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Honda Element

4724 messages,  Last post on Jul 06, 2012 at 6:27 PM

You are in the Honda Element Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda Element, Hatchback, SUV

Messages Page 169 of 473

#1676 of 4724 Cheap plastic on DX model by jopi

Jan 18, 2003 (6:32 pm)

After seeing posts about it, I went to a local dealer this evening to check out the plastic used in the fenders/panels of the DX line.
 
Unfortunately, I found them to be of such poor quality that I'm re thinking even buying an Element this year. Anything more than the slightest pressure leaves highly noticeable scratches. I made a couple myself with my fingernails(not even trying to dig in at all.)
I can see them being totally trashed after a month of urban driving (parking in Chicago is rough on bumpers.) Kind of funny that Honda is making a point of marketing them as durable when they are one step down from a Rubbermaid trashcan. Too bad.
 
Anyone with an EX want to comment about their fenders? Is the quality better or just the color?
 
Other than that I loved the Element... hope it's something they correct for the 2004 line.

#1677 of 4724 Bike racks by markjenn

Jan 18, 2003 (8:46 pm)

Sure you can go the trailer hitch route, but that sorta defeats one of the huge benefits of the Element - being able to stand them up vertically in the back and in out of the weather. If you're willing to lash the bikes to a trailer hitch, heck, why not get a CR-V and enjoy a better performing truck?
 
- Mark

#1678 of 4724 Jackson Racing Supercharger for latest CRV? by ropedart

Jan 18, 2003 (9:04 pm)

I have to confirm this but Jackson Racing may be at last supplying a supercharger for the latest generation of CRV. The question will be if it will work with the latest Accord/Element 2.4L? That would rock.
This may be good because the Acura RDX model may be way too expensive. The Accord bases at $16K and the Acura TSX will base at about $25K. thats a $9K difference to go just from 160 HP to 200 HP. You might see a similar differential going from Element to RDX. So a supercharger at $2K+ looks like a good deal.

#1679 of 4724 Trailer hitch because ... by s852

Jan 18, 2003 (9:25 pm)

I went to the Honda website and the interior bike mount looks like it is only for one bike.
If you have two, you have to leave the bikes loose on the floor rattling, sliding around scuffing the interior and scratching the bike as well as being a safety hazard.

#1680 of 4724 Thanks ateixeira by rlei

Jan 18, 2003 (11:04 pm)

I never test-drove any car I bought, big mistake I know. But I pretty much had exactly what I wanted in mind when I went to the dealer, and only thing I did was bargaining.
 
This time it will be different since I still don't know what to get, not sure how much freedom I would be given when testdrive. A Honda dealer is about 5 min drive from where I live now but I probably will go to the one where I bought my Civic (40 min away close to where I lived).
 
Anyway, your suggestion is great and I will let you know how it goes. BTW, unbuckling to drop the kids off kind of scared me a bit and now I am more toward CRV since my wife likes that better, I don't want to be a soccer dad (yet)

#1681 of 4724 cheap plastic on EX as well by vn386

Jan 19, 2003 (2:00 am)

jopi & kdetroit,
I was able to scrape off some plastic with my fingernails on the EX so the soft fender occurs on both models.
There is a thread on hondaelement.org regarding this topic. I've put a deposit on an Element but now I am seriously considering putting off purchasing this year's model.
Hopefully Honda will correct this serious shortcoming.
 
http://www.hondaelement.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=403

#1682 of 4724 Interior Bike Holders --- Room for Two by dralstl

Jan 19, 2003 (8:12 am)

TWO interior bike holders may be installed for those that need them. For details just download the instructions for installation from any of several Element accessories internet sites.

#1683 of 4724 First in Eastern Oregon? by deputylee

Jan 20, 2003 (3:20 pm)

I live in Heppner, Oregon. On Saturday I bought the Honda Element EX (silver). I got it at The Dalles. I wonder if I am the first person in Eastern Oregon to buy one? So far I love the car. On the way back I decided to take the scenic route, down Hwy 97 and then Hwy 206 east to Heppner. I ran into dense fog, snow and ice the whole way. I had no problems, the car ran great. The roads were sanded and I can tell you I heard every pebble of sand hit my new car!
 
I saw jnes photos of her new green Element. (That sagebrush looks familiar). My color choices were silver or black. Though decision, I liked the interior color on the black model better, but I preferred the better visibility on a silver exterior.

#1684 of 4724 Test drove DX with... by once_for_all

Jan 20, 2003 (6:25 pm)

automatic today. Rides very solid. Gauges remind me of the old AMC Pacer stuff from the 70's (not too thrilled about'em).
 
My question---I read somewhere that the 5 speed buzzes the engine at 3500 rpm at 70mph. The automatic I drove was at 2950 at 70. Can anyone confirm the 5 speed rpm at 70?. Perhaps this is related to the higher mileage ratings for the auto?

#1685 of 4724 First Road Trip by jnes

Jan 21, 2003 (1:04 pm)

I had the opportunity for a road trip this weekend. I drove from Ellensburg, WA to Bellingham, Wa via Snoqualme pass, about 340 miles round trip . I was very impressed with the performance of the car. The engine out did my V6 in our Ford. The mountain pass is about 3000 feet and I never did have to slow down due to a sluggishness or down shifting. I found that heading back up the pass, the steepest climb, all I had to do was lock out the overdrive and I cruised right up.
 
Bellingham is the ultimate Element town, a very sports oriented, college town with beaches and hiking trails all over. The dogs and I spent 2 days hiking in sand and mud and the car held up very well. For the most part, few people made a show of looking at the car. 2 people did stop me in parking lots and a few others slowed down. While in Bellingham I spotted 2 other Elements. It was a good fun trip and I still love my car.
 
Joan
http://www.eburg.com/~jneslund/matt/Honda_Element/

Messages Page 169 of 473

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