How is the Element?

I am looking to buy a new SUV. I currently own an Accord and I would like
to get another Honda. I have been doing some research on the Element, but I
wanted some insight from anyone who owns one. Anything good or bad (are you
happy with it?). I need to make a decision within the next few months.
Thanks!
BJ

 

Element has very light payload. Something like 600 or 700 lbs. Two good size
adults and some luggage and you are at max weight allowance. So do not plan
to carry heavy goods. If you kid is fat leave him at home.

Mike

 

600 or 700 LBS? How is that possible? Chirst my 2000 Civic has a payload
limit of 800 LBS. You're telling me a Civic can carry more than an Element?

 

Thats what he told me-- some report it is even as low as 500 lbs.
Better ask the dealer some leading questions before you get too wrapped up
in the Element idea.

 

I never ask the dealer anything if I can help it since they just tell you
what you want to hear to sell you the car. I remember when I bought my 2003
Accord, I knew more about the car's specs than the salesperson. It was
actually pretty funny. They were talking about the 4-cylinder engine and
trying to tell me it's specs so tried to look for a brochure to read it off
to me when I just blurted it out, "2.4L 4-cyl with i-VTEC, 160 HP @ 5500 RPM
and 161 LB/ft of torque @ 4500 RPM." The salesperson nearly shit their
pants when I said that. Turned out to be a great tactic because they knew
from that point on that they couldn't bullshit me.

 

Best check the brochure then however the weight allowance is not given in
the on line brochure.

 

Where did you come across this information?

I agree with the

Welcome back, Bill. Why the name change?

 

I don't advise you to buy the Element. The Pilot and CR-V are much better
vehicles. The Element is very top heavy and high profile--it could turn
over if you drove too fast around a sharp turn. I agree with the
intelligent poster that suggested that you visit a Honda shop and pick up
one of the free brochures on The Pilot, CR-V and Element. Also-just for
fun--if a salesperson approaches you--ask him to take you for a drive and
drive really fast around a sharp turn--he will quickly tell you that he
won't do it or refer you to a fellow salesman that he does not like.

 

Here's a good article concerning the Element...

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=39&article_id=1777&page_number=1

Some notable quotes from it:

"Honda says Elements haul an extra 250 pounds compared with similarly
equipped CR-Vs."

"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 (October 2002).

 

Vehicle load is 675 pounds. Towing capacity, as reported by Consumer Reports
is 1500 lbs.

 

I have 2,000 miles on a 2003 Element. I just did a 1,000 ski trip in
Idaho/Montana. Only complaint is metal frame under the left side of vehicle
often rubs the snow.

I also have a 2000 CRV. Both get 20-24 mpg.

Element can fit 2 people, 2 bicycles (with both wheel on) and skies inside
the vehicle.

Still getting use to the no-carpet concept ... stuff slides around a lot.

- Steve

 

Well I did my homework with everyone's help and ended up with an Element
(EX). Even though I really liked the CRV, especially comfort wise. The CRV's
exterior spare was a turn-off, and the Elements versatility in hauling stuff
in the back was attractive. I should have gotten a few extra's, and I do
miss a better designed center console and 20+ horses would be nice. The
vehicle handles as good as it is ugly, very impressed that it held the road
like a bulldog.

Just came back from VERY ICY roads here in Northern NJ. The rear was a
little loose, so I put 75 pounds of sand in the back and now, got a 4 wheel
tank, just hope we get a ton of snow to plow
through............................joe

 

Hi,
What is payload on Element? I heard 600 lbs or something like that.
Not much to carry on it.
Tony

 

The payload isn't an issue with me, it'll hold everything I can think of..
otherwise I'd have bought a pickup. What ever goes in must come out, so I'm
not thinking of throwing in a few refrigerators or a ton of bricks, but it
will hold all of my travel/camping and boating equipment and a few 2x4's and
sheetrock.

The storage is a bit of a problem with so much room, it takes some effort
packing tight. For my needs this vehicle was and is perfect just came back
from a diner run and the side roads not touched no problem.