Honda Element

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Comments

  • skeet4skeet4 Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone have an EX 5 speed FWD who has over a thousand miles and can give his/her overall opinion about the Element? Have you taken any longer trips (500+ miles in a day--was it comfortable for the longer haul?

    Thanks
  • tcpip1tcpip1 Member Posts: 121
    Why the doors of E are called "suicide doors"?
  • abpelch1abpelch1 Member Posts: 48
    A car door that's hinged on the opposite side from what we're used to today is called a "suicide door". The Element has these in the back. In the old days, this type of door was prone to open in a crash. Since this was before the time of seatbelts, a driver or passenger could easily be thrown forward, right out of the car and onto the street in an accident. So driving a car this dangerous was said to be "suicidal." And that's where they got the name "suicide doors."
  • purduealum91purduealum91 Member Posts: 285
    Is this good? The dealer is Plane Honda in Chicago heights, IL.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Saw my first E on the road today. It was the light green color and an EX. Looked great. Just like a box on wheels.
  • redsirredsir Member Posts: 34
    I watched two people try to load groceries into the side door of a club cab with the same type of doors as the Element. They were passing bags over the door. In a parking lot there is not enough room to open both doors. How would one person and two wrangy kids fare? I see a lot of door dents.

    I am considering the Element to replace our 1992 Previa (no small feat!). Size and price is good, but the side doors will take some considering.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    It seems that would make more sense.

    Honda sold 5500 Elements last month. They are obviously finding that elusive demographic they were looking for so far. GO HONDA.
  • magnetophonemagnetophone Member Posts: 605
    As much as I like the Element, are all of those sales new or are many of them from CR-V folks?
  • purduealum91purduealum91 Member Posts: 285
    Is this a good deal? Naturally, A/C is another $1250. Waddya think?
  • moonkatmoonkat Member Posts: 265
    purduealum991:
    Looks like about $600 under invoice !
    According to College Hills Honda website:
           DX Invoice = $14,880

    About time they started selling under invoice. Other Honda's are.

    At that pricing, why not just get an EX at 600 under invoice:
           EX Invoice = $17,232 - $600 = $16,632

    At that price, I might reconsider.....;-)
  • s852s852 Member Posts: 1,051
    The Element is not designed for you. It is not supposed to be a "grocery getter" and is not intended for ex-Previa minivan owners with wrangy kids. The CRV is a smarter choice for easy rear seat access and carpooling.
    The Element is for Gen-Y snowboarding, MP3-burning single guys under 25 who will buy their groceries at the local convenience store and will just toss the bags on the front passenger seat while on the way home from an Incubus concert.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    With fewer miles. I would love to have a Previa. They look like nothing else on the road. I've driven one on a cross country trip and enjoyed every mile. The only reason I won't buy one is the horrific crash test rating.
  • purduealum91purduealum91 Member Posts: 285
    I dont think I could swing the EX unfortunately. I will have a trade-in and it will come into play. Which color does the Element DX look best in? Silver, blue, or black?

    Tom
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Redsir - That's probably because the truckers didn't want to put their groceries in the truck bed. With the Element, they can use the clamshell gate in the back for packages.

    Magnetophone - Yes, it does look like the Element is cutting into CR-V sales. Though the combined total is much higher than CR-V sales alone. In February, they sold a combined total of 15,068 units. That's about 3,000 units more than the CR-V's best month ever.

    Tom - That does look like a good price. I hope they are giving you something decent for your trade.

    My preference is for the green, but either the silver or blue looks good. I'm not a big fan of the black. It doesn't match the cladding and looks like a guy who's suit jacket doesn't match his pants. =)
  • bklybkly Member Posts: 5
    Another owner of Element here :)
    I got EX 4WD Auto - Shoreline Mist.
    Paid $20,700 including destination fee, fog lights, wheel locks, seatback bungees (tax not included).
    Baltimore, MD
  • redsirredsir Member Posts: 34
    I think Honda is just messing with our heads. By telling us it's for "dudes only" they are really saying you if your older,can't have it. So of course you want it!

