OK, so I have 600 miles on my new 2010 Element...its my third one....and I just want my 2005 back.....I should of just sunk the $$$Money into it to have the 90K mile service done instead of buying this piece of crap imitation of what used to be a great vehicle.

I HATE: the driver seat.... who was the frakkin rocket scientist that put the strangulation seat belt into the seat. Soooooo uncomfortable and so annoying.
You sit upright and can't bring the seat down to the floor anymore. I'm a tall guy and liked it THAT WAY!!!

I HATE: the passenger seat.....who was the moron that eliminated fold forward and slide to the dash all in one motion to get to the rear seat easier mechanism.

I HATE: The over head console. STUPID design. It didn;t work in the 1995-2005 Chevrolets and it ain't gonna work now. Where's the little hideaway door with the mesh plastic bottom. Where are my kickass map lights?

I HATE: Where did the rear moonroof go. C'mon when the dog farts in the back I gotta open the moon roof to vent.

I HATE: That there is still only two outlets. C'mon we gotta have at least one in the center. Would have been 100times better that that removable shoebox cooler.

I HATE: The visors. Who the frakk made the executive decision to eliminate the best visors EVER designed. You slide the inner panels out and have a continous visor across your wind shield. Sweet...no more.

So, the people at the dealership are gonna think I'm nuts when I trade my 600 mile 2010 in for a 20,000 mile 2007 or 2008.....

This blows.....

wow, what a bummer. 3rd Element, but first post on the forum... double bummer.

BTW- Welcome! Too bad you hadn't noticed some of your "HATES" during your test drive.

sorry to hear how unhappy you are with your 2010..i have an 04,,i do agree with you on the 1 passenger side outlet..thats my biggest compliant..now a days cars need 2 or 3 front outlets,,good luck

wow, what a bummer. 3rd Element, but first post on the forum... double bummer.

BTW- Welcome! Too bad you hadn't noticed some of your "HATES" during your test drive.

I have been reading the forum for 'years' . You guys are gonna shoot me when I tell you this.... but I figured...its an Element, I've logged over 175,000 miles total in my other 2, why would I need to test drive it? So I didn't...

Stupidest decision I ever made... I looked it over, noticed the changes.... thought it would have been for the better.... WOW...was I wrong. On all fronts..

So, the people at the dealership are gonna think I'm nuts when I trade my 600 mile 2010 in for a 20,000 mile 2007 or 2008.....

This blows.....

I think the 05 was the last to have seat belt on the door, passenger fold forward seat, and they changed the visor. do a search and/or check out some interior pics to confirm. if so, you mind as well keep the 10'.

Hey guys, this is my first post. I have a Kiwi Green 06 and it has the door belts, the visors and all the other goodies. I bought it about 7 months ago with only 40,000 miles on it, so if you trade in the 2010 there are still some good buys out there.

I love this car and it puts a smile on my face every time I get into it.

Hey guys, this is my first post. I have a Kiwi Green 06 and it has the door belts, the visors and all the other goodies. I bought it about 7 months ago with only 40,000 miles on it, so if you trade in the 2010 there are still some good buys out there.

I love this car and it puts a smile on my face every time I get into it.

Welcome to the EOC to both of you. Yap, the redesign was done on '07 year.

I think the 05 was the last to have seat belt on the door, passenger fold forward seat, and they changed the visor. do a search and/or check out some interior pics to confirm. if so, you mind as well keep the 10'.Like jea said, the 2006 was basically the same car as the 2005, and 2007 is when they did the first refresh.

Welcome to the forums, and I'm sorry you've discovered the hard and expensive way that Honda's attempts at improving the Element had the opposite effect.

OK, so I have 600 miles on my new 2010 Element...its my third one....and I just want my 2005 back.....I should of just sunk the $$$Money into it to have the 90K mile service done instead of buying this piece of crap imitation of what used to be a great vehicle.

I HATE: the driver seat.... who was the frakkin rocket scientist that put the strangulation seat belt into the seat. Soooooo uncomfortable and so annoying.

I HATE: the passenger seat.....who was the moron that eliminated fold forward and slide to the dash all in one motion to get to the rear seat easier mechanism.

