ALAS THE OFFICIAL WORD FROM MY NORTHEAST HONDA DEALER REP IS THAT THERE WILL BE NO EX 4WD STICK. SORRY, BUT THAT'S THE OFFICIAL WORD FROM HONDA HQ.

Matt,

Thanks for the info, but did Honda give any reason why?

RML,

similar to the CR-V the reasoning is that it just won't sell. I could be cost it could be marketing who knows. The fewer differences in trim lines among the same car the less expensive it is to produce and the better the quality. that's why you can't special order Hondas with accessories installed from the factory. It keeps production up and mistakes down. All in all it means better quality products.

Matt,

Thanks for the info from a man in the know

So Honda's reasoning is that people who want alloy wheels, air conditioning, and cuise control, don't want a manual 5-speed? Does that seem flawed to anyone else?

that's not what honda is saying. And there are several more differences between the two cars. It was a choice they made. And that is it. I have yet to get a diffinitive answer from our rep. As soon as I get one, I'll pass it along. Sorry I don't have more information right now.

I appreciate your insight. I'm just giving you a hard time. Just be glad I'm not driving over from Hartford to buy my Element from you. ;-) So if they're not producing a manual AWD EX, I guess my dream of a Green exterior with a Black interior is out the window too! Man, Honda sure makes it hard for the customer to buy a car. The next thing you'll tell me is that if I install my own accessories, I could void my warrentee! :-)

:lol: :lol: :lol: Thanks for the laugh. It's been along day here.

PSKBEAR: When do you think Honda will offiicially post this news.. that is kinda odd to say yes then no with in such a short time frame..

I am glad I got mine now, we had pondered the 4wd ex in a manual.. and were thinking of waiting, whew.. glad I did not but I find it odd. I would like to see more confirmation (nothing against you,.. i just love my proof, point blank ya know!)

Poor you having to deal with hard heads like me, grin! Thank you for the news brief!

you're nothing. If all the questions I received were that easy then I would worry about ulsers. :lol:

[quote:c1afc1442a="PSKBEAR"]ALAS THE OFFICIAL WORD FROM MY NORTHEAST HONDA DEALER REP IS THAT THERE WILL BE NO EX 4WD STICK. SORRY, BUT THAT'S THE OFFICIAL WORD FROM HONDA HQ.[/quote:c1afc1442a]


:cry: I just sold my 94 Trooper because I was planning to purchase the AWD EX with 5 speed manual transmission. I was sooooo excited and even called every Honda dealer in my area so they could call me when one came in. I think this is a very wrong move on Honda's part. The manual has much more pickup. I test drove the 2 WD stick and WOW what a difference. I was totally sold. It just makes sense for the AWD even more than the 2 WD to have a manual just for more control in sand and snow. I have owned many 4 WD vehicles and know from experience that a stick makes all the difference in the bad road conditions. Well I guess I won't be a member here anymore I am very sad to say. I probably will go check out something else. Probably will go with a Ford Explorer or something. TOTALLY HEART BROKEN.

We feel your pain.

[quote:63c3d408bb="ibutchman"]We feel your pain.[/quote:63c3d408bb]

The sad thing is that I REALLY put so much time and energy in going around to dealers, asking questions, test driving, WAITING, sitting in traffic to get to a dealer. Even taking some time off work. I was VERY SERIOUS about getting the Element. I felt it was mine to be had. All I had to do was be patient. Such a BUMMER. I hate how Honda led people on. They even have it in one of their brochures that the model I wanted would be available June, 2003. I FEEL CHEATED and I AM ANGRY as well as SAD. No chance this is a marketing ploy and they will turn around tomorrow and say JUST KIDDING, it will be available after all ?????? I would be totally ticked if I went out and bought something else and found that out. :evil: :x :!:

This is similar to the Side Air bags, some people with kids were waiting for them to come out. Honda Docs say delayed introduction, but we've read on these forums that the plans have been scrapped for the SIDE AIR bags... No official word from Honda though...

Very similar

LittleDogBox: for me I would wait for the official word.. and I have seen nothing official. Nothing against Pskbear, but I want to see absolute confirmation.

As far as the side airbags I think that i more rumor, but really the side air bags are not beneficial unless they are windowcurtain style. the lower ones would certainly not be a bonus for people with kids.. they would do more harm then good.

Don't run off yet, stay tuned.. as soon as I or someonelse sees something firm & official I (and I hope if someone gets it before I find something) will post it!

If you choose otherwise I wishyou luck with your choice.. I just would not recommend the Explorer as an alternative... it has the WORST reliability rating! Alternatives: Honda CRV (which is the best overall small SUV), Subaru (forester or outback), Toyota, and perhaps Hyundai.. but the Ford Explorer is a bomb! (CR reviews the Explorer as Worst relliability, even after it has been refined and improved over the 2002 model! sad huh? the new Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute twin is not much better)

[quote:4a8aef1caa="GYPSYTDA"]LittleDogBox: for me I would wait for the official word.. and I have seen nothing official. Nothing against Pskbear, but I want to see absolute confirmation.

