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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 351 of 473

#3499 of 4724 Re: 200 hp Element [varmint] by micweb

Oct 04, 2004 (4:32 pm)

Replying to: varmint (Oct 04, 2004 9:45 am)
Varmint said: "The Element is positioned as the bargain alternative to a vehicle like the CR-V."
 
Looks that way, I unearthed a Honda press release and the EX, and not the LX Element, will be upgraded to ABS and side torso (not curtain) air bags. All remain with a 4 speed automatic, but at least sticks are available. No stability control, no side curtain bags, in any Element so the CRV for 2005 will be one big jump in front of the Element.
 
Too bad, I can get excited about the Element, but the CRV is just another d*mn SUV....
 
(No, I don't think the Element is an SUV, not only because it is built on a unit body instead of a truck chassis, but because it has a good bumper height compatibility with passenger cars; it's really a station wagon, if that weren't a dirty word.)

#3500 of 4724 Hona Element VS. Subaru Baja by gxb159

Oct 04, 2004 (8:17 pm)

I am in the market for a crossover vehicle as a second ride to an 05 Outback. My requirements (1) AWD (2) Safe and Reliabe (3) Good MPG (43) Must be able to hual loads of goodies home from Lowes/Home Depot. I know these are different vehicles, but both meet my needs.
 
Has anyone compared the two? I would appreciate your thoughts. THANKS

#3501 of 4724 by ateixeira

Oct 05, 2004 (7:00 am)

I consider the Element more of a vanlet thingy than a wagon.
 
-juice

#3502 of 4724 One Element already . . . thinking about a 2nd . . . by cmmurphy2001

Oct 05, 2004 (9:58 am)

Hi all - I'm a long time lurker, and first time poster. We bought an '03 Element EX in July '03, and have had good success with it as a vehicle. Great versatility, and even with two children, a 10 yr. old and 3.5 yr. old, we have had no issues with access or car seats - everything works great (as long as you remember to take off your seatbelt before you open a front door to let them out!!!)
 
Anyway, we have a 1994 Volvo 850 Turbo that we are thinking of getting rid of - maintenance and fuel costs (ie premium) are eating us alive - plus, its a 12 year old car. After doing a ton of research, we are considering getting a second Element - probably an '05 after December. Anyone think this is crazy? We really notice that we utilize the Element's space and versatility more than we need seating for five.
 
Thanks in advance for your opinions!
 
Chuck

#3503 of 4724 by ateixeira

Oct 05, 2004 (11:10 am)

Yes, I think it's just a little bit nutty.
 
Why not get vehicles that serve different purposes? That way more diverse needs are met.
 
What if one of your kids wants to bring a friend? Both vehicles in your fleet could only seat 4. Neither would make a good tow vehicle, either. If a recall affects both, you might be stuck with no car at all.
 
It's just a strategy that I have, that way diverse needs are met.
 
For instance, I have a Miata for sunny days, a Subaru for rain. The Miata is impractical, the Forester is practical. One is a roadster, the other a wagon.
 
That way I have the right tool for whatever task is at hand.
 
Your Volvo is quick and sporty, plus probably roomier for trips and can take a 5th passenger. You'll be giving all that stuff up, yet gain nothing since you already have an Element.
 
Just my opinion. Buy what you like, don't listen to me! :o)
 
-juice

#3504 of 4724 by varmint

Oct 05, 2004 (11:15 am)

Honda has stated that all of their SUVs will get standard ABS, VSA, and airbags by the end of the 2006 calendar year. So the Element should be getting that next year.
 
Essentially, Honda works on a five year plan with their cars. The car is completely redesigned for the first year. Years 2 and 3 will see only minor upgrades based on consumer complaints or adjustments to content because the marketing guys missed a badly needed feature. Year 4 will see a refresh. At four years, the vehicle is getting a little old, and needs some new goods to remain competitive. Year five sees very few changes.
 
2005 is the 4 year mark for the CR-V. This is the refresh year. The Element gets the scheduled refresh in 2006.

#3505 of 4724 by varmint

Oct 05, 2004 (11:16 am)

BTW, I also think the Element is a van. It has a flat floor running from front to back. That's a van trait.
 
Both wagons and SUVs have cabins that ride lower than the engine and cargo area.

#3506 of 4724 by ateixeira

Oct 05, 2004 (11:18 am)

It's an SUV.
 
Suicide-style Utility Vanlet.
 
-juice
 
PS I'm not much on names, there is a water craft they label as an SUV

#3507 of 4724 Re: [ateixeira] by anonymousposts

Oct 05, 2004 (6:44 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Oct 05, 2004 11:10 am)
It appears that the main concerns with the Volvo are maintenance costs and premium fuel.
 
However, I might agree with you when you say two Elements might be impractical if the need to carry lots of stuff or 5 people arise.
 
However again ... you could do at lot worse than having two Elements when it comes to practicality.
 
As for the recall scenario, as long as it's not a crippling recall, you could just have one recall at a time performed.

#3508 of 4724 re: van by lalagimp

Oct 06, 2004 (11:51 am)

I got mine more specifically for that purpose. I bought it last year when I was still 21. It reminds me of my hatchback I had ( but much larger ) and I was looking along and saying " you know, this would be a great minivan when I decide to start breeding"
I wouldn't want to have to change cars just because of kids and I'm hoping of keep it til it dies.
Might as well- if that mountaineer drive hadn't snapped my leg, I wouldn't have been able to pay cash.

Messages Page 351 of 473

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