    I think it would do well on fishing trips.You can sit on the tail gait to get you waders on. Trips to the garden centre for soil, trees, rocks, etc would be an easy clean up. That roof rack seems perfect to strap on a Kayak.

    Come time to bail out junior when he needs to move his stuff... today! The rear seats fold up just like the Previa.

    Your right on one thing. I would really like a new Previa with better crash protection. The Toyota Highlander seems nice. Too nice. I think I like the Element because it's a bit weird... like the Previa.
  • ropedart1ropedart1 Member Posts: 17
    Went to see my orange Element I had reserved and saw some scuffs from the factory/shipping. Told my dealer to remove the scuffs or I won't buy it. He removed them using a mild solvent. I am happy now.
  • ropedart1ropedart1 Member Posts: 17
    Yep Its like driving a dorm room around or a clubhouse or a lounge or a living room. Even my dream car the Volvo XC90 seems cramped. Power is good. All I can say is that the 5 spd must fly which I have not found and tried. Power seems comparable to the Suzuki Vitara V6 at least.

    I confirmed that it is 4+ seater. A child seat does fit in the middle rear no problem. I cannot see a problem with adding a seatbelt to the center by bolting a set to the floor ahead of the spare time hole. I used to do this in the military on Jeeps and Mutts.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    That's why I love the Element too. It's wierd. Nothing else like it.
  • robw64robw64 Member Posts: 76
    I saw and rode in an Element for the first time yesterday. A couple of things surprised me: it's not as small as some reviews led me to believe, and it's not nearly as ugly....in fact, the styling isn't as "over the top" as it appears in some photos. The young man at work who bought this one (yes, he's only 25 but he has a wife, a child, and two full-size dogs) is very pleased and rolled off the lot for about a grand under sticker. The Element rides very well, is surprisingly quiet, and has a large & comfortable interior. I especially liked that just about every surface could be wiped/sprayed down without worrying about carpets or upholstery. Although I drive a "traditional" four-door sedan, this would certainly be an option if we needed an extremely capable vehicle that could be dirtied up and filled to the brim!
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    If we ever move to a snowy climate or even mountainous area I would pick one of these up in a heartbeat. Saw a black DX yesterday ... kinda stripped but still liked it.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Holy cow, did they really sell 5500 in February (28 days!)? If so that's amazing.

    -juice
  • purduealum91purduealum91 Member Posts: 285
    I bet Subaru wishes they could sell that many Bajas!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They should keep dreamin'. No way will that ever happen. I think it was just 760 sales in Feb.

    They are coming out with a new "Baja Sport" model and dropped its price by $2 grand, though. It loses leather and a couple of cosmetic items, but still keeps the moonroof, AWD, ABS, etc.

    Street prices have fallen, and now they're starting at $20.3k or so. The Sport will bring prices down just under $19k is my guess.

    That plus a turbo arrives in the summer.

    Still, my guess is sales will double, but that's about it. Even with the turbo and lower prices it still doesn't have the full mid-gate that the concept promised.

    Although, on the other hand, it definitely has not stolen sales from other Subies. February was the best month for Subaru since 1986, with Outback sales leading the way.

    -juice
  • pemflukepemfluke Member Posts: 5
    picked up the blue 4wd ex auto transmission yesterday..and im not generation x, generation y..when i was born they did not call them "generation" .i'm a baby boomer
    so im old and female to boot!i had been driving a subaru forester and expected the element to be slightly wider, and 12 inches taller and the length shorter than forester L..well it looks HUGE!! so spacious inside. they screwed me on my trade in so i ended up paying 22900 with taxes and all.
    but i have a question. it has the overdrive button on the gears. on is automatically on so one has to turn it off if one wants to
    but please someone tell me..i have no idea what
    o/d is. i tried reading on internet but discussions too technical re 3rd gear and torques
    that my head was spinning (and at my age it could be fatal!)
    someone please simply explain when i should have o/d on or off..i do city driving only.stop and go
    so on or off?
    if im traveling on freeway at 55 miles an hour
    on or off?
    and last question..does it harm anything if o/d left on always even in stop and go traffic?
    thanks for help..
    i talk too much
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Pemfluke - Keep the O/D on. The only time you would need to disengage overdrive, is if you are climbing steep hills, carrying lots of stuff, or towing a significant weight.

