i just called and spoke to Honda customer service (1-800-33-Honda) - asked that they send me a 2004 Element brochure - told that the Element would not be available through the dealers until Dec. 9 - and that the brochure won't be sent out until that date

what's up with this -- ??

...are Honda salespeople that uninformed?

I have a 2004 brochure in my hand, which is making it very difficult to type. :mrgreen:

This was given to me by a salesman yesterday. But this same salesman first said that 5-speed E's were simply not available, which I questioned, he then said "DX only" to which I responded "Try again." [grumble]

One reason that E's are moving so poorly is because there is either no interest by Honda in selling them, or they have not bothered to educate their first-line customer service staff (i.e., the salespeople!)

That's funny. I just had a dealer offer me a 2004 because they didn't have what I wanted. I guess they didn't mention how long it would be. Dealers. They're funny.

Yes, brochures for the 2004 models ARE at some dealerships because I got one last week.

Brochures are definitely out, but NO dealer has been allocated 2004 models yet. Our next move (allocation/ordering) will be sometime this week, and IF we are allocated 2004 models, I am anticipating the earliest the build dates could be is middle to end of November. So, if the build dates are near the end of November, the 2004 models wouldn't hit the dealer lots until first or second week of Decemeber. So, the December 9th date quoted, is probably quite realistic.

As for new changes, they will be minor. It does look like Honda will offer the passenger side armrest as standard equipment. I don't have pricing updates yet, but it is completely possible that there will not be an increase or a very slight increase. In my opinion, it is highly unlikely that Honda will raise the price $700-$800. I haven't tried ordering one yet, but it looks to me like the DX model will be offered again for 2004. Look at the brochure and see all the different equipment packages on the DX vs EX. Honda has begun offering discounted packages for AC/Alloys and Audio kits to help increase DX sales. By packaging these items together, it should help the dealers to pass the savings on to the customers who don't want the fully loaded EX models.

Finally, I'm not so sure Honda is pushing the panic button on the Elements. The average days supply for the Elements is still well below average and Elements are still considered "fast" movers by all the dealers I know. One thing to keep in mind is that salespeople in general, if they don't know the answer, will sometimes try and come up with what you would like to hear :roll: I realize this is shocking for many, but it's an unfortunate truth to this business. It is certainly frowned upon at our dealership, because we (or most of us) know that Honda customers are some of the most educated buyers you will ever meet. Not only is it bad business, but it isn't going to fly with Honda customers. Billy Bob redneck might be able to make it through life this way at the local Dodge store, but Honda customers will eat him alive. I love this about Honda customers, because they are loyal, educated and to the point. They know what they want, how much they want to pay and don't have to be convinced they are getting a good vehicle. Pretty simple. Anyway, enough ranting. Stupid salespeople should be avoided. Just ask for someone else if you really feel the necessity to buy from that particular dealer. Better yet, report the idiot to the GM so he/she can get some training or get to another brand.

Interesting, and thank you very much for the input.

I suspect that the differences in product demand are regional. St. Louis is a very conservative market, and the E is, well, sort of "out there". Great market for Accords, though!

:mrgreen:

Someone isn't telling the truth...and only time will tell. When dealer couldn't find what I wanted in an 03, he accepted my order on an 04 three weeks ago and called following Friday to say the order had been submitted with his allocation that day :? . Build date has not been provided but we were told to expect a mid to late Oct delivery...

Let me know your area/location and I would be glad to pull a locate and confirm whether or not your E is actually on-order. I'll also need the exact model and color you ordered.

I would be highly surprised if your 2004 Element rolled in by October though. I will see if Honda offers any 2004 models in our next allocation, which will be in the next few days.

Over a week ago we went to Sheehy Honda in Alexandria VA and were told they have ordered a 2004 EX AWD automatic with side air bags in Fiji Blue and are expecting delivery in Oct. That sounded good to me since it is exactly what I am looking for. Do you really think I will have to wait until December to see this Element?

I just called 1-800-33-Honda and they said the release date for the '04 Element is December 9th and the brochures will not be available until the end Of November!

Can I get the number for a dealership that has the '04 brochure???

Thanks!

Picked up 3 at my dealer yesterday. (800-359-1674) Salesmans name is Tony Williams. Southwest Honda of Amarillo Tx.

