Not having seen any sales records yet for the Honda Element, I'm just not sure how well it's selling. Aimed at the 20-something Y-Generation of folks, I suspect this unusual vehicle appeals to other segments as well. For instance, us baby boomers. Much like the Chrysler PT Cruiser, the Honda Element offers so much versatility that its original target market might not be its biggest fan.
We liked the Honda Element, much more than expected. When first introduced, although away from the norm, it appealed to us. Precisely because it is so different. And like the PT Cruiser, its versatility speaks for itself. Who could argue with utility/style/ruggedness/dependability? Not us.
There's a lot to like about the Element. Certainly its rubber-coated flooring that looks as though it could withstand just about anything, from mud to water. Forget to close the back window during a major thunderstorm? No worry. The urethane-coated utility floor and FXC seating surfaces will soak it right up.
One sits up high when navigating the Element. The gauges are sporty, yet functional and easy to read. Control knobs/buttons for the stereo and HVAC are easy to operate. We love the huge knobs that operate the HVAC system. Also appealing is the gearshift mounted on the center column. It's easy to reach and operate.
The Honda Element is available in four models: 2WD DX (5-sp. manual and 4-sp. automatic), $16,100/$16,900; 2WD EX (5-sp. manual and 4-sp. automatic), $18,650/$19,450; 4WD DX (4-sp automatic), $18,300; and 4WD EX (4-sp. automatic), $20,850. Mileage varies somewhat from 21/25 mpg. in the 2WD DX manual, to 21/24 mpg in the 4WD EX.
Built off the original 1998 concept Model X vehicle, Honda Element fits into a new segment tagged light-duty truck. Offering utility, adaptability, ruggedness and affordability, Element was the product of much research conducted by Honda's R&D America team. Going after the active lifestyle buyer in the 16-to-24 age group, Element hoped to capture some of the 850,000 unit sales this group made in 2001. Expected to equal the buying power of the baby boomer generation, this age group—somewhere up to age 29 years—make up 60 percent of first-time car buyers. As Honda noted though, the Element is expected to appeal more to a frame-of-mind than an age group.
While parked outside a house in a neighboring town, the Element drew a crowd. A crowd of baby boomers, I might add. One of the men now driving a Land Rover Defender seemed to know about the Element and wanted my opinion. He hadn't even been in one and was singing its praises. Much that appeals to me appealed to him: the functional scratch-resistant urethane flooring, versatile seating (removable flip-up rear seats that fold into a bed or up out of the way), and a tailgate that offers easy accessibility, and if you want, a place to rest your weary bones.
The side cargo doors are a hoot and very practical. Loading is easy, partly due to the fact that the B pillar is gone (compensated for by a reinforced vertical beam, floor and roof cross members and reinforced lower side sills). The removable rear skylight also tilts. Honda provides a swell little bag to house the skylight and it stores neatly behind the rear seats on top of the floor. One can carry a surfboard and get lots of needed air.
Honda uses several innovative products in the Element, including Xenoy rear bumpers. Xenoy is a highly efficient and resilient internal material to take the place of foam. It absorbs more energy per stroke and reduces impact costs. Also new are the composite body panels used as fenders to guard against scratches. It gives the Element a two-tone look and on the DX models is standard gray and metallic on the EX models.
The tailgate can be used for a tailgate party, as well as handling persons up to 220 pounds. The glass upper part of the tailgate hinges from the top of the roof and opens upward. The audio system in the Element far surpasses that in Honda's CRV, but then it would have to appeal to this age group. Standard equipment includes AM/FM/ Cassette/CD with seven 270-watt speakers including Subwoofer and MP3 Digital Media Auxiliary Jack. The sound is far better than Honda's we've driven in the past.
The Element is surprisingly comfortable and quiet. Honda has incorporated extensive noise absorption materials and it's noticeable. While some bumps somewhat jar the Element, most road surfaces are well tolerated, offering a very comfortable, quiet ride.
We really like this vehicle, and have added it to our daily driver list. There are so many great features, we haven't time to list them all. Suffice it to say we can't say enough good things about the Element. Take a test drive. We think you'll strongly agree.
SPECS
MSRP: $20,850
Total Vehicle Price: $21,310; freight: $460
Engine: 2.4-liter, DOHC 16-valve, I4 VTEC, 160 horsepower
Transmission: Standard 5-speed manual; available 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase:101.4 in. (4WD EX)
Height: 74.0 in.
Length: 169.3 in.
Width: 71.5 in.
Weight: 3,526/3,577 4WD EX
Tires: 215/70 R16 all-season
Wheels: 16"x 6.5 in. Alloy
Fuel Economy: 21/24 mpg (4WD EX)
Fuel capacity: 15.9 gal.
Braking: ABS with EBD
Tuneup: 110,000 mile interval
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Copyright 2003. Susan Frissell. Women With Wheels. All Rights Reserved.