Hello, I am now to this group, but I have been crazy about the Element since I saw the concept last year at Houston Auto Show '02. I am in desperate need of a new car this year, and the Element seems like a perfect fit. I am curious why others who bought an Element, or want to, are making this choice. Because the Element is a brand new model, I feel a little wary of it.

SO I'm setting up a poll, based on the reasons I'm considering an Element, to find out what every body loves about it, and I welcome any comments, particularly why you might have picked an Element over another comparable vehicle. I looked at dozens of models at the Auto Show, but nothing else held my attention like this weird little vehicle.

Thanks!
Rob S.
Houston

Even though there is more than one answer to your question, I hope this voting helps you in your decision....Butch

Let me count the ways:

I fell in love with the picture first. That square stubby shape and the two-tone exterior - it just grabbed my attention. I read up on it and learned it had lots of neat features. 4 wheel drive, a sky light, and seats that fold flat to make a bed for camping. (Right now, the rear seats are folded flat with a fuzzy LLB car seat cover over them, to make a bed for my dogs.) I would never have considered buying a new car with these two big dogs to haul around - except for the easy-clean no-carpet floor and the waterproof stain resistant practically indestructible seat covers. I took it for a test drive and loved the way it feels. Sturdy, rugged, responsive, plenty of pep. I love the big square side mirrors with hinges that bend in both directions - with my skills getting in and out of my narrow garage door opening, other mirrors would be ripped off the car by now. I like the big dials for the climate control -- easy to adjust without taking your eyes off the road. I like the big wide windows - great visibility in all directions. I like the high-up driving position. I especially like the tall roof and all the headroom - it feels really spacious inside.

I like practically everything about my Element. It's new and it's shiny and it's ALL MINE!!!! :D

I wanted a small SUV, not a big monster Suburban or Expedition. Most of them, though, feel cramped inside to me. (I'm tall and long-legged). I loved the look of the Subaru Forrester until I test-drove one. Just too damned small inside. I admired the Rav-4, but the same problem. I wanted no more than four seats - I rarely carry more than one passenger, except the dogs. I really wanted rear seats that could come out entirely (I haven't taken them out yet, but I'm still happy that I could, if I wanted to). Most of the rest was icing on the cake for me.

I'm gonna buy the element because

A) Its so practical it puts everything else to shame :!:
B) Its not cute, but its not ugly :!:
C) I can afford it :!:
D) Honda has a superb reputation, they make the worlds best engines :!: and all their cars are reliable :!:

Someone should add “Fuel Economy” as an option in the Poll

8.8L/100km is great for a truck of that size.

I carry a lot of stuff and some of it is quite expensive, so having all that enclosed space, at a resonable size & price, was a major factor, and anyway it does look like its straight out of Robotech.

P.S. When the seats are out the back is huge! I mean really really big, even with the seats folded up you have no idea how much room there is.

I carry a lot of stuff and some of it is quite expensive, so having all that enclosed space, at a resonable size & price, was a major factor, and anyway it does look like its straight out of Robotech.

P.S. When the seats are out the back is huge! I mean really really big, even with the seats folded up you have no idea how much room there is.

All of the above was not an option!!

I love Honda reliability, you can not beat that! Sure the resale is nice, if you can part with it! I likely will have to gnaw an arm off first!

Gas mileage, convenience, wash-ability, wicked cool looks... AND does not look like every (yawn) car out there!

I was considering the CRV, but I had reservations... i hate that fabric (ick) and it was kinda average looking overall.

I had watched the Element grow from concept car to prototype to it will be coming soon. I thought initially how ugly, then I started reading, humm how neat, how innovative, how impressive, how cool... drool....

It continued to progress from there as I read, and learned more... I had NO Reservations (being a Taurus we are slow about EVERYTHING! well most of us!) so making a decision for me on a vehicle is a process (a long one)...

Then it came to the dealer, I met the Element, I drove the Element, I was taken... it was love! The drive smooth, the head room unreal (I am a Klutz and tend to bump my head when I get in and out of cars, and I am not tall). The back wow... the room... you can have two people back there and a couple more sitting comfortably on the floor.. That much space (typically people barely have enough room for legs, and that is questionable at best). The cargo area is nice, and easy to get to! I LOVE the wash-ability... I always found carpeted interiors insane, I never quite got that.

