The Car Is For Kids, But Gramps Is Driving (http://www.theday.com/eng/web/news/re.aspx?re=A77801F5-B6A4-4572-935E-BD4BB981A649)

by GEORGE P. BLUMBERG
TheDay.com

Ahh..yet another article stating that the Element can be hosed out! :roll:

"Even the best-researched plans can have unintended consequences, as Honda found. “We pitched the Element to 18- to 25-year-old males as a big box which could be like a rolling dorm room, and hold their stuff,” said Andy Boyd, a company spokesman. But the Element's quirkiness — with its wide-open interior space and rubber floor — appeals as much to older hobbyists, families and businesses, who like the utility and the fact that the vehicle can be hosed out."

Wrong and wrong again.

Still... The primary point is being made. People of all ages (particular the more 'experienced' ones...) appreciate the no-nonsense utility and functionality of the E. This is the key discriminator in evaluating E's against CRV's, RAV4's, etc.....

As a Grandpa who drives an E I wonder how Honda could adapt the 2006 brochure. The 2005 version computer colorized to add Rallye Red and kept all the old pictures and text. Will the person hosing his E down be computer aged to match the reality of the older driver population?

Wow, an article (even if it is syndicated) from my old hometown paper. I'm impressed.

That is a great article. As a Grump-E Grampy I was pleased that Honda people are taking note that the E isn't just for the young and sport-E.
:)

I don't fall into the demographic now either. But the E would have been perfect if I was still in my early 20's. Sometimes I think I bought it because I was reminiscing. But I did use the E to bring home a TV stand for my new 52" HDTV. And as a single guy I'm saing money not having to get a hotel room when I'm with a woman.

I fall right into the demographic they pitched the E to. 24 y/o male that likes to do out-doorsy things, has a pet, hates most SUVs...etc etc.

Honda, you got me. It took me a few years to get over the plastic panels. But then I realized that SUVs are always ugly. So why try and pretty them up anyway? All the fancy curves and shiny wheels on the Escalade can't mask the fact that it's a big fat pig of a vehicle. :-D

All the fancy curves and shiny wheels on the Escalade can't mask the fact that it's a big fat pig of a vehicle. :-D


Hahahaha! :lol: I heard they were redesigning it for 2006...

Well, I'm not Gramps . . . but I did purchase my Element with my elderly mother in mind. Her wheelchair fits right behind the passenger seat and, she easily steps up on the side bars to get in! I'm not a camper, but I appreciate the ability to rearrange the seats when I go to town to shop. :-D

I was speaking with a Honda designer, He claims so many familys (like myself) have bought the E they are considering getting rid of the suicide doors. I would not have bought the E without them. It can climb right in and put on the seat belts. My 2 year old spilled a cup of OJ on the floor. While my wife was driving I cleaned it up with some napkins. It's really amazing how versatile the E is.

I was speaking with a Honda designer, He claims so many familys (like myself) have bought the E they are considering getting rid of the suicide doors. I would not have bought the E without them. It can climb right in and put on the seat belts. My 2 year old spilled a cup of OJ on the floor. While my wife was driving I cleaned it up with some napkins. It's really amazing how versatile the E is.

Please don't change the
"Suicide" Doors....!!!!
That is one of the reasons I shopping for a new Element...
If they (public) want regular doors buy a CR-V same engine and better MPG.
Leave the "E" alone.....

Ron D

:) I'm 46 and love it, my 7 year went crazy when I bought it:)

I'm 45 and my teenage son is hoping I'll let him drive it. Yeah right! When hell .....
This E is the first car that I've ever bought for myself and I'm loving it! I am so into this car. My kids are getting old enough that I can once again feel like an individual and not just a father and husband. This ain't no mid-life crisis. I just finally bought a car for myself. My wife and kids ask why I work on my E so much. Hopefully, one day my sons will get it. I think my youngest will. He wants to buy a cheap car and fix it up.
I really want to install a DVD/Navigation unit in my E, but I know the sons will want to "play" with it and it will end up being used by them. I'll wait until they go off to college and then break loose with electronics. It's amazing how kids think everything is about them.

