By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National September 6, 2007Vehicle Overview
Youthful shoppers issued a big thumbs-up when Honda exhibited its Model X concept vehicle at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Because of that reaction, the innovative light truck wound up on what Honda called the "fast track to production." As a result, the youth-oriented Element was launched as a 2003 model.
Honda said the Element combined the best traits of a pickup truck and a sport utility vehicle while retaining the most striking feature of the Model X concept: a pillarless side-door configuration that yields cargo-loading flexibility. Even though it was directly aimed at active young buyers, the Element has also appealed to quite a few older folks who appreciate its practical merits.
All Elements have standard side curtain and side-impact airbags and an electronic stability system.
The Element SC sits lower than the regular model and loses its gray lower-body cladding. Element EX models also swap the gray trim for body-colored side panels and door handles. Built in Ohio, the Element comes with front- or all-wheel drive.
Side-impact airbags are standard on EX models, which also have standard XM Satellite Radio as well as MP3 and Windows Media Audio playback capability. LX models get power mirrors and cruise control.
Exterior
Center-opening swing-wide doors with no B-pillar between them are the most notable feature of the Element's straightforward exterior design. To create a wide entrance space, the rear doors are hinged at the back and the front doors are front-hinged. The Element is smaller than the Japanese automaker's Pilot SUV, but its styling is undeniably more adventurous. Part of the lower body on most trims consists of composite cladding panels, which form a curious contrast to the painted steel portions.
New for 2008 is a Royal Blue Pearl color available on the Element SC. The SC also features a different, blacked-out grille and painted bumpers and trim in place of the gray cladding on most other Element models. The SC sits lower on a revised suspension and has projector-beam headlights.
Interior
Functionality is considered one of the Element's main attractions. The rear seats fold down to create a large, open cargo space in the rugged, easy-to-clean interior. Space is sufficient for hauling surfboards, snowboards, mountain bikes and other outdoors equipment that young buyers with athletic lifestyles are presumed to use.
One of the Element's defining features is missing from the SC: The floor is carpeted, where the regular model has a wipe-clean plastic surface. The dashboard is darker and less fanciful, with piano-black trim around the center control panel and vents and on the steering wheel.
Under the Hood
The Element's 2.4-liter four-cylinder produces 156 horsepower and 160 pounds-feet of torque. Either a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual can be installed.
Safety
Antilock brakes are standard, and all models have side curtain airbags that remain inflated in case of a rollover. Also standard is Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist program that helps keep drivers on their intended path.
Driving Impressions
The Element got a new five-speed automatic transmission for 2007 that made it quicker, both off the line and in passing, and improved highway gas mileage by an estimated 1 mpg with front-wheel drive and 2 mpg in the all-wheel-drive versions.
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Kelsey Mays | Cars.com National | November 28, 2007 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | September 6, 2007 |
People Who Viewed This Car Also Viewed
Closest Dealers Listing this Car
Featured Services for the Honda Element
- Sell your current car quickly and easily on Cars.com.
