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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
#2496 of 4724 2004 Element by superb_herb
Aug 05, 2003 (4:18 pm)
Hi gang,Re: next year's Element, I called the toll free "(800) 33-HONDA" number yesterday.
They said that based on info they've had since July, that the DX should stay the same. As for the EX, keyless remote and passenger side armrest will be added. I think another item was mentioned---I think new interior plastic for the "A" pillar?
(I actually called to find out more about the '04 CR-V, which leads me to my next post...)
#2497 of 4724 Love the Element...Buying the CR-V :-( by superb_herb
Aug 05, 2003 (4:40 pm)
Help! I plan on buying the CR-V for my family over the Element (the car I absolutely love) for practical reasons. Can anyone help me shoot down these reasons, so that I can justify buying the Element?
IIHS Side Impact Tests - The Element scored a "Poor" rating while the CR-V at least got a "Marginal" score.
Seating Design - The CR-V has the rear bench that slides forward, so that I can reach my toddler easier to hand or take away things easier. The Element ironically seems too spacious. When I sit in the driver's seat, the right rear seat seems so far away.
Car Seat Placement - The CR-V allows for a center rear car seat...safer I think than the Element's rear seats, which don't offer the center placement option.
Well, those are the main reasons. Can anyone help me out? Anything I haven't thought of, that could bring me back into the Element camp? I want my Element!!!
Herb
(BTW, if we do end up with the CR-V, I'm considering replacing the 15" rims with 16" ones, lowering the car by 1.8", and stiffening the suspension. My goal is to have a CR-V that comes close to how the Element handles. Does anyone have any thoughts about that?)
#2498 of 4724 Doors like by just4fun2
Aug 05, 2003 (4:52 pm)
those on the Element use to be called "suicide" doors. If you happen to get into an accident and the front doors are jammed closed, you wouldn't be able to use the back doors since the fronts can't open and people would be trapped inside. This is why I believe a 4 door vehicle is safer than that of a 2 door.This type of accident might be rare that both doors in the front are jammed, but why would you want a back door to open into traffic and if hit would be pushed back into you? A risky situation.
#2499 of 4724 by anonymousposts
Aug 05, 2003 (6:30 pm)
NHTSA tested the Element and gave it a "Good" rating I believe. Also, the Element which tested "Poor" by IIHS did not have side air bags and was tested by ramming the doors themselves and missing the structural support provided by the frame of the Element beneath the doors. The suicide doors do not bother me in the least. If you get hit hard enough in a sedan you will be trapped too. At least in the Element you can exit the rear or climb out of the roof if you have a 4WD.Most accidents are front or rear collisions anyways. Not all side impacts are avoidable but I would place those at the more avoidable side of the accident spectrum. Don't turn out in front of anyone and look before you cross an intersection.
Besides, if you are going to drive in constant fear of having an accident you might as well not drive because crap happens and you can be killed in anything. Recently a 14 year old girl was killed when a work truck hit the Excursion she was in. Everyone else survived without serious injury excluding the driver of the work truck that hit them.
#2500 of 4724 Those doors are by just4fun2
Aug 05, 2003 (7:13 pm)
dangerous!!! To make a statement that you can get killed in anything because crap happens is caviller!!Since most accidents are frontal or rear collisions, to be hit from the rear could block your rear exit and pinch the doors shut.
Why look at the IIHS tests at all since if you are hit hard enough you can be killed in anything? That's like saying.... Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?
Those doors present a danger to the occupants of that vehicle!
#2501 of 4724 And why let one facet of crash testing be your by gee35coupe
Aug 05, 2003 (7:58 pm)
only measure of safety. The Element performs questionably in one type of accident. You don't like it? Buy something else. It's still 5 stars in the other facets. You could do much worse.#2502 of 4724 by muffin_man
Aug 05, 2003 (11:02 pm)
Do you feel the same way about the RX8? I hadn't thought that much about it.
...but since they are getting the EX, that means a big sunroof. Who needs doors?
#2503 of 4724 The doors are fine by bigkahunafl
Aug 06, 2003 (4:54 am)
I like the suicide doors - it was one of the many things I like about the Element. If they bother you, fine, move on to another vehicle.Now for the important stuff:
Besides the keyless entry and passenger side arm-rest, it there anything else they are adding to the EX?
Could someone with a FWD automatic please tell me what kind of RPM's you are pulling at 70 MPH.
Thanks!
#2504 of 4724 Element & HP by beer47
Aug 06, 2003 (6:03 am)
Hey E owners,Does the E have enough get and and go? Can you merge on the freeway or does this thing accelerate like an old VW microbus?( I know, nothing is that slow) I have no desire to race anyone, but is the 2.4l big enough. I like the vehicle's size and interior but the engine size has me apprehensive. I guess I'll have to go drive one. Any comments would be helpful.
#2505 of 4724 by mtngal
Aug 06, 2003 (6:11 am)
I don't own one but I test drove a 5 speed. I was impressed by the way it was geared, and don't think I would have as much problems getting on a freeway as I do now in my 4-banger, 2WD Tacoma. I don't know about the automatic, though my neighbor doesn't have a problem with theirs (auto, AWD).Best thing to do is test for yourself. Also, take it up a hill.
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