This category is for posting input suggestions to Honda about what you'd like to see in future versions of the Element. We're talking everything from body style modifications to interior changes, etc. If you've got a thought or idea that you think would take the E to the next level - share it here.

Honda is, in fact, reading this so make use this category as YOUR place to be part of the Element design team!!

Thanks in advance to our many members for their input and participation. You truly are what makes this online community such a great place to be.

I'll start off the list!!!

*superhero music* Penguin to the rescue!

By the way Tom....this forum is a great idea!

Things I would like to see added or changed about my E...

1. Center Console with storage that enables the parking break to be used.

2. Power Sunroof/moonroof.

3. Smaller Visors....so that when they are down you can still see the traffic lights!

4. More height adjustments on the drivers seat.

I am sure I will think of more....but that will be a start :wink:

Note to Honda: I love this car!!! Thanks for making it!
Dare to be different!

I would love to see the Element with:

#1-A Hybrid Engine. This is the car to do this to, or maybe fuel cell if the technology is cheap enough by then.

2. Built in dvd/gaming system. Seems like most people on the boards are putting these in because they are taking it on trips, and need to keep the keiki busy. If there was an option for it, even better.

3. Hopefully the windshield "problems" are fixed.

4. Mount the spare underneath the vehicle?

5. Make the rear seats reversible so that we can turn them around

6. Have the bungees and fog lights standard. Looks kinda "stupid" to have these spots for them and not have them on the car.

I don't know...I guess number one is all I really care about. The rest I can live without cause im not really having problems with them...just a thought.

Just shedding a little bit of rain on this parade! :mrgreen:

>#1-A Hybrid Engine. ...

The larger the vehicle, the poorer the return using the current hybrid technologies. Until there is an exponential improvement in efficiency, storage and recovery, this - sadly - is a non-starter. Ford's finding this out the hard way with the Escape Hybrid, which has been delayed for the fourth or fifth time as the road test results don't match the hype. Apparently some non-engineers are calling the shots somewhere.

>6. ...fog lights standard...

As long as the price doesn't go up as much as the option currently costs. But toss it in as part of the EX package? Oh, I agree!

>1. Center Console...

Only if it's optional. One of the things about the E which is selling me on it over my soon-to-be-sold Escape is that there is actually a way to deal with long skinny stuff without trashing the upholstery or making the front passenger seat unusable. I think Honda's engineers were truly enlightened about "active lifestyles" by not putting a big box in the middle.

>2. Power Sunroof/moonroof.

Ooh. Costs. The E is already too expensive for its target market, and I don't think it could tolerate the $600-800 premium a power roof would add. As an option, maybe, but Honda's never been too keen on separate options that have to be handled during manufacturing.

>4. More height adjustments on the drivers seat.

Interesting! I find the height range rather remarkable already. Hmm!

The other things you guys mention are pretty good... but, again, bear in mind that we're already dealing with a vehicle that costs too much already.

:(

Oh, and...

>4. Mount the spare underneath the vehicle?

Having two SUVs, one this way and the other like the E, I prefer the inside version that the E has. If you have to use the spare, the underneath-mounted spare means that you are dealing with two dirty tires rather than one. I think the E's arrangement is great. Only one question... does the E's spare tire space support a full-size wheel and tire... if not, that's the real issue.

The other things you guys mention are pretty good... but, again, bear in mind that we're already dealing with a vehicle that costs too much already.




While I understand and appreciate your point of view, I will agree that the E is "too expensive" for it's "target" market.....but since many polls have shown that Honda's "target" market is NOT who is buying the E.

I think the whole point of this forum is for Honda to listen to what "we" (owners and possible owners of the E)....I am not in Honda's target demographic.....but I did buy an E.....and if other options were available I would have purchased them....and if they become available I will add them.

Only if it's optional. One of the things about the E which is selling me on it over my soon-to-be-sold Escape is that there is a actually way to deal with long skinny stuff without trashing the upholstery or making the front passenger seat unusable. I think Honda's engineers were truly enlightened about "active lifestyles" by not putting a big box in the middle.