    Congrats on your new rig. =)
  • ropedart1ropedart1 Member Posts: 17
    Generally keep it on. Its good to turn it off for going down steep hills under control. Turn it off then. You will notice the El will slow down a bit.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Some interesting comments in this one.

    http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/honda/element/100201260/roadtesta- rticle.html?articleId=93319&tid=edmunds.h..reviews..3.*
  • jmcroteaujmcroteau Member Posts: 8
    When I first saw Honda's model X, it reminded me of a concept a car I had seen long ago in the streets of Montreal. It was either in the late 70's or early 80's. I just found a picture of that car at http://www.nyserda.org/transportation/FAQ_Hybrid%20Taxi%20041102.- - pdf . Go have a look. This concept cars does not look like the Element. It is the Element older sibling!

    And it is still alive, as a New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Hybrid Vehicle project...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Congrats, pemfluke.

    What did they give you for the Forester L? I have a '98 and they sell for about $10 grand in the DC area. What year and how many miles did yours have?

    Dealer wholesale is always less, of course.

    -juice
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    If this makes production, Ford calls it the "particle" or "component".

    Model U

    Imitation is highest form of flattery, I suppose..
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
  • moonkatmoonkat Member Posts: 265
    tom:
    What varmint said....
    I liked the green myself, but SOP is looking better and better.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    im·i·ta·tion - Something derived or copied from an original.

    You're not going to tell me that the Model U doesn't bear more than a passing resemblance to the Model X, are you?
  • chris777chris777 Member Posts: 126
    You forgot a few other alternate meanings

    1 : an act or instance of imitating
    2 : something produced as a copy : COUNTERFEIT

    5 : the quality of an object in possessing some of the nature or attributes of a transcendent idea

    and another that just sums it up

    1: resembling something else that is usually genuine and of better quality : not real

    anyone remember the isuzu gbx?

    http://www.edmunds.com/news/autoshows/articles/45676/page025.html

    http://www.edmunds.com/news/conceptcarspotlight/articles/46876/ar- ticle.html

    imitation to a t
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    You're not going to tell me that the Model U doesn't bear more than a passing resemblance to the Model X, are you?,

    You guys are unbelievable.
    The U doesn't resemble the Element in any way.
    What it does resemble is the Jeep Compass, which BTW was unveiled in its concept form WAY before the Element.
    Following your, logic it was Honda who imitated the Jeep's or the anchient Isuzu VehiCROSS design.
    I think nobody on this board would deny that the Japanese are famous for "borrowing" the design ideas like nobody else in the business.

    The U - http://www.fordvehicles.com/autoshow/images/mu1_pop.jpg

    The Compass - http://www.c3.tripod.com/concepts/jeep.html

    Get real..
  • pemflukepemfluke Member Posts: 5
    varmint and ropedart 1 thanks for explaining what i should do with overdrive..by the way the stereo sounds great but i have so many cassettes im really sorry it does not come with cassette player.
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    Pemfluke, do you have a walkman? Just plug that into the auxillary jack and there ya go.

    I wish every car made had an aux jack for the stereo. Very cheap to do, but just a nice touch.
  • jmcroteaujmcroteau Member Posts: 8
    Please compare
    image

    with
    image
    This yellow prototype cab is about 20 years old...

    I like the Element; I will get one soon. But nobody is going to tell me this a "new" concept...
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    I mean if it works why change it? There are few ways to disguise a box on wheels.
  • puppy_vaugnpuppy_vaugn Member Posts: 4
    the Element Online Team is looking for people to help spread the word about the E... They are kind of a "street team" that goes around spreading Element awareness....

    sign up by following the link below, and you have a chance at winning a portable CD player and some CDs...

    http://65.45.90.98/events?219287xy1132
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    i think the new toyota FJ cruiser concept 'borrows heavily' from the spirit of the Element and Jeep.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think you guys are giving Honda a little too much credit. There were plenty, and I mean plenty, of boxy and colorful concepts at every Tokyo Motor Show for the last decade. I'm sure you could find a dozen that the Model X seemed to imitate.