Thank you EOC!!!

I'm 66 and love it! Nothing I have had is as practical as this machine. Did I say I love it??

I'm 66 and love it! Nothing I have had is as practical as this machine. Did I say I love it??
I'm 67 and I agree, although it's my wife's car.

The suicide doors are pain at the malls.

I say make the rear doors sliding open instead of swing open. This way, it is much easier to get in when the parking space is tight while keeping the large opening for easy loading.

I'm 67 and I agree, although it's my wife's car.

I traded the Element last week for an 05 Pirus as it was the wifes car. Then the next day I got to thinking,what would they offer on my 2001 New Beetle to get the Element back. They made me an offer I couldn't refuse. So now the Element is back in my driveway and is all mine.

The suicide doors are pain at the malls.

I say make the rear doors sliding open instead of swing open. This way, it is much easier to get in when the parking space is tight while keeping the large opening for easy loading.

The sliding door might be something to think about. :roll:
I like the suicide doors.
My Dad has a Tundra with the suicide doors on the pickup..
Most pickups that are extended Cabs. have the suicide doors.

As far as parking and doing the Two Step dance with the
suicide doors well it hasn't been much trouble for me in my Dads pickup.

Whether in the Pickup or my wife's mustang I usually park where
the suicide doors would not be an issue..

As a matter of fact after parking while at the mall the wife asks
"where is the Shuttle...."

I was even that way with my 13 year old pickup and it didn't have
suicide doors even though it was an extended cab.

No parking lot damage on that truck and she looooked good when
I sold Her.....:grin:

Ron D

I traded the Element last week for an 05 Pirus as it was the wifes car. Then the next day I got to thinking,what would they offer on my 2001 New Beetle to get the Element back. They made me an offer I couldn't refuse. So now the Element is back in my driveway and is all mine.
Now that is funny! I almost got a Prius.

Still... The primary point is being made. People of all ages (particular the more 'experienced' ones...) appreciate the no-nonsense utility and functionality of the E. This is the key discriminator in evaluating E's against CRV's, RAV4's, etc.....

Couldnt agree more..!:) ..

I don't know about most folks, but when I was between the ages of 18 and 25. I didn't have 2 nickles to rub together. I'm 37 now. I bought my E at 35, and it was the first brand new car I've ever bought. Wasn't able to afford one until now. Kids is spoiled these days. I guess I'll find out soon. Expecting one in June.

Kid on the way, huh? Good thing you've got seats that can be wiped out. You'll be wiping throwup, milk, etc. Fortunately the E is easy to vacuum/sweep out. As the child gets older and the arms get longer, your windows may not stay that clean. :) Hey, it's much more important that you enjoy your child than fussing over a piece of metal. Take that kid fishing, camping, hiking, biking, and all that fun stuff in that E. Take him/her out on long drives in that E. Fold down those seats and read him/her a story and thenlook at the stars through the moonroof. My sons are teens now. Enjoy your child, they grow up fast.

heh, well I got mine at 27 (a week from my 28th B-Day) It's my first new car. I had wanted an E since they came out, but I could not afford it at that point. Besides I wanted 4WD and a 5speed... and that was not avalible when it came out any how... As well we bought it with kids in mind, and our first is due in May. :D

Also, now that I have my E, my dad wants one!

speaking of the prius, I'm going to need a second car soon since my ole 84 mercedes diesel is now gone(rust). thinking either a VW TDi or a civic hybrid. (I commute 60miles/day)

Well, I'm not Gramps . . . but I did purchase my Element with my elderly mother in mind. Her wheelchair fits right behind the passenger seat and, she easily steps up on the side bars to get in! I'm not a camper, but I appreciate the ability to rearrange the seats when I go to town to shop. :-D


We too had my 91 Year old mother in mind. She loves the car. Easy for her to get in and out of. We just love driveing It !

