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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 340 of 473

#3391 of 4724 Overall Great Vehicle, but............ by antique_number

Jul 30, 2004 (7:02 pm)

I'm a Honda fan. However, I went from a 2000 Isuzu Trooper to a 2004 Honda Element. Overall it is a great vehicle and fun to drive. I really wanted a manual transmission; however, they are extremely hard to come by, so I settled for the automatic. Only a few complaints: too much road noise, doors sound like a tin can when closing, and not enough inside enclosed storage compartments. If this vehichle had a V6 with a little more insulation, it would be totally awesome (although it would have cost $2-4,000 more). Despite the above, it has been lots of fun.

#3392 of 4724 one more side curtain airbag question by deepdrop

Jul 31, 2004 (9:29 am)

OK, I know that the Element does not have side curtains in "04. I know they WILL have them by the end of calendar year 2006. I know that Honda is very secretive about features of upcoming model year cars.
Is it POSSIBLE that the "05 Element will have side curtain airbags as an option. I have looked for rumors and have found none, but that may just mean that Honda is really good at keeping secrets. i really think side curtains are important and I would hate to buy the car this month and find out that I could get side curtains in August.
I guess the flip side, is that if I wait until August to find out, and they do not offer side curtains, I will probably have to buy a 2005 model which would be more expensive than what I can buy right now. Does this seem logical?
Thanks for any input. I think I need a shove to help me decide whether to buy it now or wait a month.
Dan

#3393 of 4724 by anonymousposts

Jul 31, 2004 (11:12 am)

"but that may just mean that Honda is really good at keeping secrets"
 
They are.
 
I would wait for the 05's. If you aren't too picky about color you should still be able to find a 04 somewhere. Honda releases the new models around August-September so it won't be much longer. And even if you have to buy a 05 the price difference shouldn't be that significant. And at least you won't have to kick yourself in the rear later.

#3394 of 4724 '05 Element getting '05 CR-V powertrain? by otis12

Jul 31, 2004 (12:47 pm)

I've read in the CR-V forum that a 5-speed auto tranny is coming in MY '05. Anyone know if the Element will also get the 5-speed auto tranny? Thanks.

#3395 of 4724 by ateixeira

Aug 01, 2004 (5:36 pm)

That would be a nice improvement. It ought to quiet it down a bit, too, I bet 5th is taller than the current 4th. Mileage might improve also.
 
-juice

#3396 of 4724 Boosting the ground clearance by pitbouv

Aug 04, 2004 (1:00 am)

I am considering an Element for my next vehicle and have a question regarding the ground clearance. I live in a flood-prone area and used to have a wonderful 2002 Kia Sportage 4WD with oversized tires that would go through water-filled streets like a champ. Sadly, she was totaled last year and they no longer make the Sportage. I like the Element a lot, but wonder if anyone can tell me what size tires are the largest that can fit onto an Element? I figure a lift kit is out since it is a unibody construction. Has anyone gone through sitting water with an Element? I am considering the EX AWD with auto. Thanks!
Pitbouv in Florida

#3397 of 4724 Engine Light/ Auto Shifter Locked(serv. bulletin) by parky

Aug 04, 2004 (4:56 am)

First, we love our element. The past weekend the engine light came on at 10K miles, and at the same time the shifter locked in place. The light coded a faulty ECM(main computer). It was replaced, and then another engine light code for Barametric pressure. That sensor was replaced.
The auto shifter lock was due to a throttle body service bulletin. You can pop the platic cover off the shifting housing and use your ignition key to engage your shifter temporarily.
Also, my wife crash tested our Element four weeks prior at about 35mph head on into a guardrail, so maybe this was a delayed reation to the crash for the ECM. She is fine!
By the way I am a rolling billboard for Honda on the weekends. I trailer a 2004 CRF250X dirtbike too! Great SUV, and best dirt bike I have owned in 26 years and 8 bikes later.
Hope some of this info helps!!

#3398 of 4724 by ateixeira

Aug 04, 2004 (6:23 am)

Tires are already bigger than the CR-V it is based on, so I'm not sure you could stretch it a lot further.
 
Taller springs would help, if any are made, because with an indy suspension that does raise the entire vehicle.
 
However - keep in mind you have an alloy block, that's not going to like dipping in a cold puddle when it's hot. You're just asking for trouble.
 
-juice

#3399 of 4724 Why are manual trannies so scarce? by boomerbubba

Aug 04, 2004 (7:47 am)

I am a newbie considering/browsing for a new or lightly used Element. I'm pretty much set on a manual transmission, AWD configuration.
 
What surprises me is that stick-shift models seem to be so rare in the marketplace. On a vehicle with such a big fun factor, I would expect to see more.
 
1. Do I just not know the secret handshake, or do people just not know how to drive anymore?
 
2. As a purchasing strategy, will dealers compete on a special-order purchase the same as they might when they are selling out of inventory? I am willing to be patient.

#3400 of 4724 by ateixeira

Aug 04, 2004 (7:54 am)

I think it's 93% now, the percentage of automatics out there. Even then most of the 7% of manuals are in sports cars.
 
You can sometimes get a better price if you order and wait, because the dealer isn't paying interest on that car for it to be in inventory.
 
-juice

Messages Page 340 of 473

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