I lead a very "active" lifestyle and installed a center console so that I have a place to keep my valuables when I go to the park to run or bike.....I find it useful since the glove box is a bit small. I think if it was an option....much like the storage armrest is an opyion it would be greatly recieved....I am not saying standard....just an option. I bought a Steel Horse Console, which matches my E and I like, but if Honda designed something that actually went with the E I would buy it.....it doesn't have to be large...just bigger than the glove box.


Interesting! I find the height range rather remarkable already. Hmm!


Many people find the adjustments more than suitable.....but for me being 5'5 I wish I could sit up a bit higher....I have the height at the highest setting and I still find myself scooting up at times to see things....UGH! One of the many drawbacks to being short!!! :evil:

I apologize if any of my opinions came off harsh or :evil: , but I always seem to have to throw in my 2 cents! I am one opinionated Penguin :wink: [/code]

I was just having this conversation about what are the top 5 things that we would change. This is the list we came up with.

1. Passanger side arm rest
2. Inside latch to the tailgate and rear window (for those of us who live in our element).
3.Ability to lock the car with one hand. (Essential for a tea drinker).
4. Moon roof that opens wider without having to remove it.
5. No bungies - big pockets
6.Front grill to protect the radiator

The first two seem essential

However we love our element the way it is. The list of great things is much longer. I'm glad Honda is looking.

>Honda's "target" market is NOT who is buying the E.

Yeah, we've shown that to be the case... but think how many E's would be out there if the target demo could afford it? With the competition heating up with the xB, Honda really can't afford to further alienate this market, because we "adults with real jobs" have only so much tolerance for the weird design that seems to come with the utility. We can only take but so much grief from family, friends, co-workers, clients... ;)

>lead a very "active" lifestyle and installed a center console

I've seen the pics from another EOC denizen who's done something similar. Good solutions. Anyway, think "skis", especially cross-country skis. While I haven't skied in years, I have other stuff that takes similar space... ignoring the occasional (and costly) run to Home Depot. The universal solution to the ski problem has been roof racks, but I never could reconcile the theft potential that comes with putting stuff outside.

>being 5'5 I wish I could sit up a bit higher

You didn't get the phonebook option, Diane? (I know, I know... you are free to smack me a good one when we meet.)

:D

For 2008:

1. Improved ground clearance. The Element's clearance should equal the 8" of the CR-V.

2. Larger rear side doors. Following the Concept X, the rear doors should allow unobstructed access to the back seat and open independently.

3. Retractable rear windows. Rear passengers should not be isolated from the outdoors.

4. Optional clear windows. Dark-tinted windows are a virtue for some owners, a drawback for others. They should not be mandatory.

5. Improved back seat arms rests. The current ones are not ergonomically effective.

6. Integrated sliding cover for rear sunroof. Every factory sunroof offers this. The E's should too.

7. FXC headliner and sun shades. These areas are prone to significant dirt and stainage, and should resist them accordingly.

8. More durable interior finishes and trim. A vehicle billed for recreation and utility should better withstand these uses.

[quote:f625e3cd08="bush555"]Somehow I became a "guest" for the above post... Do I get a ****tail and mint?

:wink:[/quote:f625e3cd08]

Nah. Just a cookie.

(Sorry. Bad web pun.)

:mrgreen:

I've seen the pics from another EOC denizen who's done something similar. Good solutions. Anyway, think "skis", especially cross-country skis. While I haven't skied in years, I have other stuff that takes similar space... ignoring the occasional (and costly) run to Home Depot. The universal solution to the ski problem has been roof racks, but I never could reconcile the theft potential that comes with putting stuff outside.



Okay....it has been a few years since I lived in Philly and used to frequent the Poconos (had a friend swho had a place up there).....but as I do recall he had locks on his roof rack for the skis.....I could be mistaken, but that is what I do recall......but what harm would skis do to a plastic console that putting a towel down wouldn't prevent? (I know I am playing the devils advocate!)

