Introduced in the United States in 2003, the Honda Element arrived after two years as a concept vehicle called the Model X. It was designed by several young engineers who wanted to develop a versatile vehicle that fit a young crowd’s outdoor interests — skiing to cycling, camping to recreating at the beach. The small sport utility vehicle with its unique box-like style was an immediate hit. Its initial marketing gimmick was two-fold. With its “suicide” doors and second seat configuration, cycling enthusiasts could transport a bike or two width-wise in the cabin. Likewise, when bikes and other cargo were removed from the Element, the base model’s interior could easily be cleaned — with a garden hose. All of the interior was plastic or rubber and thus easily washed. The base model is still “washable.” But most of the Element’s seven trims now have upgraded cloth seats and other standard features are not the best for garden-hose applications. The Weekly Driver Test Drive In previous years of testing the Element, I drove the utilitarian vehicle in more inclement conditions. It was one of the first cars I reviewed in 2004. At the time, its box-like and two-tone exterior got a lot of attention. This time around, there were no long treks, and nothing during my week with the car was out-of-the ordinary. With Nissan, Kia and Scion, among others now in the box-car selling business, the Element no longer stands out as an oddball. Interior The best features are the rear doors, which open to 90 degrees. Unfortunately, the rear doors, reminiscent of “suicide doors” of yesteryear, don’t open unless the front doors are opened first. But when the rear doors are opened, a cavernous area is offered. The spacious cabin is complemented by ideally placed shelves, trays and variously sized compartments. There’s also a large push button to open the glovebox. Front seats are comfortable and situated for good front and rear vision; Back seats aren’t as nice and back-seat passengers feel a lot of bumps. Instrumentation is straight-forward, with good-sized dials and buttons. Head and leg room are good, but not great considering the spaciousness of the rest of the cabin. Exterior Halogen headlights and power side mirrors are nice, but the exterior remains largely the same as previous recent years’ models. Rear tailgate opens to smallish cargo areas when the seats are up. Performance Like its predecessors, the 2010 Element isn’t about speed. It’s about functionality, and that’s what the Element Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11