As a kid we had an old Chevy station wagon, that was built like a tank, and the interior was completely utility only... i loved that then... the Element takes it up a peg with it being utility but comfortable and warm, i look forward to seeing how it is in the summer, the back tinted windows should help, along with the vented back windows and the screen i am getting for the sun roof! (The old Chevy was icy cold in winter and an oven in summer that was the down side)

I really can not say enough about this vehicle, the visibility is incredible (as described in a vehicle review it is like a Plasma screen TV) there are not blind spots, and maneuvering is amazing... super awesome car!

Good luck with your decision!

Robotech?! I loved that show! Anyhow, I want a small but roomy, practical, fuel efficient, fun to drive vehicle! I was going to go with an Accord (nice car) but seems so boring and generic...But the Element is just so cool!

Hee I agree with your (1manparty) statements.. about the roomy, pratical & fun factors of the Element!

Andyeah I was considering the CRV but it was kinda yawn.. see the is the problem Honda has, they make awesome vehicles, that last, and you really can depend on them but they have no style, they are so boring!

FINALLLY THE ELEMENT has come to save us!

Gypsy I think your right. Hopefully Honda will take more chances on design. I also have noticed Toyota (another great brand) cars are beginning to look the same or just like Lexus'. Why buy a Lexus when you can have a Camry much cheaper....Butch

yeah, make a more expensive line, but have the exact same thing available for less.. just choose 20K more for this name or 20K less for this name.. ugh makes you wanna scream doesn't it?

Take note of the (Acura) MDX & the (Honda) Pilot, i knew they would be the same before they started showing the Pilot.. but they really are the differences are minor really minor, but hey you have the choice to pay what is it like 10K or more! Scream!

Oh well.. guess it works huh?

I had purchased a new CRV this month for my wife. I then saw the Element and even at my age 55, I liked the Concept. I purchased mine for
1) Honda Reliability
2) Gas Mileage
3) Camping
4) Hunting
5) Just having fun Driving one and having everyone look at it.
6) Hopefully, good resale value, but I don't think that I'll sell it. I traded in a Jeep Liberty for the CRV and a Dodge Dakota Truck for the Element. Those vehicles sure didn't retain alot of value in todays market.

Congrats on your Duo Honda SUV family! how cool!

Yeah the Honda's are and do hold their value amazingly well, if you can part with them. And yes it is a shame so many others drop dramatically as you drive off the lot.. I know a friend who went through heck with her Dakota.. it is a shame too, both the Dakota & Liberty have nice styling just have bad companies, and the vehicles themselves have not done well. Alas everything has a purpose!

Again CONGRATS!

Thanks for your posts GYPSYTDA:

Yea, I'm glad I got rid of my Jeep Liberty and Dakota P/U while they still had some value left. My son who sells cars in Ohio said that people bringing in the PT Cruisers for trade now are finding out what upside down means on their trade-in I sure enjoy the better gas mileage with the Hondas. I'm glad from reading all your posts that you sure are happy with your Element. I'll bet that I'll keep this Element around for a long time.
Sure is different and fun having everyone stare at you going down the highway. Cannot get used to this much attention yet. :D

Dennis1: you are very welcome.. and I am glad you came back to Hondas.. they came along way baby eh?

I always keep an eye on other manufacturers for several reasons, one so i am not shortsighted, and have a universe revolving around one entity.. but it does get proven again and again how incredible Hondas are, on so many levels. I also keep an eye on them (other manufacturers), cause I am a curious person.. and am intrigued by automobiles, always have been always will be.

It is a shame that American cars do devalue so rapidly, and they do (more often than not) require being replaced so often (due to poor reliability, and so on). American vehicles have the most unique and innovative styling but they need to be more than skin deep!

Again enjoy, and keep checking things out here, there are some great minds & great ideas here.. very nice community of people!

the look, plus i want something affordable yet have the 4wd function. also honda is a very reliable car company.

Has Honda missed part of their demographic? I'm a thirty-something always-working-mom who thought she'd died and gone to heaven when we saw, and test drove the Element...I mean could there be a better solution for hauling around my EXTREMELY messy 5 yr old and her 18 month old brother? And talk about gear??? Ask any mom about having to haul gear...sigh...But the best thing is that we won't have to be sucked into the dreary twilight zone of minivan-doom to do it! I've been resisting the purchase of another stepford vehicle and the Element has come to my rescue...And just to make it sweeter the "mom-thing" is satisfied by Honda quality and what a value! So you take the no-carpet thing and those doors (oh those doors!) and Honda should start paying attention to those of us with live cargo!

Lisak your are in very good company.. When I told all my mommy friends I thought they would drool when I described the interior.. they all agreed this sounded like the PERFECT MOMMY MOBILE! Heck washable anything falls in mommy category!

There are other peoples here with young'ens soo youare really in the right zone!