I am 22 and single, I just bought the E because I liked it, it is my second vechicle that I have owned on my own with out my parents help, and my first SUV. The only thing I use it for is of course when I go shopping, packing my friends in when we go out or whatever and then when I bought my E you got a free Honda Lawnmower (some dealership BS which I didn't need in the first place, but Hey! It was free) that I turned up the seats and loaded it in with no problem! Other than that I am usually the only one in it, so I guess I really don't use it for what it was intended for! :grin:

Never had a Honda until now. Have always had F-150's or SUV's. I'm 55 and love this little, or not so little on the inside toaster. It's great for carrying mtn. bikes and camping gear. Taking it to Prescot, Az. this FEB. and expecting to really appreciate it.:)

Too bad the article expired. The Day is the paper my wife grew up reading. She has my 2003 E and I have a 2005. The neighbor's think we are nuts, but Honda is a great car company and the E in particular is just what we need for the New England weather. I am 61 and well, she is not 29 any longer.

Maybe for kids but at 41 I like too

I'm 18 right now. First had the accord but then that went bye bye and in came the Element. Compared to the other cars i've had like the Acura CL and TL, my Echo 3 is on the top of the list.

:D Hey I'm over 21 but still a kid at heart. :cool:

I'm 30, but I still get carded everytime I buy alcohol, does that count? :roll:

I was speaking with a Honda designer, He claims so many familys (like myself) have bought the E they are considering getting rid of the suicide doors.

Well, this may be a little picky but the Element doesn't have suicide doors. It has clamshell doors. Suicide doors open independently front and back. The last US car that did this was the 1960/61 Lincoln.

As for the clamshell doors, I too vote for keeping them. Yes, if I park without paying attention, it can be difficult. But, the number of times that is an issue versus the flexibility of the wide open loading space is marvelous.

Oh yeah, I'm a gramps too!

"Oh yeah, I'm a gramps too!" So glad to see some of my senior citizen peers hang out here. Oh well, I'll throw down for all to see, just turned 65 and still haven't decided what I want to do when I grow up, . . . and I refuse to grow up. :cool:

:twisted: :) Ok, Ok ... I'm way over 21.......

:lol: 21 + 20= 41 for me.....I am a guy. I can say my exact age...he,he,he:)

:) Well, if I post my age... I will stop getting all the emails from the young guys on the forum.:twisted: They think I'm a really hot chick..and it would really ruin it for them... I can't do that to them... Bob :twisted:

This is my second Element. Put 86K on the first one. As a "young" Grandpa at 56 I enjoy the headroom and the built in Satellite Radio is a real help on long trips (see reference to 86K in 2 years). My kids think I've gotten off the plantation again....they renamed the car "The Elderment"

I've had Blazers, Tahoes, and assorted other vehicles, but keep making 'em Honda and I'll see you again in 2 years.

"The Elderment." LOL! That wuz good, give the grand kids a hug for me.

“We pitched the Element to 18- to 25-year-old males as a big box which could be like a rolling dorm room, and hold their stuff,”
And have a place to plug in a MP3 player to a 270W stereo with a rockin' sub woofer, front and rear seats that lay down and mate up to make a nice, long, comfy beds, rear seats that fold up out of the way or removed to make a BIG cargo area, LOTS of head room for tall folks like me, easy to get in and out of for senior citizens like us, nicely equipped EX for $18,670. and that includes shipping. Floors that you can damp mop, (not hose out), and a Honda vehicle that holds their value much better than most.

I'm semi-retired senior citizen and enjoy working in my licensed profession and I use the E for a route vehicle and it is VERY easy to work out of. Open both side doors and tols and equipment easy to load or reach in and grab what I need. Open the rear hatch, drop the tail gate and sit down and have a cool drink of water in the shade and shoot the breeze with customers and friends.