Yeah, we've shown that to be the case... but think how many E's would be out there if the target demo could afford it? With the competition heating up with the xB, Honda really can't afford to further alienate this market, because we "adults with real jobs" have only so much tolerance for the weird design that seems to come with the utility. We can only take but so much grief from family, friends, co-workers, clients...


Okay I be the ONLY one.....but in all honesty I kinda like that not everyone is running around town in an E....excuse the cut here.....but the E is not your typical Explorer or Escape....and while Honda makes them and sells them and is selling more than projected I think they are quite Happy, because after all more people are buying Es than they thought. Perhaps Honda is not so worried about the sales of this quirky lil' box due to record Accord Sales....and please do not forget about the good ole' Civic.....after all my husband recieved his Civic in College (it was his Mom's) and 10 years later he is still driving it. I think that the price is fair on the E....and in fact when I started shopping for a new car was pleasantly surprised that I could an SUV by Honda for around $20,000.....but hey that is just me, and I am part of a cult called the Honda Family....god bless Butterscoth (1980 Civic Wagon) may she rest in piece and go down in history as THE best car ever!

(I know, I know... you are free to smack me a good one when we meet.)


You'd like that wouldn't you! Hee Hee! :wink:

My number one request would be a front moonroof. That's the thing I miss most in my E...well, actually, it's the only thing, since I solved the armrest issue by installing the storage armrest.

I do think that it was sort of silly of Honda to put the loops for the bungees and then not include the cords with the car, but they probably wouldn't have provided the nice bright orange ones that I installed.

I guess the only other modification would be to do something about the dash, so that I could put the steering wheel as low as I like it (I'm shorter than Diane!) and still be able to see the top of the speedometer.

Kristi

My requests would be:

1. Lockable interior storage, bigger that the glovebox. My suggestion would be (as previously suggested) to move the spare under or behind the vehicle, and make a locking lid for the current spare tire well.

2. Removable passenger seat.

3. More tie down points in the cargo area.

[quote:924753cd19="Sons of Liberty"]3. More tie down points in the cargo area.[/quote:924753cd19]

I took advantage of the LATCH system points in the ceiling near the lift gate, in addition to the four near-floor mounted tie down points while moving a large TV and other items for a friend who was moving. It was a bungie-fest. With a bit more creativity, it might be possible to use the other accessory mounting points in the hatch area as well.

[quote:03db9b5929="MikeQBF"]Just shedding a little bit of rain on this parade! :mrgreen:

>#1-A Hybrid Engine. ...

The larger the vehicle, the poorer the return using the current hybrid technologies. Until there is an exponential improvement in efficiency, storage and recovery, this - sadly - is a non-starter. Ford's finding this out the hard way with the Escape Hybrid, which has been delayed for the fourth or fifth time as the road test results don't match the hype. Apparently some non-engineers are calling the shots somewhere.[/quote:03db9b5929]

This is just a wishlist of what we would like to see. I would like to see this, and there has to be some engineer in the world working on this, or someone actually putting effort into attaining this.

I do agree with the full-size spare, but still would like it mounted underneath.

So add 7. Full-size Spare


***This forum is for what we would like to see in upcoming versions of the Honda Element. This is essentially a wish list of ideas that Honda can incorporate into future models. I hope people who post on this forum can stick to this subject and let people wish what they want. We all know that the technology may not be there, but these are the things we think would make the Element better (for us). (no shots-just trying to keep the forum clean for our Honda visitors)

*edit*I would ask all members to submit your ideas, even if it doubles up on someone elses idea. This will show which ideas are the most common throughout the forum.

Ooh. Costs. The E is already too expensive for its target market, and I don't think it could tolerate the $600-800 premium a power roof would add. As an option, maybe, but Honda's never been too keen on separate options that have to be handled during manufacturing.


I guess perspective is everything. I think the the element is low priced. 29,900 for a AWD Y in Canada. While the CRV is a better value for the same my, the element, in my mind is a great price. You can get a GM car for under 18k, but you get what you pay for.

