any kind of tread separation issues. The number may be based on the worst-case scenario with every possible variable assumed to be present (fully loaded, 4WD, full tank, and a trailer being towed).

s852

Some young people will be able to afford it. 22-25 year old college graduates will be able to afford it. There will also be plenty of teens and college students who's parents buy the vehicle for them.
They probably will not be anywhere near 50,000 to 70,000 people per year in that age range who will want it and be able to afford it though.
Lots of older people will be buying Elements.

ropedart

Honda Canada wants to call the Element a ALV (Active Lifestyle Vehicle) and Pontiac wanted to call the Aztek a SRV (Sport Recreational Vehicle). Is one of these going to stick? SUVs are getting bad rap these days. Need to start changing names because the government wants to tax these things off the road. Did someone say the Element was a car?

anonymousposts

It could pass for a tall 4WD car. It has a low emmissions 4 cylinder engine, gets decent fuel economy, and definitely won't be used to haul any heavy equipment.

rsholland

<< What is the load rating of the tires? >>

I didn't check. However, they are 215/70x16 Goodyear Wrangler light truck tires. I'm sure they've got a decent load rating.

Bob

chris777

"215/70x16" I thought they looked a bit narrow

same width as the 13 inchers on my civic.

would different possibly wider tires affect payload that much?

I guess 675 isn't that bad only 125 from 800

it still throws into question the actual utility though

I wasn't planning on hauling a ton of concrete or bricks,
but if I went to pick up something large and heavy , say me and my helper rang in at a combined 400 lbs that only leaves 275 lbs to play with, I need to look at payload ratings on other suv/trucks I guess

jvkalra

Checked one out yesterday, it was a 2wd DX. First impression is that this vehicle looks really big and different. But I'm not convinced that apart from the easy to clean floor, it offers anything compelling. It's a big hassle for entry/exit of rear seat passengers and the driver's seating position doesn't provide a commanding view, unlike most SUVs.

Of course there will be tons of people who'll buy it in the first year because it's different. After the initial hoopla dies down, I see the primary buyers as older singles, people looking for a compact delivery van for their small business, or those with dogs, a few from the surfboard crowd. Very few from Gen Y, IMHO. This is apples and oranges, but I think the Fit/Jazz would do a better job in reaching Honda's target Gen Y.

stevens8

Has anyone seen a element at the dealers in canada yet?My local dealer say,s any day now!

ropedart

I was told by a dealer. But you can run across the border to have a look. Apparently a lot of Canadians have already done just that.

sowr

Does anyone know the V grade of the cool looking roof problem behind those wannabe climbers camping illegally in Cap Rock parking lot?

Oh yeah, and what's with the goofy minivan?

anonymousposts

is huh?

ajkulacg

I thought I saw someone say they heard of 1500 mark-up for E??? That alone would be enough to turn you off of this car. I am a firm believer that no one should ever pay a mark-up, nothing is worth that. 675lbs load is a serious handicap IMO. 4 average sized people will go over that, and towing you can forget, 1500 lbs is not much more than the weight of most decent sized trailers. Car has some things that other car makers should pay attention to such as those all weather seats and floor, and compartments for nick-nacks, if only pick-up manufacturers would get a clue .

markgsnw

I've had my eye on the Element for about six months, just drove one yesterday, the only one the dealer had, 4WD automatic with the high level trim. It was an underwhelming experience, kind of pokey and boring. I was disappointed, I wanted it to be a cool and fun vehicle, but Honda chose to bland it down. Kind of small on the inside, tall but not very wide, even with the back seats folded there isn't much cargo room. I found the dash cheesy and the A pillar is in a very bad spot (as in I was looking out of the window a lot to see slightly to the left). I'll drive one again when the manual transmission is available, and maybe there just isn't enough power for the weight and drag of 4WD. Or maybe I'll put some money into my SUV and keep it (:0

The sales people are in a "you can pre-order one and buy it sight unseen" mode. Yuck.

jamesshelby

I've also been looking at the Element for a while. Finally test drove yesterday in the rain: Automatic 2WD EX. I enjoyed the tightness of the steering, the surprisingly small turning radius, and the maneuverability. Had three passengers, and everyone was comfortable, and I really enjoyed the driving experience. A little noisy, as everyone has observed. The outside doesn't really do it for me, and one of the best things about driving it is I don't have to look at it. I must ponder what it is that makes purchasing an untried first year model an actual option based on observation and not sexy thrill of newness... Bringing my brother back tomorrow for a sober witness.. I've got my name on one, and just got in under the 3K mark up the Palo Alto dealer has decided to slam on it. Two more days before I have to decide. Again, it felt tight and quick enough for my needs.

