Hello all, I recently ordered a Element EX Navi in PMM and look forward to it's delivery. I work for American Honda at the Davenport parts center and we shipped a ton of the dog accessory kits last night to our Midwest dealers. I was talking to a co-worker and we were debating whether it will be successful or not. I tend to think it's overpriced. It's around $700 my cost so I'm guessing over a $1000 retail. I'll look it up when I go in tonight, didn't have time today. He thinks people are crazy for dogs and we will get people to buy the Element just for the dog emblems that come with the package. I'm curious what the folks here at the EOC think?

The stuff that comes in the package is cool and all but that price tag will keep me away from it. It will be cheaper in the long run to go to Wallie World and buy each piece separate.

I honestly think American Honda would see a larger return on investment if they piece milled this 'accessory package' out.

I agree that the 1k price point is above what most would be willing to pay, plus the simple truth is those that have the E for their dogs already have the majority of the needed items.

But, I'm certain there are thousands of us who are literally drooling at the thoughts of those 'badges' for the outside of the E. I would snag those right now this very second if they were available. But I don't have the need for the entire package - like most others I already have the stuff I need in that respect.

However, if Honda America was to make a set of mats for the older Es... yea I could see me snaggin' that too.

I honestly think American Honda would see a larger return on investment if they piece milled this 'accessory package' out.

I agree that the 1k price point is above what most would be willing to pay, plus the simple truth is those that have the E for their dogs already have the majority of the needed items.

But, I'm certain there are thousands of us who are literally drooling at the thoughts of those 'badges' for the outside of the E. I would snag those right now this very second if they were available. But I don't have the need for the entire package - like most others I already have the stuff I need in that respect.

However, if Honda America was to make a set of mats for the older Es... yea I could see me snaggin' that too.

What he said, I already have all the dog stuff I need but the badges.................................

I might have bought the dog package with the Element. Am not going to buy it now.

I have my own dog paw stickers (actually full-size wolf paws).

Just offering the package got Honda a wealth of free media for the Element and enhanced its overall corporate image so it's probably already been a good investment.

I do appreciate the dog-friendly initiative, Honda!


:food004::food004:

I love the Element for my dogs, a Great Pyrenees and Cattle Dog mix. I appreciate the handiness of the car for hauling them around. But a grand is more than I would ever spend for that package, even new.
I have never really understood Honda's not letting you order a vehicle with accessories you want. You have to buy everything from dealer and have it installed. This really inflates the cost of the vehicle. I have always liked that you can order and spec build american cars. If they were just built like Hondas...

The problem with the Element as a Dogmobile is that the rear windows don't roll down.

Ask any dog, the most important thing about a car is that you can stick your head out the window and ram-charge the ol' olfactory system.

As for the package, most dogs can jump in, so the ramp is just excess. The kennel makes sure you never get to stick your nose out the window, The dog-bone floor mats might be fun, but we already have a leash, collar, etc.


http://automobiles.honda.com/element/dog-accessories.aspx

Did someone say "DOG" package!?!?

http://photos2.ebizautos.com/1770/4597618/4597618_7.jpg

http://photos2.ebizautos.com/1770/4597618/4597618_16.jpg

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ONE-OF-A-KIND-DOG-FRIENDLY-BRAND-NEW-CHECK-IT-OUT_W0QQitemZ280421595886QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Car s_Trucks?hash=item414a6dfaee#v4-37

:twisted:

Most of the stuff is either unnecessary (like the ramp... come on!?!) or dog owners already own.

Plus the price will likely be too high - $1,000 you all are saying

But I would like the badge for the rear hatch. Although I normally debadge my cars, I would like the paw "Dog Friendly" logo. $10 sounds reasonable

you'd think they'll "have to" sell the badges separately. Think about collision shops/body shops.

If I had a dog-friendly element and I get rear ended...I'm going to get the tailgate fixed and would want to put the badges back on, right?

The problem with the Element as a Dogmobile is that the rear windows don't roll down.

Ask any dog, the most important thing about a car is that you can stick your head out the window and ram-charge the ol' olfactory system.


Agree, my poor collie has to stick his long nose forward from the back seat to get any air. Anybody ever try to remove the back windows?

Okay, I'm a hopeless doglover but it would appear I am not alone at this site! I rescued a Great Pyrennes two years ago and his foster mom has an Element. First time I'd ever seen one. It's been on my mind ever since. When I read about the dog package my ears perked up.

I have five dogs (Maltese to Great Pyrennes in sizes) and the Element sounds very cool and a perfect match. I'm just starting out and trying to figure out which year and model I'd do best with, although the 2010s with dog accessories is very tempting. If you have any thoughts, please let me know.

I absolutely love the painted dog car!

Article via Autoblog about the LA Auto Show Element "Dog Friendly" version...

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-honda-element-dog-friendly-los-angeles-2009/

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/hondaelementcanine---1.jpg

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/hondaelementcanine---3.jpg

I'm curious... do only the rear seats have that dog print seat cover? Honda didn't make any for the front seats, correct? I'm wondering, because I would still love to get a Honda stock set of seat covers, but since I have a 2008, through Honda my only option is to get rear ones. My E is a total dog car and I really need some darn seat covers!

Those pictures from the LA Auto Show are super cute, btw. :)

I went to the LA Auto Show. I didn't see the real dogs there when I went but here are the pics I snapped....

http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/cmikel/elementinterior.jpg

http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/cmikel/elementdog.jpg

My pups just took their first ride in their new '10 Polished Metal Metallic EX with the Dog Friendly package... and had no complaints!