My top four changes are:

1) Powered rear window and sunroof. With dash switches similar to the mini cooper.

2) Better front seat, the CRV seats are great, just put the element fabric on them.

3) A standard large centre console, but removable when you need the space or want to walk through on long trips.

4) More selection and better priced trim accesories. I would love to color match the interior trim and nice looking gages. (The PT cruiser seems to have a lot of way to customize it.)

Just thoughts. As for the weight capacity, I don't have an issue. GVW minus curb weight leave over 850 lbs this seems plenty for my needs.

I would like to body side molding to protect the doors. My Element is a ding magnet.

Here's my "whine" list:

1.steering wheel controls for the radio like the pilot
2.offer the same door cladding to protect from dings as you have for the CRV.
3.adjustable passenger seat and a more adjustable driver seat.
4.a "FULL SIZE" spare like the CRV. None of this mickey mouse cr@p.
5.fix the composite panels. They are too easy to mess up.
6.place the emergency brake, if possible, like the CRV. On the dash.
7.lighted vanity mirrors (wife added that one)
8.a compass and trip computer where the overhead compartment is or offer a entertainment center. The compartment is a waste of space. I use it but you can use that space more wisely.
9.A locking gas cap door. Come on how hard can that be. You have it on all your other cars.
10.Day time running lights or just for the gauges. They are hard to see sometimes because they are so deep.
11.legs for the bloddy table that are like the CRV's!
12.easy access to the trailer hitch lights plug. I'm not about to rip up my interior for this. I know I read the posts about another way.
13.A better cabana for the back. It should be a tunnel leading to a tent.
14.Make the ipod an option for god's sake. Don't tease us with it and then don't offer it.
15.Fog light covers. I didn't know they were glass until I bought them.
16.Powered rear windows and sunroof. (just for the tilt and make it open wider) I can't reach back there when I need air!
17.Speaking of windows the front windows need ventshades or something else. The noise is baffling. It sounds like pac-man is chewing on my ear.
18.Better cupholders. They are too low to the floor. There must be something you can do.

A lot of stuff huh? Well it's because I spend almost 4 hours of my life every weekday in my "E" going to work. I have 4000 miles on here and it hasn't been a month yet.

I'll add more as they come to me. :wink:

p.s. you think I should have bought another CRV :lol:

"LOVE MY HONDA'S AND LOVE MY E!"

1. Hybrid engine
2. Remote fuel door release
3. Front seats that can be turned around (for those "Dorm Room" parties)
4. Fully opening power rear windows
5. Built-in sunroof shadescreen
6. Vinyl or FCX headliner
7. Passenger side door lock switch
8. Less hard plastic in the interior, especially the door panels
9. Revised cargo cover that does not impede functionality of the rear seats
10. Hybrid engine
11. Hybrid engine
12. Hybrid engine (I really want a hybrid!)

1. The following as standard features, not options -
bungees, passenger side arm rest, table legs, keyless entry on EX

2. Rear seats that can turn around

3. Dog hair repellant seats ;-)

4. MPH that matches what is on the sticker or betters it! (20 is the best I get)

5. More storage

6. Rear windows that roll down

7. On rear seats, a design that allows you to reveal cupholders when needed. When they are not being used let us have that space back as upholstery.

8. I agree, lighted vanity mirrors!

9. Hooks to hang drycleaning from.

10. Optional navigation would be nice too!

[/list]

[quote:1bbb24965f="HokiE"]5. More storage[/quote:1bbb24965f]

I've got a NHBP E. At night, you can't even *see* the in-dash storage areas. Perhaps a "nightlight" level of illumination, keyed off the dash illumination, might be useful?

I'm thinking of harvesting some of those "traser" tritium keychain tubes and installing them in the creases of the storage units (with a clear cover, as they're fragile). That'd provide less-than-nightlight illumination at night.

-brendan

Brendan is right we need more illumintaion at night. I thought it was great that the auto window lights up and the mirror buttons at night but a little light here and there couldn't hurt. I hate turning on the internal lights in the car at night. Sometimes they produce too much glare. Yeah and what happened to the glove box light?