I HATE: The visors. Who the frakk made the executive decision to eliminate the best visors EVER designed. You slide the inner panels out and have a continous visor across your wind shield. Sweet...no more.

So, the people at the dealership are gonna think I'm nuts when I trade my 600 mile 2010 in for a 20,000 mile 2007 or 2008.....

This blows.....

As said by others already, you're gonna want to go pre 07 if you have issues with the items listed in the quote.

Sorry to see that! I also have the same Issues with the changes! It's the only reason the wife still has the 05! Other than that we would have traded up to a newer one.

You are in this area, so there are members that have been looking at new E's. You may want to make a meet, and see if one of them is willing to trade with you. Most of the Elements in this bunch are in Excellent condition. Only one or two that need work.

Dom

You are NOT gonna want an 07 or an 08. The seat items you mention that you
HATE so much, are the same. The seats changed in 05 or 06. Do some research
before you make the same mistake again.

Good Luck.

Sorry to see that! I also have the same Issues with the changes! It's the only reason the wife still has the 05! Other than that we would have traded up to a newer one.

You are in this area, so there are members that have been looking at new E's. You may want to make a meet, and see if one of them is willing to trade with you. Most of the Elements in this bunch are in Excellent condition. Only one or two that need work.

Dom


This is a great idea! Maybe you can make a fair trade without taking the wooping from the dealership! Love my '04, and am shying away from the newer ones for many of the reasons listed in this thread. I like that my E is simple.

Best of luck to ya!

Tam

yes yes yes, I think mid 06', the 07' rolled out introducing the SC.

I just picked up my new 2010 Element yesterday when it was raining. Today in the sunshine I realized the visors were not the same as the ones I loved on my 2005. Then from this group I learned that there were other changes, like the passenger seat change, and one I noticed, that the new center console intrudes on the back seat floor area. This is a particular problem for me as I travel with cats and put a large dog carrier on the back seat floor and it will no longer fit level. I just don't feel as happy about my purchase now. I have one question, has anyone tried to replace the slide style visors on the newer Elements with the telescoping sun shade visors that were standard on the older model Elements? I am curious if they will fit.

I'll come pick up your '10 and leave my '05 behind , I got all the stuff you need and make you whole once again !
Haters
GEEEEEEEEEZ

RUBY

I have to agree that none of the changes Honda made to the Element in '07 were improvements. The new seats design was an unfortunate case of Honda listening to owners who whined about how they had to take off their seat belt to open the back door.

Ssdphoto, do you realize the visors slide out on their pivots? Maybe not ideal, but should block the sun as effectively as the old style.

I don't hate my 2010 Element. I just loved my 2005 more. It is because I loved my 2005 that I bought the 2010 in the first place. I didn't even look at other cars. I am just disappointed to find that things I liked and took for granted have been changed for the worse. And, now that I have the 2010 Element I am looking for solutions to the "problems" I have encountered so I can feel excited about my new car again.

is it paid for ???? mine is !!!if your was a cargo khaki I might think about a trade. what the heck if it's paid for bring it on over.

The more I browse the forum and threads, the more I'm elated that I found my '06.

I can't tell you how much I've used the rear sunroof while roadtripping or off-roading, I think its been stored at home more than been on the vehicle.

And I loved the visors in my S-10 that extended past my head when the sun was blaring in from the side window, and now I have found them again, GENIUS!!!

I never really thought much about the seat flipping forward and sliding out of the way of incoming gear or people, but now that you mentioned it, it is so much easier.

And the fact that I found a 4 year old car with only 27,000 miles on it with not one scratch to the plastic or paint, I'm even more pleased.

Thanks EOC for making me feel so good about my purchase!!:-D

i guess since my 09 was my first element, then maybe I dont know what im missing? But I love this car. I have never loved a car as much as i do this one. And let me tell you my element is car #38 since Ive been 16 (age 37 now). To be bluntly honest, I didnt even like the looks of the element until they started painting the fenders the color of the car. Then, when the 09 came out I really took a likeing to the car so much I went out and bought one. Maybe because Im a small guy at 5'9 and 155lbs the seat belt doesnt bother me? As far as visors, i wear sunglasses when its sunny and i have a strip of tint on my windsheild.