Yeah I think it is ideal, myself.. we are in the still yet planning zone of potential parentdome.. and if I were to get (gasp) a stepford wagon, it would have to have all the toys, whic puts you at around 40K by the time youare done.. and I hate leather but I would consider it for the kid proofing.. so yes my dear you are a welcome owner, grin!

Another thing is the demographic Honda intended was due to the fact they did not have a large market with young guys, they had the women they had the creeping toward 40 and up.. they were not as concerned about us anymore they had us.. we like relliability, we like a good safe dependable good mpg vehicle.. soo that was no longer a challenge for them..

Now they lost that market when they killed off the prelude and crx.. had they not done so perhaps we would not be lucky enough to have the ultimate Honda EVER! sorry crx & prelude, you are missed!

The interior utility. The easy maintenance of the interior. I plan on using the E for the daily drive and camping and exploring timber company properties for MOOSE, BEAR, etc. Just to photograph and observe..

The swing up rear seats, MP3 player, wide down floor, water resistant seats, real tailgate. Now, if Hydaui would've made this vehicle I'd never think about it. Honda quality makes it.

"I second that motion"!

great comments & great ideas.. wow I wanna see some of those bear and moose pix.. do share, thank you!

xxx

[quote:9b23555890="Sharp"]After going to England and seeing the mini panel trucks(?). Yea, these things were like pregnant mini-coopers. I thought someone should take a compact truck and make a panel truck. Well, this is pretty close.[/quote:9b23555890]

snicker, giggle, :lol:

I love the durable interior. My kids are grown and almost gone but we all still eat and drink in the car and I love the idea that we can't stain the seats and floor. Another reason I love my Element is how easy it is to load gear into it. Putting my bike in the back will be a breeze and sooooooo much easier on my middle age back!

Some many reasons, so many people asking....

I tell them it reminds me of a sharpei (my E's orange) kinda cute, kinda ugly, with a lot of really cool "folds". I also tell them I think its kinda cute, kinda ugly - so it's "pretty" ugly. My mother still doesn't understand.
sigh

In addition to the bulletproof interior, I made up my mind to by my wife a 2WD EX when I sat in the rear seat and could stretch my legs out with the front seats all the way back! There must be more rear seat leg room than in those old Checker cabs :D

I have to admit, I bought mine purely because of it's look. And because I needed a 4WD for all this snow! The night I brought it home, I hadn't even seen it in daylight or looked at the interior that well-couldn't have told you what color the floors were! :oops:

I have also followed the inception of this vehicle for some time into the mainstream market and I have loved watching it every step of way. I don't really have a main reason for purchase just alot of really good ones. For one I know the element was designed for college kids to get dirty but I started thinking that if the element would stand up to mud it would probably stand up to happy meals also hehe. Another was because of that demographic the rear seats were also designed to accomidate adults. While I have two kids and no adults riding in the back, we do travel alto and if you would have seen mychildren trying to curl up in the back of a two door ford explorer with basically helicopter jumpseats comfort wise. You would have felt sorry for them to. Yet Another was that I am a member of the Coast Guard and I could be stationed anywhere in or out of the continental U.S. The 4wd will be an imprtant feature should we find ourselves in Alaska in a couple of years. This vehicle was one of the cheapest 4wd vehicles in the market. And Lastly was honda's superb reputation for reliability. This vehicle is for my family while I am content to drive any old aging clunker I can get my hands on, I expect the best for my family and right now they are riding in a new blue 4wd ex.

The day i bought my Element I was actually thinking of getting a CR-V!!!
I went down to one of the Honda dealerships with my mother, to test drive Cr-v's. This is of course after hitting the other manufacturer's dealers to have ride comparison references of the smaller SUV's. (.. never having driven anything taller than myself before..)
Well, we were very impressed with Honda's quality. And before the test drive was over, we knew that the CR-V was the SUV that would be in my driveway that afternoon. Well, all that changed when we pulled back into the dealership. At that very moment, a couple of lot boys were setting up a display of three ODD LOOKING vehicles in the middle of the lot. The words that came rushing out of my mouth were "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!!!" My mother (who is 73yo btw) quickly followed with "Yeah, What the hell is That!"
And she never swears!!! She and I quickly got out of the CR-V and sprinted over to this Giant Flaming Orange Tonka Toy!! The SalesLeach told us all about it and showed us all it's nifty tranformer tricks. We demanded a test drive!! If one can demand anything whilst gigling with glee. Needless to say, before the test drive was over, we knew that the Element was the SUV that would be in my driveway later that afternoon! Well, not that Element exactly. (The SalesLeach blew the sale by treating us as the"dumb blonde" and her "feeble minded, litlle old lady" mother. Little did he know that he was dealing with an intelligent natural brunette and her retired real estate broker/ former accounting manager mother.) After some insulting, hardcore rude B.S. sales tactics and alot of Questionable arithmatic. We walked out and drove to the next Honda dealership and an hour & a half later my driveway was the proud supporter of a silver 4wd EX!!! tee hee hee!

