'03 Element

....looking at a new Element and a local dealer had plenty (sales guys said
slow sales back in October due to the car tag increase here in Calif
attributed to the high inventory). One we rode in had the gray panels
painted to match the body color (orange).

It was very comfortable and roomy - my first time in one. My only initial
dislike is lack of power getting on to the freeway and trying to pass - it
was okay but no one (3 people in the car) was reaching for something to hold
onto (smile).

Anyone have any comments, like or dislikes about this vehicle. Just trying
to get some additional input to an otherwise favorable firsthand opinion.

We've had a couple of Honda's over the years, nothing current (i.e. 1972
N600 and a 1990 CRS Si).

TIA

 

I have a 2002 CR-V (same engine, same platform) manual transmission. I don't
think that it lack power, it just needs some adjustment if you're used to
drive something with a bigger engine. Honda 4 cyl engines are made to rev
high. When I have to pass someone on a mountain road or get very quickly on
the highway, I downshift into the 3rd gear which gives me the speed range up
to 140 km/h.
Went to see the Element and I prefer the CR-V though, both outside and
inside.

 

Thanks for the feedback. We rode in an automatic and the engine wound up
fine, just nothing neck-jerking... (smile) Amazing amount of interior
space too.

 

I just finished an in-depth comparison of the CRV and the Element, in some
cases looking at them literally side-by side (patient dealer, I must say).
I really WANTED to like the element. I suppose it's a desire to drive
something out of the mainstream. But in most every instance which was
relevant to me, the CRV won:
- CRV has more ground clearance (i live on dirt road and snow accumulation
is a real issue).
- CRV has more 'behind 2nd seat cargo volume'. WHile the Element has more
accessible gargo storage when all seats are stowed etc., everyday space
behind the back seats is relatively small. In fact, the CRV has the space
otherwise taken by spare tire as a 'below deck' bonus storage space.
- CRV seats 5 when needed. Ok, most of the time it will be just two, and
sometimes four. But what if I need that 5th seat?
- CRV gets a tiny bit better gas mileage No biggie, but...
- CRV has 4 conventional doors. At least some of the time I'd be carrying
kids or other passengers. The rear Element doors would be a pain, and in
fact are a little worrisome in an emergency (?).
- CRV has sunroof where it's of use. Element sunroof is cool for moongazing
if sleeping in car. Somewhere I read that it was so that you could change
into your wetsuit while standing in the back - presumably with head sticking
out of roof. I'd rather have a sunroof I can use the other 99% of the time.

I conclude by saying that if you're an empty-nester or 20'something, the
element is probably justifiable. If all I did was carry my bikes and gear,
then the element is way cool. I already have a pick-up truck, and in fact
if I did NOT, I'd consider the element in lieu of a truck. With the
element's seats removed and the wash-and-wear interior, it's a creat 'truck'
for carrying my muddy caving gear and an occasional bale of hay. But as a
CAR for anyone with kids or who'll be mostly doing conventional things with
it, I couldn't beat the CRV.

YMMV
a

 

Great reply - thanks.

I didn't get the placement of the moonroof in the EX.

I looked on the website to get an idea about their 4WD. It mentions
hydraulic actuation when the front wheels get slippage but doesn't say how
it's done. I'm guessing it's a twin of the CRV and found a CRV complaint on
a consumer's site (1) about front wheel slippage while negotiating a turn in
the rain and the rear wheels kicked in and caused the car to spin out (and
bounce off the guard rail - not a happy driver obviously). Another site (2)
mentioned that while it's a 4WD system, it's not a full-time 4WD (typically
only 2 wheels get power at a time, and momentarily as the power is shifting
all 4 get power). I would get the AWD system in the Element even though I'd
guess I'd rarely use or need it - might make the idea driving up to the snow
in the mountains attractive (for once).

I like the bulk space inside the Element with the seats removed. And the
car is way to get the practicality of a minivan without having to suffer in
the coolness dept. I still struggle with the cool factor here in my
mid-40's. (grin)

(1) http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/honda_crv.html
(2) http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/difference_4WD_awd.html


Is the all-wheel-drive system the same as the CRV

 

My understanding is that the Element and the CRV 4x are the same. The
correct name is something like 'real time....blah blah'. I understand that
to mean front-wheel drive until a wheel slips, at which point the rear
automatically engage. Presumably, all done transparently to the 'user'.

The moonroof on the Element is at the rear of the cabin (above and behind
back seats). Of no use to daily driver.

I concur with the minivan analogy. It's a great truck/minivan. Otherwise,
the CRV looks like it has better features (for me...).

a

 

I'm in my mid 40s, can relate, but think Nissan did a great job hipping
up the Quest. Actually, I think Nissan has done a great job adding
hipness to ALL of their line. The only vehicle that doesn't grab my eye
is their Frontier Truck.

 

I looked on the website to get an idea about their 4WD. It mentions

I'm pretty sure the Element has the same AWD that CR-V. It is the same car
mechanically speaking.
Regarding the guy that smashed his CR-V, one has to understand that driving
an AWD vehicle is different from FWD.
While the AWD gives you amazing traction on a straight line, you have to
keep in mind that if you spin the rear wheels while turning, they rear end
will skid.
People tend to forget that AWD will not stop you faster. Most often it is
the opposite because the vehicle is heavier. People often drive the AWD and
4WD too fast for the weather conditions.

 

But in those SUV commercials Mom's driving through thunderstorms, with
a big smug grin on her face, with the kids asleep in the back
listening to classical music on the top end stereo. They couldn't
show that if it weren't true

Roadie Roger

 

I know it's not in the same price range, but I understand the new Saturn VUE
with the Honda 3.5L is knida neck-jerking. ;-)

 

I know it's not in the same price range, but I understand the new Saturn
VUE

Among other nice Things about Element/CR-V is the gas mileage. All other
small size SUVs can be put in 2 categories:
4 cyl - lack power
6 cyl - terrible gas mileage

For example, in a very respected book called "Guide de l'auto" that we have
here in Quebec, the Ford Escape V6 get a worse "every day" gas mileage (the
average gas mileage during the tests they've done while evaluating the car)
than a Ford Explorer V8!!!

 

....250 ponies sounds fun - I've finally warmed up to the idea of a Honda
powerplant under the hood of a Saturn, but there's another ng for that
convo. (grin)

The Element just kinda grows on you (or at least that's what I'm
experiencing). One thing weird is that I thought I understood the salesguy
to say to get keyless entry you had to buy an aftermarket alarm since Honda
doesn't do a keyless system or a factory alarm (that doesn't sound right).
And another concern is how the non-painted portions will age and hoping they
don't turn milky/chalky in a few years.

 

Got to www.honda.com or www.honda.ca depending on where you live. Keyless
entry is listed under specifications.
I have it on my CR-V.

 

================

Jonnie,


A guy could write a booklet: '101 ways to Care for your Tupperware'

I'll bet there's some talk about this question over at the Element
forum(s). Sorry I don't have a link. I think it's elementowners.com, or
something like that. Maybe nuFinish would keep it shiny / lubricated,
just like it does for fibreglass boats?

'Curly'

==========

 

A great link is www.hondaelement.org

 

Thanks... I've got:

www.hondaelement.org
www.elementowners.com

 

There is www.hondasuv.com too

 

Maybe Mom knows how to drive?

 

I suggest you go to www.elementownersclub.com and read the posts.
Almost everyone in there is extremely happy with the car. Remember, it was not designed for drag races.

 

We purchased a 2003 Honda Element and we have had it for about 5 months. We are very pleased with it. It is exactly what we wanted. Somebody at Honda must have read our minds. No complaints.