I plan on replacing my Accord this August/September when the 2004 models hit the dealer lots. Element is currently #1 on my short list.
Ugly? No, it's too consciously anti-establishment to be ugly. My first glimpses of the concept Model X were met with repulsion but since then, like a tannic wine that needs some breathing room, the Element's appearance has grown on me. I think it actually looks attractive in Sunset Orange, which is my top color pick at the moment.
I think Honda hit a home run here, style controversy aside. Its 75 cu ft of cargo space belies the fact that it's shorter than a Civic Coupe. What other vehicle in this price range can accommodate so much cargo conveniently? Unlike a pickup truck everything is covered and if you don't have a lot of cargo, you can fit 4 adults comfortably. Rear legroom and headroom are almost limo-like. The load floor is flat and can be wiped-clean. You can fit two bikes in the rear cargo area with their front wheels still attached. The rear seats can be uninstalled and hung up with carabiners or removed completely. The seats can all fold flat to form a makeshift bed (good for napping). In 4WD models, you can technically poke tall objects through the removable cargo area sunroof. Most interior surfaces are rubberized and resistant to wear. In true Honda form, the interior doesn't look or feel cheap and build quality is excellent. The sound system even features an adjustable subwoofer and has an input jack for MP3 devices.
Element is based on the CR-V which is based on the Civic. No wallowey truck-like ride here. While I haven't driven an Element, it supposedly has better road manners than the CR-V, thanks to firmer suspension settings. Coming from an Accord, I want a car-derived ute. I am not really interested in Jeep-like abilities. Element has the same silky 2.4L i-VTEC I-4 as the Accord and CR-V and features a rally shifter like the Civic Si. Truck-like capacity, car-like operation. I LIKE!!! The IIHS has given Element a "Best Pick" designation because of its excellent crash performance.
An 4WD EX 5spd model goes for about $20,500 MSRP. Tack on another $1000 for accessories and you are still looking at an affordable vehicle for what it can do.
But the #1 reason for considering the Element? It's a Honda.
Honda has some improvements to make, however. The composite body panels appear to be problematic and either discolor or peel over time. They will have to resolve this pronto. The manual gearbox is very much geared toward performance and has a short 5th gear. The engine turns over at 3800rpm when travelling at 80mph. As a result, 5spd Elements don't achieve superlative fuel economy. It's rated at 21/25. There is no moonroof over the front passengers. You can't get a 6CD in-dash changer, just a stupid old 8CD magazine style kind. Element can only hold 4 passengers, not 5.
I had been considering the CR-V but the Element has more function, generally costs less and doesn't have that overtly feminine look. Still a consideration though.
Also considering the Subaru Forrester and Vibe/Matrix.
Out of consideration (after testing) is the Saturn Vue. Crap build quality and some of the vaguest steering I've yet experienced.
Honda is targeting the Element for a 22yr old male. Good luck. Kids don't have money for new vehicles like this. I'm 30 and I'm probably on the younger side of the average Element buyer. I think the Element will attract the 40 year old set who value great function and low price, style be damned.
Ugly? No, it's too consciously anti-establishment to be ugly. My first glimpses of the concept Model X were met with repulsion but since then, like a tannic wine that needs some breathing room, the Element's appearance has grown on me. I think it actually looks attractive in Sunset Orange, which is my top color pick at the moment.
I think Honda hit a home run here, style controversy aside. Its 75 cu ft of cargo space belies the fact that it's shorter than a Civic Coupe. What other vehicle in this price range can accommodate so much cargo conveniently? Unlike a pickup truck everything is covered and if you don't have a lot of cargo, you can fit 4 adults comfortably. Rear legroom and headroom are almost limo-like. The load floor is flat and can be wiped-clean. You can fit two bikes in the rear cargo area with their front wheels still attached. The rear seats can be uninstalled and hung up with carabiners or removed completely. The seats can all fold flat to form a makeshift bed (good for napping). In 4WD models, you can technically poke tall objects through the removable cargo area sunroof. Most interior surfaces are rubberized and resistant to wear. In true Honda form, the interior doesn't look or feel cheap and build quality is excellent. The sound system even features an adjustable subwoofer and has an input jack for MP3 devices.
Element is based on the CR-V which is based on the Civic. No wallowey truck-like ride here. While I haven't driven an Element, it supposedly has better road manners than the CR-V, thanks to firmer suspension settings. Coming from an Accord, I want a car-derived ute. I am not really interested in Jeep-like abilities. Element has the same silky 2.4L i-VTEC I-4 as the Accord and CR-V and features a rally shifter like the Civic Si. Truck-like capacity, car-like operation. I LIKE!!! The IIHS has given Element a "Best Pick" designation because of its excellent crash performance.
An 4WD EX 5spd model goes for about $20,500 MSRP. Tack on another $1000 for accessories and you are still looking at an affordable vehicle for what it can do.
But the #1 reason for considering the Element? It's a Honda.
Honda has some improvements to make, however. The composite body panels appear to be problematic and either discolor or peel over time. They will have to resolve this pronto. The manual gearbox is very much geared toward performance and has a short 5th gear. The engine turns over at 3800rpm when travelling at 80mph. As a result, 5spd Elements don't achieve superlative fuel economy. It's rated at 21/25. There is no moonroof over the front passengers. You can't get a 6CD in-dash changer, just a stupid old 8CD magazine style kind. Element can only hold 4 passengers, not 5.
I had been considering the CR-V but the Element has more function, generally costs less and doesn't have that overtly feminine look. Still a consideration though.
Also considering the Subaru Forrester and Vibe/Matrix.
Out of consideration (after testing) is the Saturn Vue. Crap build quality and some of the vaguest steering I've yet experienced.
Honda is targeting the Element for a 22yr old male. Good luck. Kids don't have money for new vehicles like this. I'm 30 and I'm probably on the younger side of the average Element buyer. I think the Element will attract the 40 year old set who value great function and low price, style be damned.
Facebook
Twitter