Well, that is strange. I was a passenger in my E tonight and had to rummage through the glove box. I realized it was pitch black and when I turned on the map light I was blinding my husband. So I raced upstairs to post my new request...only to find 2 people beat me to it. Must be an EOC ESP thing...

interior rear door handle for camping. I would be extremely happyto be able to get out of the E. Without climbing up to the front.

[quote:a7efa0f75f="bluehighways"]interior rear door handle for camping. I would be extremely happyto be able to get out of the E. Without climbing up to the front.[/quote:a7efa0f75f]

Perhaps with a safety interlock to prevent it being activated by a child/dog or other unpredictable creature when the vehicle is moving?

[I bet that issue is why there isn't one currently, particularly considering the access when one seat is down and one is up...]

-brendan

Here's a couple of others:

Fix the front of the car! The openings are too big!

One other thing, Fog light covers or don't make them out of glass.

wow, I guess I really like things simple and that's why I pretty much like my E the way it is.

I would not want a center console - need to fit 6ft tables down the center!

The window visors are to big and I have the problem of seeing the stop lights also.

slide in sun-roof would be great - every time I take mine out - I get caught in a rain storm and can't get the stupid thing in fast enough.
8)

My suggestions are:

1. Power moonroof (I know this one has already been listed several times)

2. Move the central locking switch from the driver door to the center of the dash by the radio or gear shift. This will enable the passenger to unlock the doors.

3. Make fog lights standard on EX

4. To make the car more maintenance freindly...install a system that will monitor the oil vescosity etc and will let the owner know when the oil is ready to be changed. This type of sytem is standard on alot of GM cars, Mercedes and Mini Coopers. This will take the guess work out of when the oil really should be changed.

5. Add about 10 -15 hp more to engine.

6. Passengar side window auto down and up

o Two storage points for the full sized tire - a rear gizmo that's removable (maybe an integrated hitch or somthing) for inside storage or outside storage. Gives you a little more options with the inside storage area (solves that problem) and yet satisfies those who reconfigure their vehicles a lot (I guess you might call that an active lifestyle?)

o Full wiring harness on the inside, no matter the style. This will reduce costs having to keep track of different variants, and make it easier to customize (wasn't that the point in the first place?)

o A professionalized accessory for the front (not quite a brush guard, not quite a rock screen). C'mon you all can do better than what you did on the 2003.

o Make the accessory switches activity friendly - Get rid of that dang beeping by default. Why not a second battery backup in case you do something you shouldn't, like run the stereo too much? In fact, why not make the whole right passenger console area a little more accessible to electronic devices (i.e. make it easy for aftermarkets to build products for it)

o Improved Plastic Panels - Make all models the same and assess the field results from 2003 (improve scratch resistant, make more paintable - or even paint removable (customizable, that would be cool))

o Add the Odyssey Reverse View Camera as an option so you can cover that horrible blind spot when the seat's stowed "up". You could probably integrate it with a GPS product for that huge Din2 stereo opening.

Bonus Item: Come up with an Element chair design for the removable table idea. Where to sit four?

Marketing Idea: Advertise to your apparent target, not your target. duh...

Capn

Passenger side needs power door lock control.

There's a real market for this car, but it's not the original target generation because it's too expensive. The niche is filled closely, though, for my demographics. Not in any particular order ...