Jim in California

s852

A big part of buying the Element is the appearance.
If you don't like the styling, a CRV or something else would make more sense.

jamesshelby

Yeah, I'm also going to test drive a CRV tomorrow as well. I am interested in how they stack up in comparison test drives. My sweetie definitely likes the CRV's looks.

araitn

and my wife loves it. Yes, it's my wife's new vehicle. It's a Galapagos Green Metallic 4WD EX with gray and green interior. We paid exact MSRP - $21,310.00, including $460.00 destination charge. Fire away with any questions.

stever

Congrats Araitn. Do you fit the "target demographic"?

Steve, Host

Peterun

Congrats on your new Element! Can you tell me a bit about the Galapagos Green? Any blue in it? Any gray? I've yet to see one in that color. I ordered the EX FWD in silver, just to be safe. The few pics I've seen of the green make the vehicle look special. Can you take a digital pic of the exterior and interior and post?? Also, any idea of the miles per gallon you are registering at this point? Thanks for your help. Peter

rsholland

It's sort of like a pea soup green. The one I drove was that color. I like it, in that it is a "conservative" color which contrasts nicely with the "wild" body design.

Bob

araitn

Steve: I am 35 and my wife is 30. I guess we are just outside the target demographic. Based on my observation of people checking out the Element at the dealership as we were completing our purchase, I believe this vehicle will appeal to people outside the target group. There was a constant stream of 30, 40, & 50 year olds making over "our" Element. I didn't see any people that necessarily fit the target demo.

Peterun: Thanks! The Galapagos Green is what sealed the deal for me. I think it just fits on this vehicle. I don't see any blue in it, maybe some gray. I've got some digital pictures at home,however, being new to this board, I'm not sure how to post them. I'll give it a shot tonight. I don't have any mileage figures to report yet, we only have 100 miles on it so far. My wife is off this week and I'm sure she will drive the wheels off of it, so I'll post some figures as soon as possible.

I'll be glad to answer any other questions.

Peterun

Color question again: Is the green (1) slightly; (2) moderately; (3) heavily metallic? Pls. try to answer this for me by looking at your Element in the sun. Thanks so much for your help . . . and enjoy your new vehicle! Peter

wayde

Hey All.
Longtime Honda fan here, although not happy with recent stuff (ie: new civic).
I took my brothers, sisters, and their girlfriends/boyfriends to look at an E over the holiday to get their reactions (8 of them... all in mid/late 20's - 4 guys, 4 girls) -- NONE of them liked it. Not even my mom (she's 52). I didn't like it in person either Wanted to tho. I think this def. be selling outside the "target market".
If Honda wants to reach us (gen x and y)... bring back the Prelude, bring back a civic coupe that looks like the 93-95 version!! Please!!

araitn

My wife just picked me up for lunch and after looking at the color in the sun, I would say the metallic is moderate to heavy.

isellhondas

It seems the color is VERY important to you!

Go to your local Honda dealer and ask to see a Civic in that color. Then you'll know for sure.

Trying to describe a color is almost impossible!

herbb

I was very interested in the Element and decided to check it out at a local dealer in Houston, Texas. I got there and they had an EX 2WD Auto on the floor. The dealer had installed I guess every accessory available for the Element on that vehicle including a leather wrap on the steering wheel for 275.00. The Honda sticker was 19,450 plus delivery. The added sticker from the dealer came to a few dollars less than 27K. Whoa, what is going on here. This is designed as a utility vehicle for the young. No way was I remotely interested after the visit. I drive an Acura now and this is getting up there in it's price range. Talk about price gouging, this is a perfect example.

atomicsilicon

Hello all.

I took the Element for a drive the other day. I thought it had a really weak engine. I live in California and often drive up to my old stomping grounds in Oregon and into Tahoe for snowboarding. In both cases, my '98 Pathfinder always needs to find a lower gear when climbing those mountians where it really shoudn't. Then in traffic I always wish I had a little more pickup-and-go when dodging crazy drivers.

The Element was far worse than my Pathfinder. In fact, after driving the Element (I do love the design) I think I am just going to find a 2000-2001 Pathfinder that someone dumped out of and pick it up used. It would cost as much or less than an Element and with Nissan's new engine, it is a far better bang for the buck.

I do with they would have come out with a nicer engine for it. I think when loaded with 4 people, gear on the roof and a full cooler in the back, the Element will have some serious issues climbing up into the woods where its "demographic" wants to go.

dindak

Element is no off road vehicle that's for sure. It's more of a box to keep stuff. Maybe it's aimed at people who have small apartments?