My husband and I had an '03 Element - the first Element our dealership sold - but traded it on a Ridgeline after an accident last year. It did not take us long to miss the E, especially trying to transport our "kids" - a 110 lb. Newfoundland-mix and a 70 lb. Black Lab-mix.

When we saw the Dog Friendly package we didn't think twice about it - and picked up our new E on Saturday. We will not be using the kennel due to the size of our dogs, but we figure the ramp will be used when Cooper gets older because he is SO BIG. Also, the seat covers are AWESOME.

The best part about the whole thing - the dog bone floor mats!!! They make the whole car!

My only complaint? I wish the paw emblems were bigger. And every salesman we talked to agreed.

A little pricey? Sure. Did we blink an eye at it? Nope. In fact, we showed it to a breeder friend the day we picked it up and she is likely getting one too!!

In regards to the dogs needing windows - we believe that letting your dog hang out the window is dangerous for them and we do not allow it anyway. As long as they can see out, they are happy!!

On a side note - I am so far happy with the changes between the '03 and the '10 Elements. Except the useless center cooler...

You know what I think this calls for?

PHOTOS!!!!

Hahah, at least i would love some ;)

Yeah I want to see some pics too! Some real world action shots would be great!

I was looking at my local dealer this morning at a 2010 dog friendly edition. The retail price was $1395.00. That's waaaay to rich for my blood! Honda should sell all the items piece meal thru the parts department. Some things are neat, the fan, the water dish. But I have no need for an aluminum ramp. The E is low enough for any dog to jump into.

There are four kits on sale on Ebay for $850-$950. The lowest price I was given for the kit (installed) was about $930. That was at a dealer in a small city. Dealers in the larger city nearby wanted $1300 for the package installed.

I'm starting to think twice about getting the dog package myself. I love the dog bone floor mats, but the ramp and seat covers can be bought on their own for much less. I don't put my little guy in the way back, so while I like the idea of a built in bed, bowl, and fan, their location isn't right for us.

Like I said before, I love this package but I think I can put it together myself for less. Wal Mart has a fan that you can plug into the rear VPA, they have spill proof bowls, dog beds....maybe no dog bone mats but still they have mats, seat covers.....only part you cant find else where is the dog friendly logo to put on the outside which is not that big of a deal. Honda, if you read this, please consider breaking it down to individual pieces and lower the price because cosmedically the factory version does LOOK cool!

mine came with it. I think the kennel and ramp are gonna be sold.

I think this accessory adds to the "cool factor" and provides a marketing opportunity to get dog loving car shoppers to consider the Element. Dealer or factory installed accessories provide an additional, high profit revenue stream over and above the price of the vehicle. Some buyers (who have the money), prefer to buy vehicles with factory/dealer installed equipment rather than buying off brand stuff and doing it themselves.

You can obviously buy ANY accessory cheaper yourself than you can from a dealer....but there is something to be said for driving off the lot in a brand new ride equpped with all of the bells and whistles! :grin:

(I still want a HondaTailgate Cabana...despite the fact I don't need one, it's too much money and the tent I have is better...go figure!)

My local Honda dealership, where I bought my E, is having a demo of a Dog Package Element today. I may go check it out. The local dog shelter, where I bought my doggy, will be set up there too. I may go score some doggy treats for my pooch and maybe get a hot dog while I'm there. Hopefully I won't come home with a new E :roll:

Went ahead and saw the Element. It was a nice maroon one with the dog stuff all set up. Pretty slow day at the dealership. I saw a shelter doggie but no treats or hot dogs. The Dog Package on that one was $1,400 - ouch.

Any idea if the 'Dog Friendly' package would not fit in a 2008 EX? I have noticed in the ebay listing showing that the package is only for 2009-2010's.

I know the floor mats are the same...maybe the rear seats are different and the covers wont fit correctly?

Thanks.

I just got the Dog Friendly Element and I LOVE it. I have an older dog (retired and injured/arthritic police dog) who does need the ramp. She uses it and gladly limps up it and climbs into the kennel. My other dog is young and spry. She easily leaps into the kennel and doesn't need the ramp. The ramp is very lightweight, excellent quality and stows away nicely. I also love the mats. I go everywhere with at least one dog and my dog-friendly Element is the coolest car I have ever owned. (besides my former beloved VW Westy camper van)

There are things I would change:
1. Hardwire an on/off switch up front to activate the rear fan.
2. Design the kennel platform so you can place it in different locations in the cargo area (I removed my back seats and opened up more room. It would be nice if I could move the kennel sideways, instead of facing backwards)
3. Provide different sized kennels. I'm lucky the kennel fits either of my dogs, but they are no bigger than 55-60lbs. A much bigger dog wouldn't fit comfortably.
4. Provide the neat seat covers for the front seats, as well as the back seats.
5. Move the water bowl from the rear of the kennel, to the front. It would be much easier to refill in the front.
6. Put an additional zippered panel on the other side of the kennel.

Anyway, I'm a schmuck who paid extra, but I don't regret it for a second. This is the second brand new car I purchased in my whole life. (I'm 49) and my car was the showroom model. I LOVED that they had to open the huge glass walls to drive MY car out of the building. I don't think my smile could have been any bigger when I drove my new Element home.

I am a competitive disc dog (Frisbee dog) person who travels a lot. This car will be with me and my dogs for a long time. LOVE IT!!!
:razz::grin:

o