How often I go to someones home to do a job and when I open both doors they say, "WOW, I never saw one of these up close before!" After I give them the 50 cent tour they say, (in effect), that is really a nice practical vehicle, or, it would be great for kids, or no problem with dog hair on the seats and capets in there. Nothing but sand here on the SC coast and always a problem with carpet floors, but not in the E. :-) Spill oil on carpet floors and you have a spot forever, E floors, wipe it up and get on with the job. WHOA! Neighbors kid spilled a big glass of milk on the carpet floors of their nice, new SUV and it soured and stunk to high heaven.

I could go on, but you catch my drift and I totally agree, the E is not for everyone, but when you get up close and personal with the E they have a LOT to say for themselves. I see more and more of them and the Scion xB on the roads and going to make a prediction, the E and xB are going to catch on and sales are going to boom big time.

I'm a veteran and when we were looking at buying our E I said something about buying American and salesman said Honda America uses more American parts in their vehicle than the big three. Don't know if that is right or wrong but if it *IS* correct I believe ALL Honda salesmen should use that in their sales pitch.

Concerning age and gender of the members, kissya replied:

"Well, if I post my age... I will stop getting all the emails from the young guys on the forum. They think I'm a really hot chick..and it would really ruin it for them... I can't do that tothem... Bob"

With that in mind, . . . . . check out this lonely hearts newspaper ad.

THIS APPEARED IN THE ATLANTA JOURNAL AND HAS TO BE ONE OF THE BEST SINGLES' ADS EVER PRINTED.

"Very young, very pretty, single, female seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a girl who loves to play and I love long walks in the woods, riding in pick-up trucks, hunting, camping, and fishing trips. Cozy winter nights, laying by the fire with you and candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I will be at the front door when you get home from work wearing only what nature gave me.
Call 404-XXX-XXXX and ask for Daisy. I will be waiting."

OVER 15,000 MEN FOUND THEMSELVES TALKING TO THE ATLANTA HUMANE SOCIETY ABOUT AN 8-WEEK OLD LABRADOR RETRIEVER.

Oh well, . . . like the man said, . . . "you can't win 'em all . . . ."

:) Woof!:)

My Echo 5 is the greatest! Everyone who sees it asks me about it and I am seeing more and more on the road. Go Element!!!!

The Associated Press is running with a story on older Element drivers. I think it ran in a number of papers today. They called me and some other club members apparently.

http://www.mdjonline.com/90/10205502.txt

Couple more color photos from AP story

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051228/BUSINESS/512280359/1003

The Associated Press is running with a story on older Element drivers. I think it ran in a number of papers today. They called me and some other club members apparently.

http://www.mdjonline.com/90/10205502.txt
Great catch! Prime for the Review and headline forum.:)

Great article!

I also like the kids' "Elderment" comment.

Myself, I'm 44, apparently only an average-age buyer, I thought I was youthful!

JT

"Even the best-researched plans can have unintended consequences, as Honda found. “We pitched the Element to 18- to 25-year-old males as a big box which could be like a rolling dorm room, and hold their stuff,” said Andy Boyd, a company spokesman. But the Element's quirkiness — with its wide-open interior space and rubber floor — appeals as much to older hobbyists, families and businesses, who like the utility and the fact that the vehicle can be hosed out."

Wrong and wrong again.

What do you know about hosing down the vehicle. Did you hear it on a commercial or did someone tell you?

Great article!

I also like the kids' "Elderment" comment.

Myself, I'm 44, apparently only an average-age buyer, I thought I was youthful!

JT

yeah, yeah, my grown son tells his friends his mom's going to an Eldermeet with her Elderment.....way funny.
yet then he sees the pics online after a meet or campout and thinks it looks like great fun!.

I just love the E - it's so accommodating.:-D
j.

In reply to the american content, I believe my "sticker" says 60% american sourced parts and it is built in East Liberty Ohio. I work with a guy that bought a Ford Fusion and the whole car is built in Hermosillo MEXICO. HMMM buy american? Looks like Honda is way more american.

nuff said

Rob