Honda Element

pleiades

I looked at it (net) Very nice, very tempting to wait....

pleiades

When you drive a car for the first time it isn't really fair...Those of you who have had them for a while, tell me...
It seemed hard to see around the Ele, the windows were so high...impossible to see behind
The cupholder thing look shallow and I thought drinks might spill...it looked awkardly low too...
both seats that are supposed to fold down into a bed...are not flat at all, it didn't look like you could sleep on it...
If you sit in the back seat or sleep in it, how do you get out since you have to open the front door to open the back?
says the LX (they didn't have one to look at) doesn't have a map light, does that mean no interior light?
The back seats were not as large and didn't seem as comfortable and the head rest was really cheap looking.

The back door didn't open all the way our, parked in a tight space you'd never get anything out having to have both doors open...both door were pretty wide(I thought my neighbors (a 2005) back opened all the way flat to the car, dreaming?)

It drove nicely, a lot better than I expected from CRep, the interior of the CRV was awfully cheap for the price of that car adn I didn't like the configuration of the seats or the cargo space. I'm going to look at the Scion Xsomething, tempting at 13,000, but darn that thing is low to the ground..in heavy rains I'd be pumping it out. Not to mention our curbs, driveways and potholes.

goltgo

Pleiades - My mom's got an E. She was concerned about sight lines when she was considering the purchase but has since gotten very used to it. The rear pillar can cause a bit of a blind spot, but you can adjust your mirror usage to make up for it, I think. I agree the cupholders are low and shallow, but she's had bottles of water in there that haven't spilled that I know of. I thought her rear seats do fold flat. Of course, there may be a bit of a dip at the point between the seat bottom and seat back, but I don't think it's too bad. There'd also be some difference in the layout width-wise, but that's probably because a rear seat that could fold completely flat would be more uncomfortable in the upright, seat position. The seat can also be folded up or removed, of course, and I'd probably go that route if I were going to camp out in it anyway.

The no map light means no light up front where the driver and passenger sit, but there will still be an interior light between the front and back seats.

When you say "back door" I'm assuming you mean the rear clamshell door for access to the rear passenger seat. I can't speak to the 2005 model, but the ones on my mom's E only open to about perpendicular to the side of the car. Yes, it can be a challenge to get things or people in or out of the back seat, but on the other hand, once both doors are open there is no center pillar to have to work around.

pleiades

Looked at more today, getting used to configuration. Only problem, finding the one I want. Manuals seem to be rare, maybe time to go automatic anyway. Always seemd to require more maint. and cost more to repair than manual.
Very tempted by Lx 4wd, loved moonroof (tempted by moon roof, have to buy 4wd to get it), but, more expensive to buy, more expensive to service 4wd and I don't need it (so. CA).

If local dealer don't have lx's it's a moot point

1racefan

Regarding the auto tranny - it is warranteed for 60K miles. I haven't read my owners manual yet, so I can't recall the interval for the tranny fluid change (which should be the only maintenance/expense associated with it). And remember - a clutch is not waranteed (looked at as a wear and tear item). Not to mention, an auto will hold its value better.

Regarding the 4wd - This is a 4wd on demand system. When it detects the front wheels slipping, it then sends power to the rear wheels (the Honda website has a demo that shows how this system operates). What I am getting at is that since the rear wheels aren't being powered all the time, the system may not need as much servicing as you would think. Again, I would ask for a copy of the maintenance schedule from the dealer if you are seriously considering an Element.

Lastly, I would recommend looking at an EX auto 4wd Element instead of an LX auto 4wd. You get some nifty extras with the EX, like steering wheel audio controls, overhead storage, etc... I think you will find that you can get the EX for a lot less than you might think. We were originally thinking in terms of the LX, but negotiated on the EX just for fun. We ended up getting the EX for less than what I had anticipated getting the LX for.

lukus99

hey pelaides-

Took your advise and got the EX instead of LX. Glad I did! I'm enjoying the "little luxuries" BEsides I think LX's are rare. You don't see them on the road. In fact they only had EX-Ps at my dealership and had to trade another dealer for my Ex (I like the black panels:))

Thanks!

cwalti

My local Honda pusher has an '05 4WD automatic EX Silver with blue panels for which I had negotiated a $20,000.-- drive off (OTD). Mama, however insists we do not need a 4th Honda! Makes no sense to me, one can never have too many Hondas...
For me too it is a no brainer to go with the 4WD auto. The technology has come a long way and the upgrades one gets in the EX over the LX are actually a bargain!!!

