Why the hell is the 6 disc in dash changer not available in the EX package!? I had one in my Accord and now I miss it. I know, the sub controls make it only an option for the DX. (no sub, no aux jack) In my opinion this is one of those bumble headed Honda screw ups.

I agree!! it makes absolutely no sense that the EX is unable to support an In Dash changer. The last thing I want to do is to have reach under the passenger seat to access CD's.

Nice Design Honda

And why the stock radio doesn't play MP3s is another mystery. Maybe they were aiming at the over 50 crowd afterall, and were yet too dumb to realize that we also use MP3s?

An under-the-seat changer is so last century!!!

Wow - alot of angst around this.

I'll try to answer your questions...

I suspect that the reason the Element does not have an in-dash 6 cd changer option available is for a few reasons...

1. Honda does not sell many Element DX's. The DX with it's single DIN radio design is the only config that could support the in dash 6 disc config. The EX fills both DIN openings and most people would have nowhere to put it.

2. Honda probably figures that the Element is designed for a young demographic that is using all that new fangled digital media and therefore would care more about an aux jack than slots for CD's.

3. They already manufacture an optional under seat changer - albeit pretty antiquated.

With regard to why the stock radio doesn't play MP3's...

1. Cost. I'm sure they were trying to keep the Element at a specific price point. Existing stereos Honda already was having manufactured were probably much cheaper than redesigning an all new system with an MP3 decoder built in.

2. Profit. Honda (and it's dealerships) will make more money selling the under seat CD changer to address music capacity concerns versus eliminating a profit opportunity by building in a decoder that would actually reduce profit.

The real question I have is why in the world did Honda choose to put in a double-din radio in thier premium model??? If they simply switched to a single din form factor, life would be easier for everyone.

[quote:7ce7e98a39=" "]The real question I have is why in the world did Honda choose to put in a double-din radio in thier premium model??? If they simply switched to a single din form factor, life would be easier for everyone.[/quote:7ce7e98a39]

Here here!

-brendan

[quote:0f58ec0fae=" "]With regard to why the stock radio doesn't play MP3's...

1. Cost. I'm sure they were trying to keep the Element at a specific price point. Existing stereos Honda already was having manufactured were probably much cheaper than redesigning an all new system with an MP3 decoder built in.[/quote:0f58ec0fae]No doubt, but look at this new mini-Chevy and check that MSRP!

AVEO LS
5-Door starting at $12,585*
4-Door starting at $12,585*
*Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Tax, title, license and optional equipment are extra.

The LS is the top-of-the-line Aveo model from Chevrolet. It comes with a CD player and MP3 playback, power windows, even heated outside mirrors all standard. And there's more:

Key features:

60/40 flip-and-fold rear seat (5-door models)
60/40 split-folding rear seat with trunk pass-through (4-door models)
AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback
Power windows
Power door locks with Remote Keyless Entry
Heated outside mirrors with power passenger side
Available six-speak premium sound system

[quote:a0395d51b2=" "]No doubt, but look at this new mini-Chevy and check that MSRP!
[/quote:a0395d51b2]

Ya but that's an unfair reference, everyone knows that Chevy is the most sophisticated auto maker in the world. :wink:

Seriously though - it's cool to see that MP3's are making thier way into mainstream car manufacturer audio systems - I too was suprised that Honda didn't pull it off - especially for this vehicle. Especially seeing how a bunch of cavepeople over at Chevy are pulling it off. :shock:

emass - your defense of Honda on this doesn't wash ...

1. It does not matter whether it is single DIN or double, the 6 disc in dash for the Accord is a double DIN unit. All Honda would have to do is add the sub control and aux input to that existing unit.

2. If Honda assumes that the buyer wants to mod his stereo, why are they making such a big deal about the element's audio system? I can't believe that they are bragging about the audio system to begin with. It's only marginally better than the typical Honda audio - only because of the sub.

3. Give me a break ... external changers suck, why don't they offer a pull out radio chasis? BECAUSE IT"S FROM 1990, that's why!

4. Cost insn't an issue for MP3 playback, I can buy a aftermarket unit that play's MP3's for less than $100. Honda is just behind the curve on this one. As they are on so many things these days.

5. Profit? It's not about the money, hell most people would pay extra for the in dash changer, if it was about the money. Honda's marketing people got their heads buried up their butts.

6. Again who cares about double DIN!!!!! The in dash changer does not need it's own slot. It would be built into the stereo.

There is no reason for Honda, a company that gets so many big things about cars right, to screw up so many small things.