1. Real front sunroof somehow, someway
2. More driver leg GIRTH (length is great)
3. Black/Gray interior if Satin Silver exterior (blue is iffy)
4. Independent-opening front/rear doors (keep "No B-Pillar design)
5. KEEP head clearance! It's a seller!
6. Harden interior plastic surfaces --- routine wear is inexcusable for unsightly scratches!
7. Yeah, lose the bungies --- go pockets
8. Iron out ALL known TSBs before making another car!
9. KEEP STOCK (EX) STEREO! It's the visceral keeper of the whole thing (even to those of us who pride ourselves in being cerebral)!
10. No-question 4/AWD in-action indicator in dash (LED?) and Honda-sanctioned emblem on exterior sides and rear
11. Standard 12V power plug (the stock's too tight)
12. Lose the silly cupholders in the rear seating --- just make the rear seats wider (and believe me, I'm skinny)
13. Flatten the roof line --- the bow looks a little gansta ... but don't do if head clearance suffers
14. It almost seems as if Honda's not even trying to sell the model --- much more advertising (we owners might wonder if the '03's just a flash in the pan)!
15. FULL-SIZE SPARE, whatever that takes
16. Combined driver/passenger storage arm rest
17. Color-matching door-ding-protecting rubber trim --- the doors are begging to be hit
Believe it or not, I love my new car! :D

IMHO

Most of the crap you people are asking for is either not there for a very good reason or has just as many negatives as positives.

Just to address some things I know to be true,

The b pillar door design and lack of a front sunroof are absolutely necessary for crashworthiness. because of the huge openings the front of the e the roof needs reinforcements that forego a forward sunroof and necessitate the rigid way the doors interlock.

Power sunroof in the back/full sized spare. Not worth the weight and cost. The element is a very heavy vehicle as is and you cant complain about gas mileage in one breath and then ask for all sorts of weight adding niceties in the next.

Ditto for roll down rear windows. I love the push out style. Reminds me of what I loved on our 83 accord hatch and miss the most on my 96 civic hatch. Its a great lightweight compromise that still adds ventilation.

passenger side arm rest and bigger center consoles. This is a personal preference thing. For me the best thing about the e is the ease of getting from the front to the back without sqeezing through or stepping over something.

As for body side moldings forget it. extra weight and god are they a bitch to wax around...


So now that I have done my fair share of arguing heres my wish list.

Option for 3rd seatbelt and or seat cushions without cupholders in the back... This is a free mod in terms of R & D as the JDM models already have them.

Sunroof and or windshield made from bulletproof glass lexan whatever.
Its cool that the roof comes out but stupid that it would be so easy to break once you got it out. I would think the same material used for motorcylce windscreens would do great in this application only make it thicker.

Consider weight saving in other areas as well. maybe make the hood and fenders from composites since they dont really appear to be all that important in crashworthiness anyways.

Option for factory dvd monitor in place of dome light.

that's it. Otherwise the e is perfect

How about having a diesel engine as an option? They get much better mileage and the new diesels are more powerful, quieter, and cleaner than diesels of old. I read somewhere that Jeep is considering this option for the near future. Also, diesels are more durable than gasoline engines. It would be great, in addition, if Honda could design the E with the capability of three passengers in the back instead of two. Otherwise, what a great vehicle!

I would like to see a higher weight capacity for the E. I read on a recent
post that the E was rated to hold 675 lbs in the vehicle. This seems like
a remarkably low capacity for a vehicle targeted to the "active lifestyle"
demographic. I weigh 200 (okay 210 right now, I plan on losing it!) pounds
myself so I couldn't even take my 3 coworkers to lunch as it stands right now.
Granted during daily driving this isn't a huge issue but for road trips and
camping this would definitely be something that limits the E's utility.
I don't know what kind of changes might be necessary to the chasis/
suspension/engine/transmission configuration to increase the capacity but
maybe Honda can look at that for the '06 models and beyond.

First I want to say that I think the Element is a great design. I love mine. I have added many accessories myself (with the great pics and advice on this site). What I like about the thing is that we can modify it to fit our needs. For instance, I added a Uhaul hitch to pull a popup and mount a 4 bike carrier.
I also have the cargo organizer and love it but I take it out frequently to haul other stuff. I like the hooks for bungees too. I flip seats up and sometimes take them out.

Now I've read a lot of lists and everyone wants different things. So what Honda needs to do is keep designing in flexibility.

1. Between the front seats: keep as flat as possible (maybe move the brake). Have many options from coolers, to armrests, cup holders. I stuck a small TV w/vcr between my old minivan seats so kids would be entertained on long trips. These things can clip in and out. We all have different needs.