Versatility, 4WD as needed (like when two wheels are on ice), price.

As demonstrated by the original VW bug and bus, and the Corvair GreenBriar (my fave - I've owned 2 of em, still hate O-Rings), Jeeps, vans, etc., the world has always loved practical, versatile, affordable, not-too-many-frills vehicles. But everything's been going upscale lately. I HATE scrubbing road salt out of the carpets in my Safari!

I'm glad Honda has re-identified and addressed this market niche, but it's too bad they missed the demographic or we might see some more useful options.

Thanks for that great story, SMOG. The Element just has this effect on people (well some people). I envy you, I'm still lusting for one.

Again, CONGRATULATIONS, ENJOY!


P.S.
Your Mom sounds cool.

I smiled, (giggled). I'm 37 years old and have never bought a new car, (I've owned at least 20 cars though) . I test drove the usual players , and was uninspired. I was begining to think I would never find a new vehicle that would motivate me to have a car payment, until I sat in a element.
WOW! I felt like a kid with a new toy. This thing is cool. Long story, short- I bought it and love it for all the reasons mentioned by the other members. I like the fact it's a little eclectic. I'm going to be a little disappointed when they become common. I am truly in my element! :D :D

i bought it for all of those reasons, well except for the first one. i never heard it compared to tonka until i found this site. i loved my civic, so i knew what i was getting into and to expect. bEEp bEEp, i love my E

the element is a great vehicle. im a big guy...6'4...and it can hold four of me comfortably and its great to take to the lake...:razz:

All of the Above of course!
jurn

All of the Above of course!
jurn
SAME for me....8)

I've always been a little "off kilter" so I thought the E matched my personality (especially the bright green kiwi). I also love the versatility and reliability!

I really wanna say-all of the above. But, since you said Tonka Truck and Robotech in the same answer I had to go with that one :-)

Well, I love "toy" looking cars; before the amazing "E" I drove a 2000 Beetle, but got tired when everywhere I looked one drove by. I think the "E" looks Transformer like, yes I am a 80's kid. I went out and bought me a "Decepticons" decal for my Kiwi "E". I'm loving the "E" in more then just looks, drives, and space. I Love my Element!:razz:

It was the only vehicle the salesman would let me bring my dog, Gus, along for a test drive in.

It would be better as multiple guess poll. I'd pick 2-3 answers if I could

That's why:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/237/519497586_d03db03c89.jpg

and that's why:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/247/519499240_c955c4ff76.jpg

Holds my dog, my gear, and I can wipe it clean after.

everything! truly the most unique/practical vehicle ever made! but the best feature is the unpainted panels! resists dings and gives the E a rugged and unique look! here's mine! 2003 SSM 4WD EX AT BFG AllTerrains keyless entry! 112k and counting!

it is so very funky. Friends fall in love with it or have it. It is fun to watch friends who hate it and still try to be polite. I did not know that when I bought the car I would become a member of a cult. This is so cool.

Given the one reason I selected from the poll - mess-resistant seats and interior - I'm still ticked after learning that only the front seats of the LX are the special fabric. :mad:

Other reasons I love the Element:

unpainted panels
not a lot of them around
better gas mileage than a truck
more ground clearance than accord
usually don't need more than one seat, 4 are plenty

Yes to all the poll questions. I have been driving for 45 years and I have had lot of vehicles. I can truly say that this is the best all around car I have driven. It will fit so many situations. It has great cargo space it is very comfortable to drive. Everyone that has been a passenger front and back has been impressed with the room. It is economical :rolleyes:for the most part. And for me it is just fun. I keep vehicle for long periods of time and my E has a lot of modifications in its future. My wife is grateful. She says she does not have to worry about Birthdays and Christmas gifts for the next ten years.

For me it's a combination between insane cargo capacity, being very maneuverable, reliability, and gas mileage for the money I spent on it.

the element is real cool. i have a friend that owns one and loves it. im really thinking of getting one.

Because it's not a SCION XB!!!

:D:D:D:D:D:

My sales consultant explained the purchase of an Element in this manner: Unlike the Accords and Civics, the Element is not mass-produced to the same degree. Those who want them, want them - the Element that is.

