What are the good points on the Honda Element? I honestly think that it’s quite a uniquely shaped vehicle. Would this vehicle be a great add to the roads of Texas?

Peter

Dallas, TX

Hey there, Peter! Of course, another odd-shaped car would not be a bad add on the streets of Texas. But let’s not bring a good thing down by harping on shape alone. The 2009 Honda Element has what it takes to back up its claim to being fun-inspired SUV. After reading up on how consumers reacted towards the Element, I’m even more convinced that Honda stumbled onto something with this unique design. Traditionally, I always saw an SUV as just a giant car that uses a truck chassis. But with how Honda approached the Element’s design, I think it hits something for the adventurous, fun-seeking market.

First thing that grabs you with the Honda Element is its size, it is not longer than most SUVs, it’s taller. Then further checking out the exterior, you see a unique clamshell rear door. Moving up to the side, even how the side doors open up is different from most cars. Taking these exterior aspects into consideration, one is led to believe that this car is built to carry personal gear like bikes, musical equipment, heck, even small furniture. Looking under the hood, does it have the heart of an SUV? If you’re into the usual “where’s the V6?” type of person, then you might be disappointed. You will find a 2.4 Liter i-VTEC engine under the hood that can give you a fair amount of horses, about 166 of them. For me, as a personal SUV/ hauler, I think that should be enough for you to play around with. Match that with the Real-Time 4WD which is common Honda technology and you get a fun SUV. I think it’s worth your time to drive this vehicle around Dallas.

Do you know the recently publicized 2008 Honda Element? How is it?

Benny

Dallas, TX

I recently purchased a really vibrant car from a Honda dealer in Dallas. It is known as the 2008 Honda Element, and regardless of what shade you obtain it in, it is brilliant and happy. Naturally, that is not the lone item it has on a new Element. I believe, on the exterior, what causes it to be the most attractive is how exclusively it is planned. It is box shaped and that you do not usually see often on the highway-the majority of the cars are getting shapelier as time goes on, including the Jeeps.

Not including its looks, the Honda Element I purchased from the Honda dealer in Dallas also runs extremely well, more or less gymnastically. It does not make any sound as you drive, and the whole drive is extremely smooth and comfy. It is a car which is easy to manage, secure, and enjoyable to obtain out on the road.

What particular feature does the 2008 Honda Element makes it a considerably great buy?

Tori

Dallas, TX

I really liked the utility value of the car. I was able to wrestle (by myself) one of the back seats out of the vehicle and the missing seat made it easy to roll in my road bike (sans front wheel). Wrestle is an apt description of the multiple levers/pull handles that have to be used in order to remove the seat. And then it’s heavy and awkward to hold. I’m sure with two people and a bit of practice; one could remove both seats in just a minute or two. Having both rear seats removed you’re rewarded with a tall, boxy and functional space with a flat floor. Honda conveniently provided chrome plated tie down rings placed conveniently throughout the rear cargo area which would elegantly run through any terrain and road in Dallas.

The projector beam headlights are among the best by providing a void-less blanket of light.

I spoke of the uneven gaps in some of the dash pieces, but relative to a BMW 335i, they were minor. I saw larger, uneven gaps in the fit of the ashtray (and other dash pieces) on the BMW … and that car lists at almost $50K. You’d have to look hard on the Element to notice the gaps which speaks highly of a vehicle less than half the cost of the Bimmer. The doors of the Element close solidly and absence of the B-pillar does not diminish the structural rigidity of the Element. Squeaks or rattles during the test drive were non-existent. Road noise does make it way into the cabin, but this could be due to a limited amount of sound dampening materials on the floor and firewall.

How does the 2008 Honda Element run? What makes it worth buying?

Shiela

Dallas, TX

The SC version is 20mm lower and a firmer suspension setup than the standard Element. Something you can instinctively see and feel. Driving on the freeways of Dallas TX, the steering has good on-center feel and tracked well, but needs a little more tweaking to give it better feel for non-freeway driving. As it stands, if feels a little numb compared to other cars I’ve driven. Flooring it at times seemed to awaken the torque steer demons from within as I wrestled with the steering wheel’s desire to turn. It’s a tall vehicle and I refrained from pushing the limits. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not going to tip over just rounding a turn at moderate speeds. Included are the normal electronic safety gizmos (Electronic Brake Distribution, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) along with Traction Control) that will keep you upright and help maintain control should vehicle dynamics turn south rapidly. Handling is flat when actively turning due to the front and rear sway bar in combination with the firm dampers, but feels like it wants to push out of the turn. Perhaps this is the nature of this boxy beast.

Apart from its looks, the Element I bought from the Honda dealer in Dallas also handles very well, almost acrobatically. It makes hardly any noise as you drive, and the entire drive is very smooth and comfortable. It’s a car which is simple to control, safe, and fun to take out on the highway.