Ask the Car People.SM


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 259 of 473

#2579 of 4724 mtngal -- I live in Wiesbaden! by xweb

Aug 21, 2003 (12:26 am)

So I don't expect to be driving through snow as often as on wet roads and/or icy roads. But I do have a somewhat steep road to climb to get to my house, lined with cars on both sides--I don't want to slide into anyone in my new Element!
 
Of course, over here, the roads are cleaned pretty quickly, and the car I have right now, a 15-year-old Opel Kadett hatch (FWD), has not given me any trouble, although I am very careful to drive slower when it's wet or icy or snowy.
 
micweb, varmint, ateixeira--thanks for the material to think about! It does sound like the AWD system would be somewhat helpful, but perhaps I could make do with snow tires. Of course, then I'd be spending as much for a second set of winter wheels and tires as the AWD costs anyway!
 
I used to live in Montana, had a 1984 Toyota Tercel wagon with 4WD I engaged with a lever. It did help, but I still managed to slide into a curb when I took a turn too fast (driving on packed snow). Then I had a 1991 Nissan Sentra 4WD (full-time) which was great in winter driving but otherwise a lemon. I liked having the flexibility of 4WD, and it came in handy a few times when parked on muddy logging roads.
 
Plus the weight penalty of AWD for performance--it doesn't appear to affect the gas mileage much, but the extra couple hundred pounds must have some impact on performance. Anyone driven both versions?
 
I'd absolutely love to test drive an Element, but unfortunately there's only one military-related dealer, and they have none in stock--whenever they get one in, it gets sold immediately!
 
I guess I'm leaning towards 4WD now, even though I can't get it with a stick through this dealer.
 
Anyone ever ship a car overseas? Maybe I can buy one in the States and have it shipped over if it's not too expensive.
 
You all are lucky to have all those Honda dealerships to test drive at! Maybe I need to make a special trip just to go test driving.
 
Of course, then the 2004s will come out and I'll be confused again. Thanks everyone, you all make this one of the best forums I've seen.--x

#2580 of 4724 by bowke28

Aug 21, 2003 (6:15 am)

i think winter tires can do more for you than all wheel drive can. it doesnt matter what wheels have traction if your tires dont have grip.

#2581 of 4724 by varmint

Aug 21, 2003 (10:24 am)

Juice - I think C&D came to the opposite conclusion. I think the 4X4 they tested was a Rover, but I can't recall the Blizzak-shod 2WD opponent. Both CR's and C&D's are probably valid tests, just different conditions.
 
Bigkahunafl - I don't think it's an OEM accessory, but you can try Handaaccessories.com. FWIW, I've read articles describing how to create your own mesh covers. The best looking one I've seen used gutter-guard material with a nice aggressive-looking diamond pattern. I've also seen an "Element of the month" with two riveted metal plates up front.
 
Send me an e-mail for details.

#2582 of 4724 2WD vs. Snow tires by zenzikora

Aug 21, 2003 (11:00 am)

perhaps one magazine used a FWD with snow tires, and the other a RWD?
I think FWD with snow tires is pretty easy to deal with in the snow, our big RWD van was OK probably because we took it easy and had enough weight to keep the tires planted, and the Mid-Rear Fiero was awful on only 1 inch. I have never driven AWD in the snow, so I figure I'll be fine with Front and snow tires.

#2583 of 4724 by ateixeira

Aug 21, 2003 (12:29 pm)

Probably depends on what all-season tires you compare the winter tires to. There are good and bad all-season tires.
 
I'd still pick good all seasons with AWD over FWD with snow tires.
 
-juice

#2584 of 4724 by zenzikora

Aug 21, 2003 (1:11 pm)

I probably would too, if I had an extra $1400 to spend, instead of the few hundred for snow tires, but I don't, so I figure I'm better of dealing with FWD and not spoiling myself . . .
Haven't crashed or gotten stuck yet, though I had a rough time once before I got snow tires on going up a steep hill from a standstill. And I don't stay home when it snows either, unless it's really bad.

#2585 of 4724 Element accessories? by kjab

Aug 25, 2003 (3:03 pm)

I'm wondering about the cabana. Is it worth the $? I go camping often and thought this might be worth trying out, but will skip it if too complex to set up or too flimsy. Also, how about that armrest console - seems like we could use a few more storage spots. Has anyone installed one?
 
I bought a 4WD EX green a few weeks ago and am really enjoying it! Everyone I show it to loves it too.
 
Thanks for any feedback.

#2586 of 4724 Response to Wyoreb by rockymtelement

Aug 26, 2003 (3:54 pm)

Ok, this is a late response, but better late than never. Yes, I am actually in Colorado. I bought my Element at John Elway. Good experience there over all. I'm moving to Arizona this week however, so will need to find a service center there.
 
Had the Element for 3 months now (3400 miles) and still love it. It's great for my family of three and any outings we take.

#2587 of 4724 Where a good pictures? by s852

Aug 26, 2003 (8:10 pm)

Where are some good high-res photos clearer and larger than what you can see on the Honda.com web site?

#2588 of 4724 by steve_ HOST

Aug 26, 2003 (8:21 pm)

Try google.com and click on the Images tab.
 
Steve, Host

Messages Page 259 of 473

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement