Seems that I read a lot about the 2wd models being sold. But, then again I know many like 4wd. So, let's do a little poll for those of you who either (1) already own, (2) bought but are waiting to get your Element, or (3) intend to purchase an Element....


:?:

i got the 2WD cause I didn't see any reason for the 4wd in the south. i won't be going off road and it was just extra weight to me. plus the moonroof over the trunk.

:D Just bought it last night, 4WD EX, will pick it up Friday 1/24 :lol:

The dealer only had 2WD in stock, & I just needed it right then...heh

I have not bought my Element yet.

but I am leaning for the 2wd just because it is in my price range.

and second of all, I don't go off roading. So 2wd will do just fine.

We bought the 4WD. The Element is not really designed for off road, but the 4WD is a real help in the snow. Traveling in the Northeast, you never know when you will need it.

The sun roof over the back really does not matter to us (although the dogs seem to love it), but the gas mileage is close enough to make the 4WD worth it to us.

I got the 4WD Ex. I live in Michigan. Enough said.....Butch

Got the 4WD -- it's a no-brainer up here in the Rochester area, where it has snowed 100+ inches so far this winter, and snowed every single day this January. Sure does help :!:

Leaning towards the EX 4WD manual, but not sure if I can wait until May/June for those to come out! :cry: If I cant wait then I will go with 2WD...

Hi all, i have the 4wd (EX Blue).
I really normall would not care one way or the other about 2wd or 4wd. I always had front wheel drive sporty cars, which tend to do a lot better in the ice and snow then the 4wd vehicles (or perhaps it is operator error on their side).. so I really was not concerned.

I did want the sunroof (since my old prelude and integra had them, i love them) kinda is a must have for me. Sure it is in the back, but I plan to do some camping in this critter. I also got the screen for the sunroof which with the sunroof popper of removed will be a nice heat vent system for the horrible heat we get here!

I also liked some of the other little things you get with the EX 4WD that you don't get otherwise, sooo i figured what the heck, not a huge price difference and the gas economy does not differ too much either.

NOW all that said, and that I have driven around in front wheel drive cars, we all so have a normal pick up with an off road package (with out 4wd). So I have a nice level to gauge with. I drove around some of the steep windy hills north of where I am. They wind they go up and down, great roads I love them!. I was really impressed how the 4wd does work, it really gripped the road beautifully and semed in its ELEMENT on theses roads.

Now I am not an "off roader" nor is that my intention with this vehicle, but I like that it has a nice versatile nature and the driving is just awesome.. So I am definately not disappointed I chose the 4wd!

I thought I would add a little more to help perhaps with the 4wd/2wd differences..

included or differences are:
Obviously the 4wd has 4wd (which is not a make or break for most people)
the 4wd has 1.8 cu ft more cargo volume & 2.5 cu ft more passenger volume.
the 4wd takes 2% of its weight distribuction from the front and moves it to the back, so that does make a drive difference too.
you loe 1city/2hwy mpg on the 4 wd
you get a skylight on the 4wd.

Here are the EX vs DX differences (or in Canada the EX is called the Y).
the EX-Y adds:
ABS & EBD (braking bonuses)
16" alloy wheels
dual power mirrors
metallic grey body panels
a/c with air filtration system
cruise control
you lose the lower storage compartment and gain a subwoofer.
passenger vanity mirror
over head storage compartment
map lights
front & rear 12 volt outlets (the dx has just the dront)
passenger side seat back pockets
driver side bungee loops front & back.
waterproof FXC seat fabric front & rear (DX just the front)
Driver side armrest.
270 wat am/fm 7 speaker (with subwoofer) sound system
MP3 digitl media aux jack
front & side airbag will be avail on the EX in the spring-ish summer!

Hope this helps some out there.. good luck!

I test drove a 4wd Element 2 weeks ago. A week earlier, I would never have thought about purchasing this vehicle. For a year now, i had been intent on getting a VW passat/wagon. A friend of mine at work, username pdub on the message boards, told me he test drove an Element and decided not to get a VW he wanted.
I researched the Element, then test drove it while I was in Dallas for the weekend....I fell in love with it! I can't stop thinking about it! It won't be until APril or May until I can buy one (which SUCKS so bad).

I would like to own a 4WD....but I don't see the practicle use for it since I live in Austin, and really don't need the use of the 4WD. Also, the 2WD is cheaper. Galapagos Green, 2WD with Utility Rack is what Ive decided to get.

If anyone can give me some feedback on how much you enjoy the Element, let me know. I think I am pretty much sold, but I just wan't to hear other people's opinion that have an Element.

Seth

ATT: irishman4980

I have the 4wd EX, and I completely & absolutely love mine.

TURNING: radius is incredible, smooth and tight at the same time
The driving is smooth as well, very car like.
BRAKINGand acceleration, you would swear it is not even on it is so quiet & perfect!
COMFORT: is surprising, i was really surprise it was/is as comfortable as it is, I have been doing alot of driving and am incredibly impressed about the complete comfort.
POSITION: driving position is nice, you are high enough with out it feeling weird
VIEW: the windshield is clear and easy to see out of, i have not noticed glare but if that were and issue those visors take car of that really well, i love the pull out for behind the rearview mirror!
ROOMY: I love the elbow room, you don't feel cramped & crunched, you can move so easily,
BEVERAGES: cup holders are awesome, for the front they are on the floor which works great, you don't bump into them all the time but they are easy to access, and they fit REAL drinks (not a little 4 oz or something silly, i have a 24 oz insulated tumbler that fits perfect!)
PERFECTION: what else can i tell you, it just is the best vehicle i have ever driven and ever seen! Complete LOVE!

Let me know if you want more, I would be happy to answer anything!
Take care & Good Luck!

Well Irishman4980....As soon as I get mine I'll let you know, too bad it won't be for another 2 weeks :( .....Butch

Hi all,

Just got back from a road trip up to NH from NYC. The 4wd was great in the snow and ice. We had a storm (real small a few inches of snow on top of a bit of ice), and the 4WD kicked in as needed. I could feel a bit of a slip, and bam, no more sliding. If you are planning on being in an area where you are driving in snow and ice, go with the 4WD it is worth the extra few bucks.

Okay, I'm fifty and I like the looks of the Element. Maybe it's a midlife crises. What I'm worried about is the 4cyl. engine carrying full loads. Will the engine be screaming when you try and take it up Pike's Peak. Are you better off with 2wd considering the weight?
I'm interested in comments from any anyone who has put some miles on their Element. Are you sorry you didn't wait for the 6cyl, or are you happy with the four?

the 4wd 2wd and the 4cyl 6cyl issue is something honda gets hounded on often.. that was an issue with the CRV and though it has a 4cyl it has more than enough pep and get up and go with out a gas hog 6 cyl!

I drove sooo many vehicles 6 cyl 8 cyl and 4 cyl.. and when i had driven the 4 cyl crv it has more umph then half the 6 cyls.. and more pep then an 8cyl!

So taking that into consideration and I am not with my Element for over a week, and have done alot of driving I have not one complaint.

As far as heavy loads, what were you thinking of piling on your element? it does have some inside weight restrictions.. it can handle a reasonable amount but the really depends on the interpretation of reason eh?

PS I live around some nice winding roads which would make an engine Scream.. and this lil 4cyl does nothing of the kind.. it really loves the inclines as well as the twists and turns!

beside the look of the car i was very interested the realtime 4 wheel drive.
Plus i live in NYC we do snow here.. :D

4 wd does not really do better in the snow, the best in the snow is front wheel drive... Above all it is the driver that is the best asset to the abillity of the vehicle too.

But if you are slip and sliding 4wd will not assist there. The abs and other wonderful items will make the difference.

The 4wd does make it nice on the inclines and windy roads so ENJOY!

I too go the 4wd & love it!

[quote:e6c2730182="GYPSYTDA"]4 wd does not really do better in the snow, the best in the snow is front wheel drive... Above all it is the driver that is the best asset to the abillity of the vehicle too.

But if you are slip and sliding 4wd will not assist there. The abs and other wonderful items will make the difference.

The 4wd does make it nice on the inclines and windy roads so ENJOY!

I too go the 4wd & love it![/quote:e6c2730182]you're the first to said that but sound pretty true to me. My accord did a pretty good job this winter.

I had a prelude which I would fly through the snow (with the greatest of ease) and I was wowed by all the trucks and 4wd vehicles stuck on the side of the road.. you would see the rear wheel drives fish tailing all over.. anyone who had a front wheel drive would sail with out any problem...

I then got my Integra, same experience.. and i would have to tote all the poor people with Mustangs around (with their v6 & v8ss but they were all rear wheel drive)..

Now I have the Element.. but I have driven huge trucks and other vehicles, and you WILL feel the difference.. please when it snows do NOT think you are invincible.. take caution.. be safe & be careful.. the element will be an angel on all other conditions but ice & snow be careful... please! It should be a lot better then most since it is not so high off the ground and has a decent wheelbase.. but just want you to please be careful!

[quote:8f67dbcf2a="GYPSYTDA"]I had a prelude which I would fly through the snow (with the greatest of ease) and I was wowed by all the trucks and 4wd vehicles stuck on the side of the road.. you would see the rear wheel drives fish tailing all over.. anyone who had a front wheel drive would sail with out any problem...

I then got my Integra, same experience.. and i would have to tote all the poor people with Mustangs around (with their v6 & v8ss but they were all rear wheel drive)..

Now I have the Element.. but I have driven huge trucks and other vehicles, and you WILL feel the difference.. please when it snows do NOT think you are invincible.. take caution.. be safe & be careful.. the element will be an angel on all other conditions but ice & snow be careful... please! It should be a lot better then most since it is not so high off the ground and has a decent wheelbase.. but just want you to please be careful![/quote:8f67dbcf2a]oh yes i know not to think im invincible even tho im driving a 4wd min-suv. I know not to be speeding on snow roads or rainy days.

I beleive you, i just am covering that ground for you any anyone out there who things they are all powerful in a 4wd (I know these kinds of people.. and it is sad.. you see them wrapped around a guardrail)

ALL of my neighbors have Jeeps.. it is kinda creepy.. and all have 4wd and every winter I watch (these morons) spinning in circles cause they have no grip..

I just would hate to see injury happen to an Element, err I mean person :wink:

[quote:8c8e5379df="T Mac"]Seems that I read a lot about the 2wd models being sold. But, then again I know many like 4wd. So, let's do a little poll for those of you who either (1) already own, (2) bought but are waiting to get your Element, or (3) intend to purchase an Element....


:?:[/quote:8c8e5379df] You've may have read my story already. I had planned to purchase the EX awd in a 5 speed manual. Still hope Honda plans to build it by spring. It is just wait and see now. :?

xxx

:P

I choose 2WD version with Y package ! I readed some tests about 2WD and I'm really enjoy about some statistcs and comments on this Element !
Skidpad is 0.78G compare to 0.72G for CRV because Element center of gravity is one inch below, suspension a little bit more stiff and wider front and rear track. Also, 2WD version feel as a little compact car, acceleration are very pepppy (0-60 MPH in 8,7 second) and brake are good too. Finally, I didn't have chance to try a 2WD version with stick... but honda transmission-clutch are so good, It will be very fun to drive ! For snow/ice conditions, I'm used to drive front drive car with 4 good snow tires, 4WD is not so much important for me.

Question: I saw into Element canadian website than side mirors have electric defrost but I didn't renember to see this feature when I was tryind the 4WD version. Do you know something about that ???

Thanks,

Eric

ericb: Congrats on your Element, ENJOY!
as far as the 4wd to the 2wd feeatures.. if it is on the 2wd it would be on the 4wd but not visa versa.. same with the standard version to the Y version if it is ont he standard it is on the Y but not visa versa.

Only exception is the subwoofer which takes the place of the storage compartment.

I live way in the country on dirt roads and the 4wd would have helped getting to work, however I chose the 2WD 5 speed because off the incredible peppy pickup. The 2WD auto and 4WD felt like snails next to the awesome zip of the 5 speed. I've driven a Civic EX manual for over 180K miles and it's still pickin' em and puttin' em down. The Element handles even better IMHO. I'm going from 0 to 60 in about 12 seconds. I don't speed, just like to take off fast and turn corners on 2 wheels. The Element feels a little scary doing that trick. Think I'll slow down on the turns.

If you can handle the stick - that's the one you want. Wish I could have made myself wait for the 5speed 4wd, but ........

ATTN: irishman4980,
Your a nerd - just joking (we work togther)
Now I wish I bought a 4WD element. In Austin we've expierienced some pretty harsh winter weather conditions the past few days. Today was the worst. - I got stuck going up a hill in the ice. (along with about 20 other people) I made it past the majority of the group, not very aware of why everyone was parking along the side of the street. Well, I got stuck and to make matters worse my car sat diagonally between two lanes on end of Williams Cannon. Luckily or maybe unluckily for me the road shut down within 5 minutes - police and salt trucks came to the rescue. But did I make it home - no. I parked on the median and walked about a mile to my girlfriend's house. Later the afternoon I came back, got my car of the median and parked it on the side of the street. In conclusion, I could have used a 4WD drive today.... and next time I have the option, I'll be sure to take it.
word to your mom,
:lol: -pdub

[quote:2617e2427d="irishman4980"]I test drove a 4wd Element 2 weeks ago. A week earlier, I would never have thought about purchasing this vehicle. For a year now, i had been intent on getting a VW passat/wagon. A friend of mine at work, username pdub on the message boards, told me he test drove an Element and decided not to get a VW he wanted.
I researched the Element, then test drove it while I was in Dallas for the weekend....I fell in love with it! I can't stop thinking about it! It won't be until APril or May until I can buy one (which SUCKS so bad).

I would like to own a 4WD....but I don't see the practicle use for it since I live in Austin, and really don't need the use of the 4WD. Also, the 2WD is cheaper. Galapagos Green, 2WD with Utility Rack is what Ive decided to get.

If anyone can give me some feedback on how much you enjoy the Element, let me know. I think I am pretty much sold, but I just wan't to hear other people's opinion that have an Element.

Seth[/quote:2617e2427d]

I had my heart set on a VW Passat as well, then I started doing some research and was turned off by the whole ignition coil fiasco, the high cost of repairs, and the need to use premium gasoline. I still think the Passats and Jettas are great cars, but after I saw the Element, I knew that was gonna be the car for me (it's the closest thing I could get to a MINI Cooper and still be practical enough to cart 2 kids around in). I bought a 4WD Ex today. It's in the driveway begging to be driven tomorrow.

Got the 4WD, live in NYC and need it for the winter, handled perfect in the snow. Made a trip up to Toronto during the blizzard weekend. Whenever I stared slipping the 4WD would kick in and bam smooth ride again. ABS was also great, never had it before on any of my vehicles. I was doing about 50 (in the middle of the blizzard) and the cops had closed off the right lane (couple people had hit the ditch) just as I came over a small hill. I hit the brakes and the ABS kicked in, soon as I was slipping to the right the E would pull to the left and straighten. As I came down the hill slowly in the left lane, the cops were clapping. Not sure why, was it way the E handled or because of its looks?

4WD v. 2WD

I bought a 4WD Element. Rational = road hugging.

Test drove a 2WD and felt a slight torque pull from the drive wheel in the front. 4WD doesn't have this.

BUT, I have noticed a slight lug or lag between gas pedal/engine response and wheels actually moving.

Fear, salesmen are salesmen... on purchase the paperwork man (working commission) suggested that this was the first time Honda has ever developed it's own 4WD vehicle. He suggested there might be some kinks to be worked out --- but, I didn't by the extended service policy none the less. :roll:

i got the 2wd because i really wanted a stick, otherwise i would have gone for the 4wd because i want the skylight too. but if i could have got the skylight with 2wd i probably would have got that

I have the 4 wheel drive DX. In the north east, 4 wheel drive occasionally comes in handy for snow. I also sometimes leave the pavement for some mild double track excursions with the dogs.

Hi there! I live in San Antonio and love the handling of my EX 4WD. I rearended someone a year or two ago on a nice misty day so I decided that the 4WD and ABS brakes were an essential. Here it will be dry and dusty for 6 mos. then rain, mist just enough to make the roads like ice.

We took our first road trip to Beaumont last week. My husband plugged his Ibook into the auxiliary outlet and played his Itunes through the stereo system...it was so cool! We played name that tune. Made the trip go by really fast. The Element handled the road great! I was so impressed!! I love my car!! 8)

test drove both, 2&4wd. the 4wd seemed to be lacking the pick up power that the 2wd had, especially getting onto the fwy... :mrgreen:

Article on "Do you really need 4WD??"...

http://autos.msn.com/advice/standardart.aspx?contentid=4021835&src=News

I ordered a 4WD model for the same reason another poster mentioned- I, too, live in Michigan. I have no plans to off-road this car- you'd be a fool to take it stump jumping- but the additional traction will be great in Michigan winters.

I put 125,000 miles on a 1985 Honda 4WD Civic Wagon that as great in the winter. They only sold them in the snow belt, as I remember. A friend still keeps his '86 parked at his father's place in the thumb. (Michiganders will understand that reference) I think of the Element as the big brother to that wonderful little wagon.

:shock:

Very little, non?

Please, our job is to create peace, harmony, understanding, even joy when
possible...and as a member of this board and a citizen of this country I urge you to calm down or take your HATRED to a board where you're understood and appreciated. Please don't spread your garbage in a nice, clean neighborhood. Thanx. Peace & Love .. BEEP BEEP!

Very nicely put tblask.

I haven't ever had 4WD so I could care less really - I don't do any crazy driving and all of the hills I drive on are nicely paved, but the 4WD was all they had in stock and the price difference was barely anything in my lease payment. Furthermore, we get ugly snowstorms here in Cleveland, so it might come in handy then.

I was sort of bummed about the lack of stick availability, but after feeling where the stick would be, I decided I could live with automatic anyway...

Drew

Like Butch, I'm in Michigan.

This means 3/4 or more of the cars on the road are 4WD.

Until yesterday, I never had 4WD. I always figured a pickup truck was good enough. Right?

Now, there's some car commercial out there that features some guy spinning out on the road while 'thinking' about how he should have gotten some 4WD something or other. The other day, my Ranger decided to do an imitation of that and I spun around two and a half times before stopping. And this was going from a total stop at a red light to turning left going maybe 5 MPH at the time. Imagine if I'd have hit that iced area at a higher rate of speed. There'd probably be one less person with an Element out there.

Anyway, I haven't been able to drive in the snow yet. We may have had our last snow storm of the year a few days ago. But I like what I heard so far about how it handles in the snow.

Just came back from Kentucky. Those folks really move, I was in some fast company we were all flying with speeds up to 85-90 and once hit 100!

The company was a slew of sports cars needless to say the Element was the proverbial box of the group. Due to traffic the bunch could not pull away and in general I kept up with the group till we passed a police cruiser at 85 in a 55 zone, then I felt it best to take the exit, gas up and drive 5 above the limit as usual.

To my surprise the performance of the element was well above my expectations. The mpg actually floored me 24 after cruising at an avg speed to 80 overall for 250 miles in the EX 4WD and 220 lbs in it including driver and equipment.

Gee wonder if the aerodynamics change as you go faster!

The 4WD was very good and could feel it working on some of the curves, the engine was plenty good, it did take a while to go from 95 to 100 though, I don't know if it would have gone any faster.

Get the 4WD if the mpg is not too taxing. Even down south when it rains the roads do get rather slick.

Correct observation on 4WD not making folks invincible.

The machine is quiet compared to the CRV or the Xterra and handles much better.

4WD for me brand new today very happy because I got a great deal on a color I didn't want Eternal Blue Metallic I THINK wanted SOP OH WELL BLUE TURNED OUT GREAT

THANK YOU

HONDA OF OAKLAND YOU'RE GREAT

Most people who have 4 WD use it how often? I was in it maybe 4-5 times a winter. And really if the conditions are bad-your speed, how you drive, and caution are more important than having 4wd or ALL WD. If it is icy and you think you can rely on all wheel drive to keep you fine you are an accident waiting to happen.
I bet that more folks get piled up in 4WD or AWD because they think they can do stuff in hazardous conditions that they can not.
So... is 2K more worth it or say 40 bucks a month in payments? $40 more bucks a month could get me and mine some neat stuff like a movie, a dinner, a fine bottle of wine above and beyond the usual, clothes, special cigars (oh my).

bet that more folks get piled up in 4WD or AWD because they think they can do stuff in hazardous conditions that they can not.


You are right about this. In Calgary I see this all the time with guy is Jeeps fly down the an ice road and ending up on the guard rail.

That being said, I believe the the AWD is worth it. We get snow 11 months of the year. Right now it has been snowing hard for almost 2 weeks and I have needed the awd just to get out of my street. AWD also protects you when you are driving cautiously and his some ice. AWD and proper driving make for a safe ride. I guess it depends on when you are and where you go. If you don't get much snow then skip the awd. But at 2k more, for me it was a great deal.

It's not rational to be critical of the value of 4WD for winter accidents when the real culprit is the stupidy of those who drive 4WD, or any vehicle, idiotically.

4WD is as valuable a safety aid as the quality of driving allows it to be, and having it will get cautious and sensible drivers where they're going in bad conditions when 2WD would not. It's no substitute for good driving practice - it's an adjunct to it.

In my life I have had a very ineresting collection of vehicles, and as I get older, I have come to relize that the best combination is 4WD and a stick.

No other combination gives you the control when you need it. Also, notice that reverse gear on a stick is almost always a lower gear ratio than with an auto. I am not sure why that is, but reverse is always the gear that gets you out of trouble.

I currently have a Passat 4Motion, and it is great. You can't skid that thing no matter how hard you try. My wife can now drive with complete confidence in rain and snow. But you can't go camping in it.

I have a Land Rover Discovery. Stick. Big V-8. Full time AWD. Low gear box when needed. that car will literally climb trees. Luxury cruising at 80 mph while sipping tea. Best car I ever owned, but it costs a lot.

I have a 1991 Mercury Capri XR-2 Turbo. Little convertible. Breakneck acceleration. FWD. Deathtrap.

I have a 1998 New Beetle. Factory spoiler. Good mileage, good traction, weird looking. 10 year 100.000 drive train warranty. If they made a Quatro version like the Audi TT, it would be the perfect car. But you can't carry anything in it.


The Element is a nice compromise. A good first new car. A good car to keep for 15 or so years. 4WD is not an expensive option. Ups the reale value and will save your butt some time when you least expect it.

Okay, if anyone needs a 4WD, it is us Coloradians, we live in the mountains and the snow! But, we had a 4Runner with 4WD, and we barely used it in the last 3 years here. Sooooo with that, we decided to get the 2WD. We really could have gotten the 4WD and the sunroof for only $545.oo more, but they only had it in the blue, which my husband really wanted the silver or orange, and they didn't have that, so we settled on the 2WD silverEX and so far it's great.

I know, I really wanted the sunroof, but in both our 4Runner and Camry, we never really use the sunroof, so it wasn't a huge deal.

For only $545.00 more it would be worth it to most people and but to get the color we really wanted, we chose to not get the 4WD and chose to get the color of our preference.

2wd for us

I went with 4WD primarily for the two or three times a year that I will be going down poorly maintained gravel roads or into muddy fields or creeksides.

I don't plan to do any real off-roading, but when you're out prospecting for gold you find yourself in some unusual places that can be uncomfortable in a regular 2WD vehicle. With 4WD, I don't need to worry as much about how I'm going to get out of some of the places I go in to.

It could be helpful up here in the Minnesota winters too, but I've rarely had problems navigating with a 2WD car, so that's just extra. :)

The front wheels of my 4WD slip on gravel and lose dirt.

Hi all, have hd my SSM 4WD EX "E" now since May 10 th and i already have 1300 miles on her and I love it. I'm much happier now that the Jetta with spontanious falling windows is gone lol

I've already got the best of both worlds - a Passat 4-Motion and a Land Rover Discovery. The Land RoOver, with the big V8 will go up tree trunks if needed. The Passat, with its computer whirring away will not skid no matter what you do. With these as my other cars, you would thik I would not want 4Wd in the Element. Wrong! I have learned that 4WD cars retain their value much better than 2Wd cars. At only 2K difference, that 4WD Element will pay it back on the other side.

If you plan to have the car for 5 or more years, that 4wd will save your life somewhere in that time.

I pick up my 4wd e tomorrow, but I'll let you know in year how it works. Or maybe December.

I live in Ontario so 4WD can be handy.

Had a CRV,
Then an Odyssey.
Sure missed the 4WD -
So I got me an E.

Love the green element, EX 2wd in KS. Have a great day....

I could have gone either way.....but decided to take the bull by the horns and go all the way baby....4WD!!!!

I went with the 4WD because we go to the Outer Banks in North Carolina and drive on the beach a lot. I don't want to worry about getting stuck in the sand. So far my E's done great! 8)

I suppose living in Michigan 4WD is a no-brainer. My vehicle will never be taken off road, but besides the snow and ice there are various unimproved roads I'll be travelling. Besides, the 4WD is a cheap option, you get the sunroof, reduced torque steer and better handling all around.

! :oops:

I live in a city where it never snows and it only rains like 3 months out of the year. I got the 2WD. Drove it up to Tahoe and back and it did great! Plus the moon roof in the back is useless for me.

Gotta have 4WD out here in the boonies. Snow on our driveway will strand us.

I am with Sacramento on this,we are in central cal with only seasonal rain.A lot of times driving thru snow in Yosemite 2 hours east you are required to chain up anyway.The extra money for the 4 wheel option didnt pencil out for us both in cost and the extra weight .Also found out our insurance companies charge more money for this!If the engagment of the 4 wheels was also available manually in addition to automatic I might have chosen it..

4wd, and i love it. had it for a month and it has come i handy quite a few time with the snow and moving stuff.

4 wheel is the only way to go. You just never know...... :mrgreen:

Two words, wintery mix, makes the AWD worthwhile. The E performed beautifully driving early morning roads after a significant wintery mix event. My husband, not wowed by the E originally, was impressed. He thought it performed better than our old Subaru 4WD.

I have not purchased yet, but I will buy a 2 wheel drive Element. Four wheel drive vehicles are not invincible, and don't stop any faster than two wheel drive vehicles.

This past Monday I helped a co-worker get out of a parking space he was in as his 4 wheel drive vehicle's wheels were spinning in ice and snow. I pulled out my shovel and kitty liter that I routinely carry in my Accord for such purposes and he was freed in 10 minutes.

Front wheel drive vehicles are great in snow. Besides, here in Maryland we don't get that much of the white stuff.

Enuf said.

For what it's worth: my back parking lot is both sloped and completely unshovelled. In the ice, snow, wet, etc., back there the E's 4WD hasn't let me down. It's such a BIG WIN compared to my last vehicle, a 2WD Taurus.

Plus, the slope lets me test out the ABS that came with the EX model a bit (aimed away from other cars or walls, of course).

Course, now I feel bad since it was I that used to shovel out at least part of the lot before. Now I keep having to change spots when I come home because people with small/2wd cars have taken my old spots because the snow has been packed down well by the E!

I'm curious what 4wd vehicle your coworker had...

-brendan

I'm a skiier...instructor...who skies roughly 40-50 days a year. That alone would be enough, but then my previous vehicles were:
'88 Subaru 4x4
'98 Subaru Outback AWD
'02 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
E!

jesse

[quote:87f90b60fc=" "]
I'm curious what 4wd vehicle your coworker had...

-brendan[/quote:87f90b60fc]

He was driving a 1997 Chevy Blazer. Parked on a moderate incline, he had to back out of the parking spot. Once the wheels starting spinning, he was stuck.

Even during last winter's atypical 60+ inches of snow, I got stuck only once in my 2wd Accord. Front wheel drive vehicles perform beautifully in the snow.

Perhaps even more importantly is knowing how to drive in inclement weather. Allowing plenty of distance between vehicles, driving at moderate speeds, and gentle use of the brakes and acceleration all factor in.

To each his or her own, but I cannot justify the need for 4wd.

Not all front wheel cars are created equally. I had a front wheel drive Acura Vigor, but it was too heavy. It was a nightmare in the snow--even a little of it... :(

Haven't got our E yet, but are leaning toward the 4WD. We like the sunroof and do travel up North in December to celebrate Christmas with our families. You never know if there will be snow, plus we drive through the mountains. Nice feature to have...just in case.

If I never get a 2wd ford ranger stuck I figured awd on an E was just useless extra iron to spin.

only reason to get a 2wd is due to lack of funds to buy the 4wd.
safety (!!!) and fun demands a 4wd.

just driving in the rain makes a 4wd safer choice

out of our 1600 mile trip this past fourday weekend of ours we went off-roading exploring for about five miles...but that was quality five miles (30 minuits), well enjoyed: our dog says "Ooooooohhhhh!" (Cheaspeak Bay Retrivers owners know what this means).

since 1995 all our vehicles are or have been 4wd

My little terrier sounds like he's working just as hard as the car when I drive rough roads. He does have to work at maintaining his balance and postion, but I think his panting is also the result of some nervousness.

paulj

4x4 EX

My last 5 vehicles have been 4x4 or AWD. I don't see ever switching back to 2wd. It may weigh a bit more, it may cost a bit more, it may reduce fuel econ a bit more - but all these are outweighed by the security of having all four wheels clawing at the ground when the weather turns foul. Yes, that even means just rain.

Add in the extra resale value and the fact that you'll never be in a situation where you felt "Man, I wish I'd sprung for 4WD so I could go (fill in snowy/muddy/off-the beaten path activity here) this weekend." and it's a clear winner to me. But then, I'm a die hard AWD/4x4 fanatic. In all, 10 of the 20 vehicles I've owned in the last 16 years have been all or four wheel drive (yes, I know I have a problem). :-D

I haven't gotten my E yet but will be getting the 4x4awd ex mm or ck. :)

Got the 4WD for two reasons - snow here in Illinois (and MI when I go back home), and resale.

Me too, got the 4WD for the snowy NY winters. This Element is awesome in the snow. It is hard to make the E slide. Although I do not plan to sell the E, you never know, and the Resale value will be a lot better too.

Opted for the 4WD. The Portland (Oregon) area has about 150 rainy days a year, and 11,000 ft. Mt. Hood an hour away. There's plenty of opportunity to lose traction around here.

I really wanted the 4WD option, but every car I've owned has had a sunroof and within time, they've all developed a water leak. I rains alot in south Florida, so I had to sacrifice the 4wheel option for a dry interior...bummer!

No question here for me......4WD is the way to go in Canada,,,,,,like a mini-tank in the snow!!!

My last vehicle was a S10 4WD. This was the first time I owned a 4WD. Now I don't want to be without it.

Central PA = mountains, bad winters and hauling ski gear up narrow gravelly snowy roads. 4WD was the only option.

2wd. Not many hills or much snow in Florida. Besides, my other vehicle is a Ford Expedition 4x4 (company car) so I didn't need the 4wd.

Shawn

2WD for the ultimate reason that all my driving is urban, and Seattle only has one snow day a year. As for the rainy/wet roads... it's nothing the right kind of tires can't handle. If I ever move back to Idaho (where I gew up), I'll just have to appreciate my 2WD E by taking it to a parking lot for some snow cookies.

Not too worried about cruddy conditions either way: have had enough snow experience with a Prelude and Mazda truck 2WD to know what I can and can't do... and what I can do to eventually do the things I can't.

Of course the lower price of the 2WD made the decision to buy one a nobrainer for me. If I had had a barka-lounging 2 grand in my bank account, I wonder if I would have bought an AWD instead? I don't know. I'm so in love with my 2WD E that the ability to ponder choosing another option is totally clouded. I suppose that happens to us all... then again, the choice does seem obvious for those of you who live in rural settings/super snowy settings/etc...

4WD for me:

1. Since I'm off-road a bit for camping and cycling on occasion.

2. I thought it may be safer, better handling in the wet and/or in emergency situations.

3. The rear sunroof was also appealing, so it was basically a no-brainer for me.

4. Tire wear should be more even front to back, too, but, of course, rotating the tires periodically would take elimate that as a potential problem.

Doug

What sold me was- if the front gives the back kicks in. How often does the front give in an understeering van/suv. if it's anything like the minivans I have driven, the front tires light on fire trying make some turns at speed. in the element as soon as i hear the front slip, the back kicks in and rotates the car around. when making the desision- i couldn't try it out but i went with logic and it paid off. very happy with my 4wdex. very neutral handling with under in the begining/sudden over in transition/neutral after 1/4 of a turn.