I will say the only thing i miss from my other car is the heated leather seats and the sunroof.

Sounds like I'd better hang on to my '06

Sounds like I'd better hang on to my '06

I'm looking into a few 2006's in the area. All the dealers are dumbfounded when they find out my trade is a 2010.

I really miss my 2005. Had my first drive to a job in NJ and was not a fun drive at all...

I put 45,000 mile on my 2005 in 20 months.

I tranfered the following to the 2010 and will be to the 2006 when I find it..

I took out the rear seats and made a custom carpet covered platform.
Mounted 235/75/16 Kumho Road Ventures, have a Thule Rack with windfairing with dual mountain bike racks and replaced the Honda Emblem on the front with a diecast Autobot emblem.
Let me see if I have some pics on here.

My wife and I are on our third Element and it had to be a 2006. (We both had '05's -sold/traded due to financial issues at the time.)

We looked at 2007-08's and couldn't stand the seat belts on the seats. Would have been workable IF the belts were as long as the ones in the '03 to '06 years, however Honda apparently decided that tall, heavy folks should no longer drive their Elements. I have room to spare to buckle-up in our '06. Belt was at least 4 inches too short to buckle in the '07 and '08 we looked at (Douche dealer wouldn't let me drive the '08 because I couldn't buckle up.) Wouldn't be such a big deal-but Honda offers no belt extensions. Also didn't like the brake feel in the '07's. We don't haul rear passengers, so the lack of rear curtain air bags in the pre '07s is no issue.

Recently checked out a 2010- who the hell is Honda listening too?? No rear sunroof, all metal panels, nearly white seats (on a utility vehicle!!!!) Stupid seat belts, much worse fit and finish plus a WAY too high price. Every "upgrade" Honda made since 2006 has resulted in far fewer sales. Hope the 2011 "new model" is something like the original.

I have a 2009. What's the deal with people hating the seatbelts? I have an average build, 6 feet, 175 pounds, and I have no issues with the seat belt. It's great. I don't notice it when it's on. It's not in the way of anything, ever. Does it strangle tall people, or short people? What?
No issues here either. My brother, who owns an 05 Cargo Khaki, is thinking about trading it for a newer one as he hates the seatbelts on his and wishes it had seatbelts like mine.

Of course neither of us is morbidly obese so maybe that has something to do with it.

.

Of course neither of us is morbidly obese so maybe that has something to do with it.

Gary,
I dont think your comment is appropriate. Personally I have no issue with the seat belts. Im sure body type(height, weight) has something to do with it but who knows.
deeppowder

ssdphoto,,,maybe you can try a seatbelt cushion,,i have them on all 4 seatbelts and i love them,,,there cheap to ,,i got 4 on e-bay with the honda logo for $15 shipped to my door,,and they match my interior..

Of course neither of us is morbidly obese so maybe that has something to do with it.
So-you are saying that people with a weight issue don't deserve to drive an Element?

Look GaryS; My issue with the seat mounted belts is they made them significantly shorter in length when they moved them to the seat. Chevy and GMC did the same thing with the seat mounted belts in their trucks- but they will give you either a 3 inch or 7 inch extender. Honda does not give you that option. My wife and I have been heavy since early childhood and have taken abuse from all the 'little of mind' people all our lives. We just don't like being cast off by our favorite car company the same way.

I love my 2010. 6'1" and 200 lbs, seatbelts are very comfy. No issues whatsoever. I had a 2007 sold it for a Civic when gas prices jumped. I had 2 years of Element envy and had to have another one.

Peoples gripes seem to be very minor and easily fixed if they just stop complaining and actually try to do something about it. No car is perfect for everyone. The visors slide entirely instead of just a small easily broken plastic section. They sell seat belt extenders for large people, pads if you're short and clips to adjust where it lays on your chest. All changes are considered improvements for the majority of drivers. Customize it to suit your individual needs. It's a bare bones utility vehicle and it does exactly what is was designed for with flying colors.

Element lovers unite!!!!!!!!!!!!:mystery:

and in my opinion looks better than previous years

The edge of the belt cuts into my neck. I have to have a jacket on with the collar turned up to prevent this. I'm 6'1" ,245.....big but not the blob..