'com on pleiades, you himhaaaed long enough now, - PULL THE TRIGGER! :-)
20K drive off, how can you not jump at that?

I can only resist it because I would be living in it!!

elementman

WOW! You don't want an Element, you want an Ecstasy! Every car is a compromise. I think the Element designers have accomplished a good one. The suicide doors are not hard to get used to (It's polite to get out and open the door for your rear passengers anyway) and they are a blast to throw open when camping. The Element is not a good family car. It is not meant to be filled with 5 people (regardless that 2 are small) and dogs and cats and everything else under the sun. Sounds like you need an Explorer. If the Element is to be your only car, you'd better be young and have few kids or old and have them grown and gone. But for a second car, or a commuter car, and especially for a multi-purpose fun car, it is a blast. Lots of room all around. The fixed rear seats provide ample leg room for anyone of any size. No need to adjust them or move them forward. When unoccupied, they hinge up out of the way. Much easier than taking them out. My wife has a Toyota Sienna. Removing the seats in any car is hard. They are HEAVY!! And you are leaning over. Folding them up much easier. Leave the 3 seat rear to the CRV or some other maker. The Element is a perfect car for father/son trips. (OK, and mother/daughter). Or a young couple out to see the countryside. Think of it as a two-seater, with 2 extra seats when needed, and you won't be disappointed. If it had 5 seats, someone else would want 6. 6 seats 7. Pretty soon, you're a Hummer!! Or an Ecstasy. To say you don't like the Element because of its 4 seats, suicide doors and rubber floors, is like saying you don't like the 'Vette because it only sits 2, can't haul a trailer and goes way too fast for comfort! The Element is a strange looking car, a fun car, an economical car to own and drive and very versatile. It is what it is, and I love it!!! Leave my Element alone, and go find something else that seats 5 with conventional doors. Please.

taky

I just bought a Silver EX-P. It was super nice! Out the door price is $21092. Was it a good price? The sale girl was very sweet. She threw in Fog Light and the Wheel Lock. I'm very happy with it! Btw, does it come with the Back Seat Bungee or I have to buy it somewhere else?

Taky

1racefan

"Btw, does it come with the Back Seat Bungee or I have to buy it somewhere else?"

Both bungees (for the front and rear seats) were included in my EX. Look carefully in all of the storage cubbies. I remember them being stashed away in seperate cubbies in mine, but I can't remember exactly which ones.

cwalti

...is your EX-P a 4WD automatic? If you bought it in LA county as EX-P 4WD auto, where Tax & Lic make another 10% of the price you got a good shake. Especially with the fog lights thrown in. They are a pain in the butt to install. I have a set sitting on my bench waiting to get sufficiently motivated to tear up half the car to install 'em in my '05 CR-V. These cars are very similar...

taky

"Both bungees (for the front and rear seats) were included in my EX. Look carefully in all of the storage cubbies. I remember them being stashed away in seperate cubbies in mine, but I can't remember exactly which ones. "

I can't find the bungees in the car. btw, what is "cubbies"? I'm wondering what else they might have not given me

taky

My EX-P is a 2WD auto. I do not have to install the fog light myself. Just need to make an appointment later so they will put that in for free. Oh man, the Element is such a fun car to drive.

dweiser

I apologize for my ignorance but what are the bungees you guys are talking about?

stever

Bungees are elastic cords with hooks on each end. Like bungee diving off bridges but smaller and shorter cords. :shades:

Cubbies are cubbyholes, those little compartments where you stick your cell or pens or roadmaps.

Steve, Host

dweiser

And then my next question would be, was I supposed to get some bungees with my 2005 Honda Element EX AWD? I've never seen any but I haven't gone looking for them either.
Thanks,
Don

goltgo

I'm thinking the topic of discussion is the bungee cord that forms the map pocket on the back of the driver and passenger seats. It was not attached when my mom got her E either. Was in one of cubbies in the rear if I remember right. I suppose they could be talking about some sort of bungee storage system for behind the rear seats, but I don't think that is the case.

goltgo

Yours may have already been installed when you purchased your E.

taky

I heard people talking about much gas mileage they can get from their E. Just wondering, how people measure their own gas mileage?

stever

That makes sense; sort of like my cargo net that uses elastic cording to hold stuff down. Sounds like one of those dealer prep items that may have gotten lost in the shuffle.

