Element in snow

Discussion in 'Element' started by Steve, Nov 24, 2003.

  1. Steve

    Steve Guest

    How does the Element do in the snow? I have driven the CRV and it is fine,
    but the Element seems so tall and wide.

    Thx,
    Steve
     
    Steve, Nov 24, 2003
    #1
  2. Don't buy the Element. Honda built is to compete with the Toyota Scion xB.
    It's poorly designed and in my opinion would turn over if you took it too
    fast around a sharp turn. The CR-V and Pilot are much better vehicles and
    any intelligent engineer would agree with me.
     
    Bill B. Johnson, Nov 24, 2003
    #2
  3. Steve

    Steve Guest

    Thanks for the tip. I am looking at the Element only because I can get 2
    people, 2 bikes, and 4 sets of skis INSIDE the vehicle. The only other AWD
    vehicle that can do that are mini-vans. Why ... because I am lazy and
    don't like hanging all my toys on the outside of the vehicle.

    The Honda salesperson (female) showed me how to do tight turns at 20 mph ...
    and how the ABS brakes work. I just want to make sure I buy the one she
    DIDN'T drive because I don't plan on repeating those experiences.

    I noticed the Element also got a poor rating on side impact collisions.
    Finding a Element with side-impact air-bags has also been challenging.

    In all seriousness ... thank again for the tip,
    Steve
     
    Steve, Nov 24, 2003
    #3
  4. Steve

    riverrat Guest

    We got to drive our Element this weekend in the snow 8+" Minnesota. It
    handles fine! Actually felt as though there was more control than either our
    Suzuki Vitara or my Trailblazer. Having been a SUV user for the last 20
    years any of them will tip if driven to the extreme.....

    Steve if you are serious about a balance of safety vs value saab and audi
    both exceed at side impact. If you are looking for a decent balance
    (trade-offs) of utility safety and value the element might work for you.

    Botom line one can make a list of vehicles that have some fault or another
    but I know of many many other cars on the road that I wouldnt get caught
    in, The Element is not one of those.
     
    riverrat, Nov 24, 2003
    #4
  5. Steve

    Tom Resi Guest

    You have the TWD or 4WD?
     
    Tom Resi, Nov 25, 2003
    #5
  6. Steve,
    You might want to check SUVs made by other companies such as Toyota. I've
    seen some really huge SUVs made by various companies that seem to be well
    designed at least on the outside. I know very little about the mechanical
    abilities of vehicles other than the Honda vehicles.
     
    Bill B. Johnson, Nov 25, 2003
    #6
  7. Steve

    John Ours Guest

    This is unfair and inflammatory. I recently took two test drives in
    an Element while my brother was shopping for a new vehicle. The
    Element is as well built as any other Honda; I did not see any
    compromises to make it compete with the Scion other than the
    questionable styling. It is well designed and has a number of
    thoughtful features that fit with the purpose of the vehicle.

    It is certainly no more likely to turn over in a corner than a CR-V or
    a Pilot and is IMO a better value than either of those. In fact, it
    has a rather low center of mass for a vehicle with that much cargo
    space. The handling and character of the Element remind me of our
    Subaru Forester, which suggests it will be excellent in the snow.


    John Ours
    Intelligent Engineer
     
    John Ours, Nov 25, 2003
    #7
  8. Steve

    riverrat Guest

    We have the 4wd. Minnesota you know.
    Weve had ours for 2 months and have made 2 6 hour trips sp far along with
    numerous local miles. Absolutely no compalints. Seems to me Bill has issues
    with square shapes in general.
     
    riverrat, Nov 25, 2003
    #8
  9. Steve

    null_pointer Guest

    Don't buy the Element. Honda built is to compete with the Toyota Scion xB.
    The following is a direct quote from the Car and Driver Feb. 2003
    edition:

    "So how does all this work? Well. Really well. The Element tackles
    sinuous back roads the way Kelly Slater surfs 20-foot waves — so
    easily and composed you can hardly believe it. The Element's driving
    characteristics belie its odd looks. Despite its tall frame and
    mail-truck appearance, the Element's low floor, wide track, and stiff
    suspension — which is firm but not harsh — turn it into a sporty
    machine. Through tight turns and quick transitions, the boxy Honda
    stays relatively flat, performing like a Doberman trapped inside a
    Great Dane's body. On the skidpad, our test vehicle pulled a very
    impressive 0.78 g, which beats the CR-V's 0.72 g and even ties the
    last BMW 330i we tested "

    So much for Mr. Johnson's "expertise"
     
    null_pointer, Nov 25, 2003
    #9
  10. Steve

    T Mac Guest

    Check out some of the threads on the Message Board at Element Owners Club
    for more on this from existing owners: http://www.elementownersclub.com
     
    T Mac, Nov 29, 2003
    #10
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