Blob...lol.....dont know why that tickled me, but it did.

sell it, move on, and don't look back. Don't prolong your agony.

Ssdphoto, do you realize the visors slide out on their pivots? Maybe not ideal, but should block the sun as effectively as the old style.

Sad to say they don't. I prefer the old style. Then again I just modded up a slide-out blocker with some zip ties and a little tileboard that works wonders...:roll:

http://www.skidmore.edu/~pdwyer/e/eoc/visor_2010om.gif

http://www.google.com/products?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&q=padre+baseball+hat&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=Ev_zS5fAEZTatgOrldisDA&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=image&resnum=4&ved=0CDkQzAMwAw

Well, most of your complaints can't be fixed unfortunately.

I have a suggestion for one of them, however. Change your dogs' diet!

6ft 5in 200 pounds.. no complaint with the seat belts in my 07. The visors however, do not slide back far enough to be of any use.

I have a 2004 EX with 75K on it and I am going to be waiting until I see the 2nd generation Element before doing anything... personally, I love my 2004 E and it's the perfect vehicle for hauling hockey and sports gear for my son and taking long road trips (DC area to Mont Tremlent and DC area to Florida or outerbanks).

Don't change what isn't broken! The E was perfect to begin with!

The dealer would look at you funny. Items 1,2,5 and 6 on your list are problems for the '07.

I have an '07 and love it. The only think I miss occasionally is the flip forward ability of the front passenger seat.

Thankfully, my wife and I both fit in the seat belts.

The external appearance of the '09-'10 does not appeal to me. So much that I would not buy a vehicle from those years.

It seems to me that somewhere along the way Honda automotive designers lost their focus. Just look at the more recent new stuff they put out. I'm not liking it.

OK, so I have 600 miles on my new 2010 Element...its my third one....and I just want my 2005 back.....I should of just sunk the $$$Money into it to have the 90K mile service done instead of buying this piece of crap imitation of what used to be a great vehicle.

I HATE: the driver seat.... who was the frakkin rocket scientist that put the strangulation seat belt into the seat. Soooooo uncomfortable and so annoying.
You sit upright and can't bring the seat down to the floor anymore. I'm a tall guy and liked it THAT WAY!!!

I HATE: the passenger seat.....who was the moron that eliminated fold forward and slide to the dash all in one motion to get to the rear seat easier mechanism.

I HATE: The over head console. STUPID design. It didn;t work in the 1995-2005 Chevrolets and it ain't gonna work now. Where's the little hideaway door with the mesh plastic bottom. Where are my kickass map lights?

I HATE: Where did the rear moonroof go. C'mon when the dog farts in the back I gotta open the moon roof to vent.

I HATE: That there is still only two outlets. C'mon we gotta have at least one in the center. Would have been 100times better that that removable shoebox cooler.

I HATE: The visors. Who the frakk made the executive decision to eliminate the best visors EVER designed. You slide the inner panels out and have a continous visor across your wind shield. Sweet...no more.

So, the people at the dealership are gonna think I'm nuts when I trade my 600 mile 2010 in for a 20,000 mile 2007 or 2008.....

This blows.....

It seems to me that somewhere along the way Honda automotive designers lost their focus. Just look at the more recent new stuff they put out. I'm not liking it.

I agree.
When I hear the word HONDA, the first thing that crosses my mind is lawn mowers, motorcycles and great generators = outside, adventurous, tough.

If I put HONDA and AUTOMOBILE together, I think;
An adventurous, durable, reliable vehicle.

The Element is the only vehicle that I believe is true to the Honda namesake---thank you Honda designers who thought up this great vehicle.
In my opinion, Honda needs to come up with another vehicle or beef up the ruggedness of the Element. Not fru fru it up!:-(

Well, I hear what you say about the things you hate about the 2010 E. I LOVE my 2010 E!! I too have issues with the seat belts, but I bought the fleece shoulder things that go on the seatbelt and that has taken care of the problem. I personally like the looks of the 2010 E better that the previous years. I owned a 2005 Element and loved it. But then I sold it because I thought I had to have a Jeep which I always wanted. But it was nothing but problems, so I came back to the Element, and couldn't be happier! Granted some things have changed from the '05 to the '10, but honestly none of them were dealbreakers for me. I'm just thankful I have a good job that I can afford to get into a new Element. My Bluebelle and me are very happy:030::030:

...I too have issues with the seat belts, but I bought the fleece shoulder things that go on the seatbelt and that has taken care of the problem...