Steve, Host

dweiser

Oh, those bungees.

Yes, mine came pre-installed.
Funny, I used to call the map holding stuff behind the seat backs, "webbing".
Thanks to all for clearing it up, glad I waited to begin my search for them.
taky, I get around 20 to 22 mpg with my 2005 auto AWD EX but that's on twisty 2 lane mountain roads, hardly ever on an interstate. Others may get better.

pleiades

I've got an 05 EX. I burned about 120 mp3's onto a CD last night. Popped the CD in this morning and the OEM stereo plays them flawlessly. 10 hours of music on a cd, it's a beautiful thing. Don't miss the 6cd changer at all now.
Can you tell me more about this? I was considering getting the 6cd (rather spend the money on seat covers)....I can copy and edit cd's..that's about my current skill level...I'd love to make 10 hour cd's!

pleiades

Saw some very cool seat covers yesterday, Hawai'an print blue, headrest. Found some that looked similar on the internet (they had 'em in grey!), friends are telling me to go to the OC swap meet (that's a long day). Anyone purchased something like this? How can I be sure they will fit?

taky

This is a pretty silly question. If I open the window too much, will the new car smell go away quicker?

tidester

If I open the window too much, will the new car smell go away quicker?

I doubt it. While you may temporarily reduce the concentration of the aromatic molecules in the cabin's air they will still evaporate out of the solid material at the same rate. With the windows closed the concentration will get right back up to where your nose will once again notice them.

tidester, host

dweiser

You need a "ripping" software program to convert songs from CDs to mp3 format. Many are available free; I use Express Rip. You'll also need software that "burns" CD-Rs in mp3 format. I assume you have a CD burner in your PC. With the above software (mp3 ripper and mp3 burner) you should be all set; it's fun actually. It's even legal I believe if you own the music CDs. With mp3, CD changers are an unnecessary and costly item. If making mp3s is beyond you, ask any 13 year old to help.

pleiades

No Kids in the crowd (all off to college), but I imagine the guys in comp USA could stand in.
My writer says DVD/DVDRW/CDRW, does it need to say mp3 for me to use it for this or is all a matter of software? (currently using "Nero")
Thanks! I do love the idea of 10 hours each disc!

dweiser

Your hardware will burn CDs so it's just a matter of acquiring the "ripping" software and the mp3 burning software. Nero may burn blank CD-Rs in mp3 format, take a look at yours to see if it does. It may also serve as your "ripper", I'm not sure what Nero will do. If you need to look over free mp3 ripping software try going to www.cnet.com
They're pretty good at recommending things. Good luck, it can be fun.
Others with more experience in doing this (i.e. those younger than me) could chime in with their suggestions.

pleiades

Something I overlooked...sadly....it seems that my standard LX audio does not read mp3's. Hmmmm
there's probably something I can have added......
I still think I'd rather go mp3 than 6cd.....the wave of the future and all

cwalti

....by the time you got that set up right, you could have bought the EX that is alreadt fully set up AND has many many more nice feature... :-II

honda67

Can anyone explain the benefits of Honda's newer 5 Speed Automatic used in the CR-V over the current 4 Speed in my '06 Element? Honda went from the 4 to the 5 in the 05 CR-V, but still uses the 4 speed in the Element, and was hoping someone can shed some light the benefits? Love my Element, but just wondering if the CR-V has a "better" engine/tranmission? Thanks for any info anyone may have.

ateixeira

More, closer ratios generally keeps the engine in the power band a bit better and there is less shift-shock due to the ratios themselves changing less. In some cases cars get both quicker and more efficient.

Cons? Costs more, so the Element's price might go up when it gets it.

-juice

cwalti

This is for all the clean air freaks...

This wonderful and desireable "New Car Smell" is nothing but the final stages of out-gassing of all the molded plastic parts and the final curing stages of paint and other manufactured matreials. If your employer would expose you to a fraction of these amounts of air pollution everyone of you would sue for wreckless endangerment...