    It was probably the Suzuki Wagon R's popularity in Japan that sparked ideas for imitators, not the Element. That Isuzu and Ford were created before anyone knew how well the Element would sell.

    Let's not forget that Honda owns the patent for re-engineering ideas, i.e. copying ideas and implementing them better than the original.

    I'm not saying that's bad, just that it's...well, the truth.

    -juice
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Jmcroteau - I never said the Element was original. The Element is basically a van with SUV styling. I don't think anyone would call that original. Take the last gen Mazda MPV as a fairly recent example of the breed. You might even say the Aztek/RDV fits the description.

    What piqued my interest in the Model U concept is the fact that they've changed one lousy character to get the name. They use the same suicide door style on a vehicle with very similar cladding, size, and purpose. Take a look at the front end of the U and you'd swear it was the Model X with slight variations (like a body kit).

    Each of those individual things have been seen in other cars/concepts, but all of them in the same place was just a bit too much coincidence for me.
  • chris777chris777 Member Posts: 126
    of those yellow things.

    went to the auto show tonight

    its too late for a full report

    but tidbits

    I would own an rx-8 if I were in the market for a sports car,
    lucked up and got to sit in it it was sweet really sweet

    I'll have to check out a 6 wagon when they come out

    toyota crapped on me by shafting me on the bbx/xb
    I could touch the door but
    'nooooo" I cant sit in it

    I sat in a lotus or something that sat lower than my civic lol

    the orange element paint is freak
    I saw one yesterday at a dealer while picking up a coupon and one at the show and both looked different,
    I thought it had tough cladding till I scratched it demonstrating it to one of my buddies, (I have been good and scratched in inconspicuous places like in door jams or in tonights case up under the hood )

     I liked the magnum
    kind of a let down chow though compared to last years

    if I get a chance I'm going back this weekend only got to go for 2 hours
    maby I missed something

    oh yeah tsx it was locked but on the floor whats up with that?
  • jmcroteaujmcroteau Member Posts: 8
    I am not trying to get into the 'IMITATION' discussion. To me most vehicles are boxes with 4 wheels; you can gift wrap a box in a million different ways.

    When I first saw the Element, I had a feeling of Déjà Vu. I found where that feeling came from when I came across that picture of the GSM Design cab (see post 2036; BTW this cab was more than a concept car, since at least one was actually put in service for many years in Montreal).

    Compare this yellow box with other vehicles from the same period (early '80s) and you will see that the people who designed this cab were visionaries. Or at least talented gift wrapping paper designers. I would not say the same about the people who designed the X, the U, etc.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sorry but Model T was first. :-)

    And suicide doors have been around for a while now. Pickups have done it and so has Saturn. Lots and lots of concepts.

    I don't have the time or energy but I'm sure you'll find other boxy Tokyo concepts with suicide doors if you look back.

    Honda put a bunch of ideas together and it's selling well, that's a success.

    Chris: check out the Subaru B11S. If you like the RX8 you oughta love it. Major Alfa influence there so I guess nothing is original any more, LOL!

    -juice
  • muffin_manmuffin_man Member Posts: 865
    I test drove a 2wd DX 5-spd tonight, and wow was that a fun car. As soon as my gf is ready for a new car, that is what I'm pushing her towards. (btw, this is the only SUV that I would even consider)
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    "And suicide doors have been around for a while now. Pickups have done it and so has Saturn. Lots and lots of concepts."

    Right, suicide doors are used on the RX-8. Heavy doses of cladding can be found on the Avalanche. The Mazda MPV was an earlier example of the van-based crossover. The "compact box" has been around for long time. The chunky styling of the Element is not unique. The Model *character* naming convention has been used before.

    Individually, these are not trademark Element features. But when you use them all in one vehicle...
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    We went to the Atlanta car show over the weekend and the Element was VERY popular.
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