I like it because, as my father explained it, it will most likely be one of a handful, or, the only one, in the parking lot. It's not a vehicle that will be seen at every turn. In fact, when I went on Tuesday to make my car purchase, my father parked next to the very Element I purchased! So, I believe it was fate. When my father, mother and I got out of my father's car, my father remarked upon seeing the Element, "This will be enough for you." With an upturned nose, I replied, "You like THAT?" I actually test drove three models of Honda, which led me to purchase the Element.

I FIT in it. My stuff fits in it. Handles and drives great. It can fit in very shor parking spaces. The E is shorter than one co-worker's '96 Ford Escort.:D

becuase I can :cool:

The most practical vehicle out there....

One thing I have come to just love about my E is the fact that I get crap from all of my friends for having it. All these smart guys that think its lame, that go up to it, and then try to open the back door by pushing on the hinge and then make themselves feel stupid! makes me chuckle every time :)

It's a HAPPY car. It's a little bouncy,it handles well enough to be fun,and squirrely enough to make sure I pay attention,it's quiet enough for the good stereo,but loud enough to make it feel like I'm going 1000mph. It's different,
looking,handsome in an unconventional way with broad shoulders and big feet (mine's an SC),it's practical as a car can be, and it's often a conversation piece. It's a Honda,which means it's a quality piece, and will live a long life. It's got a manual transmission, which also wins points. It supports my lifestyle,outdoorsy and the occasional night out too. Fantastic machine.:-D:-D:-D

It simply fits my lifestyle. I travel a lot to ski and rock climb so I spend a lot of time car camping. My Element holds all my gear, does well in snow and light offroading, is economical, and reliable. And I can sleep in it comfortably... which I often do!

Practical first and foremost.

I had a lady walk up to me at the trailhead this past winter after skiing telling me that she sold her E because she kept going out of control on snow. "I bought the RAV4 because it does better in the snow" she said, I simply replied, the RAV4 does no better in the snow than the E does, and isn't boring. Moments later, as we were both leaving the 10+inches of snow covered lot, she could not get out, (4-wheel spin) and I drove away easily. I could have just as easily got stuck in the same spot, but the solution to just <gun it to get out> was her method and the simple problem. It was hard not to let her see us laughing.

So many factors make up traction in various conditions, to get rid of an E just because you can't drive it is ridiculous.

It's just different, but importantly a practical vehicle. I was deciding whether to get this or the Acura TSX. But the use of the E was the deal maker, especially hauling stuff, going on trips, sleeping in it and it's different. Limited after market parts makes it a nice (expensive) challenge. Everyones is unique to their taste, it is , like all cars, a blank canvas to mod to your liking.

It's a head turner too, if you're into the whole import tuner thing... especially if presented nicely.

Why do I love the E? This weekend was another example as we enjoyed some good weather...
My 3, 4, and 9 year old daughters in tow, we managed to squeeze in:
- Have square box, will park: Astro's baseball game downtown Houston; I was able to get a half price parking space across from the stadium because the E was one of the only cars to navigate a really tight spot just as they were closing the lot.
- Pop the top, Check: Weather was 75 and about 12% Humidity...unheard of except maybe twice a year around these parts. The girls love to ride around with the top open which is common for us until temps get to the sweltering stage.
- Water Resistant Seats, Check: Trip to the park...normally not particularly highlighting the E but this time, all of us were soaked after an impromptu "water war".
- AWD and fishing poles...good to go; Spent the end of the gorgeous weekend at a beautiful small lake shore for some fishing nearby. We accessed it by driving down some wide bike paths!
- Monday morning, quick wipedown of interior and put the fishing gear back in garage; 5 mins total to be back in full commuter mode for the week.

Why do I love the Element is the title of this thread. Let me start by saying first and foremost that when I first say one when they came out in '03. We were on our way to a camping trip in my Chevy Venture Van. I stated to everyone in the car "that is the ulgliest car I have ever seen, who in there right mind would ever own one". After owning all American branded cars, I asked my mechanic which cars really hold up well and hold resale and he said they had many Honda Elements that came in for just routine maintenance and never had major breakdowns. Some of these fleet vehicles were up in the high 280K mileage range. So that piqued my interest and then my wife and I eventually test drove one and finally just got our first Honda vehicle the E. I love that at 6'2" I have plenty of room, love how you can modify the rear seats, like a tail gate, like it's looks and am truly repented of my early statement back in '03. Look forward to many pleasant miles over the next years. Go E :-)