As far as the side airbags I think that i more rumor, but really the side air bags are not beneficial unless they are windowcurtain style. the lower ones would certainly not be a bonus for people with kids.. they would do more harm then good.

Don't run off yet, stay tuned.. as soon as I or someonelse sees something firm & official I (and I hope if someone gets it before I find something) will post it!

If you choose otherwise I wishyou luck with your choice.. I just would not recommend the Explorer as an alternative... it has the WORST reliability rating! Alternatives: Honda CRV (which is the best overall small SUV), Subaru (forester or outback), Toyota, and perhaps Hyundai.. but the Ford Explorer is a bomb! (CR reviews the Explorer as Worst relliability, even after it has been refined and improved over the 2002 model! sad huh? the new Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute twin is not much better)[/quote:4a8aef1caa]

Thanks for the heads up on the Ford Explorer. I just was upset last night when I wrote that. I still am upset really. I just love the little Element and hope they will change their mind. It would give the little vehicle such a power boost and I think make it even more fun to drive. I betcha the old woodie had a manaul. The Element was such a delight to drive with the stick.....I felt I could have had the best of 3 worlds, it would drive like a peppy little
sports car , have the capabilities of an SUV with the added control of the manual, and the roominess of a van. What more could you want? What are they thinking at Honda anyway? I actually sold my truck to get the particular vehicle I wanted that they promised in the spring.
I will hold off on the Explorer probably but I feel I must look around a bit. I hope we hear from Honda soon one way or the other. I need to make a decision relatively soon. :(

LittleDogBox: you are completely justified in being upset, and one way or another I will get a firm answer for you.. I am doing a lot of hunting, for you and personally.

I do have my Element (4WD EX auto) and I love it! The power and umph is great on it... We did think about waiting and getting the manual too, so I can appreciate how upset you are!

Keep checking in, or keep in contact with me, and I will get an official confirmation for you, ok?

Definately keep your eyes open and look around, for more than one reason, the worst feeling on earth is regret.. and when you do get your vehicle you will know you really looked and are confident and satisfied withyour choice. I did alot of checking (I love cars, so i am always fascinated and love to learn about them). If I can help in your hunt let me know, I would be happy to help! (even if you choose other than an Element, or Honda... :D )

Again good luck, keep checking in.. and take care!

[quote:267f2f517d="LittleDogBox"][quote:267f2f517d="ibutchman"]We feel your pain.[/quote:267f2f517d]

The sad thing is that I REALLY put so much time and energy in going around to dealers, asking questions, test driving, WAITING, sitting in traffic to get to a dealer. Even taking some time off work. I was VERY SERIOUS about getting the Element. I felt it was mine to be had. All I had to do was be patient. Such a BUMMER. I hate how Honda led people on. They even have it in one of their brochures that the model I wanted would be available June, 2003. I FEEL CHEATED and I AM ANGRY as well as SAD. No chance this is a marketing ploy and they will turn around tomorrow and say JUST KIDDING, it will be available after all ?????? I would be totally ticked if I went out and bought something else and found that out. :evil: :x :!:[/quote:267f2f517d]

LittleDogBox, don't despair, According to our rep the 5sp 4WD should still be coming out. We should be ordering ours in April and getting them by late May or June.

car_man_761: you are a dealer?? and you have heard yes element lovers there is a manual 4wd ex??

please say it is so!

Yes, car_man_761 please inform. We hear the AWD DX is coming in 5-speed, but like the CRV, the EX will only be AWD 4-speed Automatic.

[quote:e81276e6b5="GYPSYTDA"]car_man_761: you are a dealer?? and you have heard yes element lovers there is a manual 4wd ex??

please say it is so![/quote:e81276e6b5]

I am a dealer and as far as I have heard they are still being built. I just went to the onda dealer web-site and they are listed on the dealer locator service, which means they expect to have them available. As soon as we order our allocation I will let the group know that they are on the way nation-wide.

car_man_761 Excellent so there is an Expectation of the 4wd Manual!! Please do let us know as soon as you hear more, this is very much appreciated!

Wow! That would be great news. But isn't PSKBear a dealer too?

I'm confused. I was considering dropping the 4WD, and going with a 2WD EX manual. Front wheel drive does pretty well, and you can't take an Element off-road anyway. The manual part is non-negotiable to me, it's fun, cheaper in the long run, and Honda Manuals are bomb-proof.

Actually with most new things, not one person is getting the full story. We have 2 car dealers here on the board who have said yes they are making it, and no they are not.

All we can do is sit and wait, untill it either comes out, or doesn't. :?

Actually we are up to 3 dealers, that I know of here, and I am also checking locally too for answers, and other sources.. one way or another we WILL get a FIRM Official answer, smiles.. hang tight all, the TRUTH will be KNOWN!

yes pskbear is also a dealer, but unfortunately not all reps they deal with are reputable, somewhere along the line info may have been jumbled, and what I am looking for is a total confirmation of the truth & I will get it!

Thanks ! I just want to know the truth. It seems with every call the answer changes. It would be so nice to know what Honda has planned.

