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.