2. Seats...offer a bench backseat if people want 3 seating. Maybe it could be designed to fit current anchor points.

3. Sunroofs...yup...I want a front one or at the very least a powered back one. I don't like to have to climb in and out of the back to open and close the sunroof.

4. I also don't understand the weight capacity of the E. It should haul more weight and pull more weight.

5. Add more anchor areas for cargo in rear area.

All this said...I would buy another E without hesitation.

[quote:8e72daa402=" "]4. Independent-opening front/rear doors (keep "No B-Pillar design)
:D[/quote:8e72daa402]

any thoughts on how to keep these independent rear-hinged doors from opening, even a crack, when the car is in motion? The air flow past the car tends to close front-hinged doors, but open rear-hinged ones. Also the B pillar is built in to the rear doors, so making sure that they don't open at the wrong time is doubly important.

paulj

here's a first short-list -after driving my brandnew e for ten days and 750 miles:

-a light in the glove compartment
-bug deflector standard
-storage armrest standard
-an optional diesel/turbo-diesel engine
-heated rear mirrors
-electric height adjustment for drivers seat
-options for different wheels/tires
-cooler protection mesh built-in

everything else so far i love (ex/orange/4wd/at with armrest/storage, cargo net, chrome exhaust finish, bug deflector)

As in many other makes, any/all controls in the steering wheel,
light them up.... hard to see at nite especially when no pimple/dimple effect available, safety not luxury......

"Not a sermon, just a thought"







IYAAYAS

Dunno if this is possible to do from a safety/technical viewpoint, but is it possible to make the rear door a sliding one instead of suicide, while still eliminating the B pillar? Put the pillar into a sliding door?

My single greatest frustration about the E is when someone parks close to me and I need to get something out of the rear seat. It is almost impossible to do, and, if you have a bystander watching you contort yourself as you open one door and squeeze into the opening so you can put the other one ajar, you can bet Honda just lost another potential E owner.

And what's with the roof racks being spaced so closely togethar on a car that has such a long roof line? :?:

The roof line is long, but it is more curved than on most SUVs. While the rack spacing is too narrow for some loads, it is just about right for others. An adjustable rack spacing would solve some problems, but would require a very different design, and may generate its own problems. For example if the cross bars were too far apart, the load could touch the roof in the middle. If you put the rear bar too far back, the load might be tilted up, and catch the wind. I don't know if there is a cure all roof rack design.

paulj

My requests would be:

1. Lockable interior storage, bigger that the glovebox. My suggestion would be (as previously suggested) to move the spare under or behind the vehicle, and make a locking lid for the current spare tire well.

2. Removable passenger seat.

3. More tie down points in the cargo area.


1. Ditto

2. Ditto

3.Ditto

I've had my E for a WEEK, and so far, I love it! :) ... HOWEVER... Speaking from outside the target demographic-- which I presume is male, age 18-29 (but from within a BUYING demographic), here's MY wish list:

1. Adjustable POWER driver's seat (even your target market would get "fanny fatigue" on a long drive!)

2. Leather seat option.

3. Slide-out storage under driver and passenger seats. Maybe even LOCKING storage.

4. Vanity mirror on driver's side. Lighted would be good.

5. Redesigned interior "roof" storage.

6. Floors covered with the Murdock-type material to prevent sliding.

7. More visibilty on dash gauges! Very hard to see in daylight, especially with sunglasses! The "retro" design is great, but the gauges should be easier to read in daylight.

8. Light in glove box.

9. Non-slip material in "cubbies" in the dash.

10. Cup holders that come out of the console (under the gearshift in AT models) and fold away when not in use. And an open storage compartment there as well, like where an ashtray might have been).

11. For MARKETING: A big field full of happy Element owners and their Es, singing "I LOVE This Car" (Like "I Love This BAR") with Toby Keith (if he's thru singing for Ford!) :roll: You might be able to film it in OHIO in JULY! (p.s You can send my commission to.... :lol: )

That's my input after a week... probably a few more in the future... :-D