Simon: thank you, and I ever so hate when rumors fly like that, just wrong eh? Well one way or another we shall know a yeah or nay on the Truth!

Fellow E enthusists: A dealer will sell his own mother to sell a car...so a little white lie post on the net is no big deal to them...Lesson #1 just because a salesmen said something doesn't mean its true! Think about it ...they want to sell you an E now not later when the 5 spd is available. All you people in coastal CT remember this dealer when shopping your E! Just to be fair, not all dealers are scumballs some are actually nice! Just my 2 cents...

Inmyelement: thank you, and yes overall it is best to NOT trust rumor.. wait for confirmed facts, that is why we are looking into this and appreciate any and all information that can be offered.

Inmyelement,

Not all dealers would sell their own mother to sell a car. There are quite a few very good ones around.

While we appreciate your 2 cents worth, Lesson #2 is that sometimes some salesmen do know more than we do, and sometimes rumors turn out to be true.

Sometimes these salesmen are just trying to be helpful, and passing on the information that they hear.

I don't know any of the salesmen on this board, this board is not getting paid for by the salesmen, or their dealership. There is no gain for me or this board by saying what I have just said. Sometimes, as Gypsytda said, wait for the confirmed facts. We are all looking into this and with some luck, we will have an the right answer soon.

I sold cars for 7 years-I KNOW the business very well! I stated in my previous post NOT all dealers are scumballs, however, most(atleast here in metro Boston) are!
Oh, by the way, I test drove a 5spd 2WD it was great! I'm sure I'll be tooling around in a 4WD one soon!(lets hope?!! :lol: )

Inmyelement,

So, I take it you don't shop for your cars local? :D

I agree, lets hope that the 5spd 4WD is going to be made, and out soon.

sorry I ahven't been able to get online for a few days. No not all dealers are scum bags. If there was a stick version of the Element available I would own it. I wuold have waited for the stick, but in doing my research The answer from high has always been NO stick will be available in the EX4wd. Yes, we want to sell what we have on-hand , but in the same token we don't want people upset at hearing rumors. And that's what I'm tryign to dispell all the rumors associated with this release. If I have been missinformed by Honda I will be th first one to bow my head in shame and make the largest apology I can. But, as it stands now, as I have been told, it will not be available. Thank you.

PSKBEAR: Thank you very much, and we appreciate your helping in this matter, ..

a question is how reputable is your rep?

Is there any way to officially confirm or deny this information?

When will this information be formally released to the public? Or has it been released, if so where was it released at?

Thank you so much!

Those are good questions. The answers that I have been getting are that the 4Wd EX manual should be available for 2004. They really can't give me an exact release date. The rep is phenominal. He has been an extremely nice asset to have. Tehy have not "officialy" released the information yet, due to they are not sure when the official release date in 2004 is. I'm sorry I don't have better information for all of you. As soon as I do, this site will be the first to know.

OK so it is not a NEVER coming out but a DELAY?

That is still much better than saying there will be NO manual 4wd, thank you sooo much, I do appreciate this!

[quote:cbea3b57da="GYPSYTDA"]OK so it is not a NEVER coming out but a DELAY?

That is still much better than saying there will be NO manual 4wd, thank you sooo much, I do appreciate this![/quote:cbea3b57da]

So if this is the case I should plan on hanging on to my Jeep Wrangler for another year before getting the Element I want ??? :(
I just don't understand, dealers in this area are still saying the EX AWD manual will be out this spring.

LittleDogBox: don't give up yet, that is one person and one information.. I am still looking and I have heard word of otherwise, what I am trying to do is get an absolute confirmation.. rather than assume anything or rely on just ONE person.

Thank You PSKBEAR !!!


That makes sense.

PSKBEAR,

We trust you'll give the right info when you get it :)

Good morning all, I spoke with our zone office today and asked when the ex 4wheel drive would be allocated. She excused herself and went to look up the production sch. Was told that all dealers should get one allocated for june delevery, and after that it should be whatever we order in our mix, either 5ps or automatics..
So the official word from the New England zone office is June they shoud hit the ground. If your looking for one and have not put in an order and a deposit on one i would suggest you do so as soon as you can as the first orders in will get the first ones to drop.
Good luck to all waiting to get your 5sp . please let me know if i can help in any way

Thank you. FOr speaking with your Zone as well as mine. For some reason our rep is still saying no '03. I don't know why there is all this confusion over this, especially within Honda. Please keep me posted as to the info, so we can compare notes. Thanks

PSKBEAR: your rep is the only one so far to say the manual 4wd is not coming in.. very odd.. have you talked to your rep since?

Now I shall do the dance of joy! :-D

keymonkey, will you photo graph this dance of joy so we all can share :wink: I am thrilled to, it broke my heart to hear you so upset when the previous announcement had been made!

It goes something like this:
http://www.dancingbush.com/
:-)

keymonkey, you are too much.. that was hysterical... thank you.. Keep us posted.. and get a hold of your dealers to reserve your Manual Element!