Take a deep breath and just imagine that the 10 year old clunker is much better for you... :-)

cwalti

I noticed the first gear in my '05 CR-V is VERY short for off road crawling. When I test drove the Element I did not notice this short 1st gear and I saw the top gear in the Element isn't as long as the CR-V's. While 5 speeds are generally more desirable, the engine in both cars is identical...

dweiser

Can anyone comment on this please as it doesn't quite sound right to me.
Thanks.

taky

That sound right to me. My EX-P E plays MP3 as well as WMA files on a data CD.

pleiades

I'll own this car for many years unless I win the lottery. I made my choice carefully and I'm quite pleased with it. But I don't have any long road trips planned anytime soon so I have time to look into audio options....first I want seat covers and front floor mats...
there are some nice pages at the E owners club about making side window sunscreens, next project.
By the time I get around to doing something with the audio there will be a whole new generation of mp4-5-6's or something entirely new (and more expensive)

taky

I have the Fog Light installed at a Honda Dealer. The switch is in black color where the Cruise control button and the panel is gray. Is it okay? Should I go back to the dealer and ask them to give me a gray button instead of a black one? Thanks

applejf

My real question has to do with the gas mileage people are getting on the 2WD Manual transmission Element. The curb weight of the car is impressively high, and I have trouble seeing how especially in-town driving could produce anything approaching 25 mpg. Any feedback or comments?

I prefer the functionality and looks of the Element. I'm just unsure about real world driving mileage. I don't drive hard, and don't need a lot of power. I don't mind shifting gears, in fact I love to, that's why both my current cars (Volvo S70 and BMW 3 series) are manual.

TIA

cwalti

...my '05 CR-V 4WD automatic EX gets about 20mls/gal in 50/50 city fwy driving with a moderatly heavy foot... I think the Element should compare well and get a bit better with manual gears and 2WD...

ateixeira

Just as a reference, my Forester has averaged 25.1mpg over the past 9 years. Manual trans on mine; AWD is the only way they come. I do most of my city commute in my Miata, so that's mostly suburban driving, and better than average for most Forester owners, who get around 22-23 mpg.

-juice

4runnerrip

The AC on my '06 is always on, anyone else have this problem?

cwalti

What have you tried to do to turn it off? There is a 'MAX A/C' position on your selector dial, that would cause such a condition, and then there is a button with a green light that will turn off the A/C in all other positions... ????

taky

Or if you have the fan position to defrost to the windsheld, that will cause the AC to turn on always too.

gonzo3165

When I sat in my friend's 2003 Element I was unable to adjust the seat to see the very top of the speedometer due to the steering wheel. I realize I am probably in the vast minority of drivers with this problem but I am still interested in getting an Element some day. Has the vehicle changed in any way since the '03 model year to make this a non-issue for me now? Better seat height adjustment, improved steering wheel adjustability, etc??? Thanks!

Rod

lewisinbecket

I have an 03 EX w/AWD with 5SPD MT. My driving profile is 50% highway (pushing my box at +/- 70mph) and 50% in-town.

With the original equipment (noisy Wrangler tires), I consistently got 26MPG, with a personal best of 28MPG.

I switched to much quieter Geolanders at 35K miles and now get 24.5 - 25.5MPG. The E rides SO much better with the new tires that I accept the modest drop in MPG.

Hope this helps!

applejf

That mileage sounds perfectly acceptable. Now all I have to do is find a 5-speed Element to test drive. The local dealer is supposed to be looking for one for me to try. Meanwhile I checked every dealer within 200 miles (of North Alabama) via online sites and only saw one.

One of these days we 5-speed fans will be out of luck - they just may quit offering them.

ateixeira

The 07 CR-V will not offer a manual, so indeed, Honda may drop it from the next Element. I hope not.

-juice

boogie1

Forget the miles per gallon. If you are still looking at the Subaru Forester make sure you are comfortable in that car's seat. I had to get rid of my Forester after only 3 months. The lumbar support is nothing more than a steel rod hooked up to a piece of plastic. After a few hours in the car the pain in my back was awful. To see what I am talking about; you can zip open the back of the drivers seat. You will then see the steel rod and plastic that operate the lumbar support. Once you see that cheap piece of junk you will think twice about this car.

jefyou

Did anyone see the new Element coming out this fall? Supposedly, it was at the NYC auto show. Pretty cool looking. It says 166hp in the ad, I think that is a measly 10hp increase. Check it out
http://automobiles.honda.com/element-sc/index.aspx