My '04 Element brochure's in the mail! ! ! I called Southwest Honda in Texas, 800-359-1674, and she put one in the mail for me! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
THANKS JOENUCLEAR! ! ! ! ! AND SOUTHWEST HONDA! ! ! ! ! ! !

I stopped by a nearby Honda dealer last weekend and picked up a couple of brochures. They had tons.

No information about the release date of the '04's though.

FYI--Honda is still building 03's. I committed today on purchase of EX AWD Auto w/side airbags. Dealer is doing an internet trade for a vehicle with a build date of 10/5.

Dealer called and said expected delivery date would not be met.....expect " November "

Wonder when truth will come?

Just wanted to update everyone on the 2004 production of the Elements. My understanding is that we were able to order 2004 models with our last allocation. I haven't seen build dates yet, but hope to see that in the next weeks. I will keep everyone informed as soon as I know more.

Called Pflueger Honda in Honolulu today, they said they expect their shipment late Dec./early January. Brochures are out, and are sadly similar to last years.(except for some cool stickers) Looks like it's going to be a long wait for me! :roll:

Called Pflueger Honda in Honolulu today, they said they expect their shipment late Dec./early January. Brochures are out, and are sadly similar to last years.(except for some cool stickers) Looks like it's going to be a long wait for me! :roll:

I really can't comment about the '04s but as far as '03s, my dealer (Garcia Honda of Albuquerque) just got a couple of new '03s in and they are selling well. I have had my GGM 2wd EXS 5sp for almost two weeks now and my salesperson tells me they just sold four other ones in the past week. He claims that the '04s don't come out until December because when the E was released they came out in December. I don't know, but FYI my dealer has been very good to me thus far.

dealer told me today my 04 is on the build line and I should expect delivery before 10 November...
We discussed fact that I ordered keyless entry as an option and it is now std equipment.

Not to duplicate other posts, but how about an update Mike! Thanks and welcome back. Hope you enjoyed your "vacation" from EOC.

I posted in another thread, but I still have not received build dates for any 2004 models. Also haven't received pricing from Honda, so I'm still guessing delivery dates will be late December to early January for the 04's.

I AM SHOPPING HARD FOR A 03 ELEMENT EX 5 SPEED, 4WD....HAVE LOOKED IN 3 NEW ENGLAND STATES......IN EVERY CASE I KNEW MORE ABOUT THE ELEMENT THAN ANY SALESPERSON OR SALES MANAGEMENT I RAN INTO

would you be interested in coming to Maryland for one?

With the exception of great folks here like supamann, it should really be no surprise that car salespersons know virtually nothing about the product they're selling. In fact nowadays they'll tell you they aren't even selling anything; they're "meeting your needs"! If you don't know nearly twice as much about the vehicle you're shopping for than the salesperson, you haven't even bothered to do your homework, and you deserve whatever "deal" you get. It takes an hour or two on-site here, or about $10.00 worth of magazine articles to learn more than any car salesperson knows about what's being sold. There is no requirement for a car salesperson to even like cars; the optimal requirement is that they like SELLING. The product is irrelevant. So now that you're here, read on, and come back with the hard questions you can't find the answers to anywhere else.

First build dates I have received so far are December 7th. From previous experience, this would mean we should see our first 2004 model E's on Decemeber 17th or so. They are on the way though. I'll send pricing updates as soon as I get them. Should be in the next few days.

I just got quoted a delivery date of early to mid-January for a 2004 EX with front side airbags. The dealer didn't have any 2003 models with the front side airbags. Based on the Federal Crash Test results I decided I want the front side airbags. The Element did really well on frontal crashes but not so well on the side impact crashes. They said they would have tested an Element with the front side airbags but Honda didn't submit one -- either it cost too much to damage it, or they weren't worried about the negative PR of the lower rating for side impact crashes...or, the side front airbags won't help me that much! :-)

Anyway, I haven't picked out the color or options yet but the keyless entry and armrest are a nice addition, one that I expected Honda to include as standard fare given their past...

Anyway, if anyone has any news or comments, feel free to fire away.

-dave "soon to be '04 EX owner" glenn

supamann,
the john elway dealership here has "heard nothing" on '04s as of today.
is mid dec still what you are being told?? less than two weeks...
thanks