X2

I'm 6' and 265 lbs. with a 54" chest. I'm not sure if it's height or girth or a ratio of both. The seat belt webbing digging into my neck was very distracting until I got the sheepskin sleeves to put over them.

I've had an 05 and now a 2010. For all the things that have changed I think everything is a wash. I love the new seats but miss the sunroof. I could go on with comparisons.

Bottomline is I still like the car, and no one forced me to buy something I didn't actually want.

I have an '09 and I have never loved a car more than I love my Element--even my previous First Gen CRV just pales in comparison.

And honestly a few years ago, you couldn't have paid me to even look at an Element, much less purchase one. I vastly prefer the '07 and up versions to the previous model years.

I have an issue with my color (Black, trying to get over it, trying to love it, trying to stop wanting my car to look perfect and clean all of the time), but that's hardly the fault of the Element, or Honda. My decision, I should have researched BLACK CAR MAINTENANCE before I agreed to finance a 20k car. I thought about selling it, but I feel guilty for abandoning my beloved car --and also I'm trying to see what's in store for 2011. :grin:

But you know, do you. If all of those annoyances are deal breakers, sell or trade in the car while you can still get top dollar for it.

Can somebody tell me why you would put a sunroof in the rear of a car and not the front?

> Can somebody tell me why you would put a sunroof in the rear of a car and not the front?

As this is not a 2003-06 vs. 2007-10 issue, please see relevant threads.

As my first E was an 08 I never got to experience "before."

However, having read this it's coming together.

The first time I tried to crawl in the back to fold the seats up, I tried to tilt the front passenger seat forward the same way I used to in my Civic. I simply thought I was still in coupe-mode and I would now have to get rid of that thinking. Wow - I can't believe it used to exist and they got rid of that.

The nifty visor thingy - I think I drove a pontiac 15 years ago with something similar and thought - OMG I have to shake the visor designer's hand (then go spank the person who designed the rest of it). I have never used the visors in my 08 to block the sun, because they don't block squat. I invested in a decent pair of sunglasses that I keep in the hidden-door mesh thingy you so dearly miss!

I do find the visors work great to hold large amounts of mail from my house to the post office ;-)

I still love my E more than any car I have ever owned - as long as it's a stick shift - but that's another thread:-)

SSD - Hopefully everyone with a 2010 who feels the same way you do will complete their surveys accordingly. I'd like to see those things come back.

Can somebody tell me why you would put a sunroof in the rear of a car and not the front?

I would be willing to bet that it had to do with airflow from open front/passenger windows to an escape through the sunroof when opened.

Oh and I love my 2010........only thing that I found inconvenient is the location of the cupholder, I liked the location of the one on my 2003 CRV a bit better, but not a reason to dislike the whole package.

Can somebody tell me why you would put a sunroof in the rear of a car and not the front?


Because you can with an Element! Not true of most SUVs.

The sunroof could not be placed in the front due to the doors having no B pillar, the stability of the structure would be compromised. A major front hit and the vehicle would fold up in a V shape.

this has nothing to do with me. Im not the one bashing honda and hating my car. If you take this down to the very basics, im not saying people dont have a right not to be happy with somthing. What im saying is that instead of complaining to a point where you are calling a car a pience of junk, look at who made the decision to buy the so called piece of junk.

we can sit and discuss this until we're blue in the face and it wont change the fact that no one held a gun to anyones head when they bought their car. :-)

I think I need to clarify a few things. I am not bashing Honda or the Element. I am just really unhappy with the design decisions that have been made after 2007 or so.
I did not know these design changes have been in effect since then. I have been driving a 2005 since mid August 2008, putting 45,000 miles on it since then.

I really don't know who was in charge of making these design changes, but it obviously wasn't someone that paid an ounce of attention to who actually DRIVES and uses the Element. All the things they eliminated were what I liked about the car, where there was room for improvement, they didn't even address.

I have been so busy lately that I fast-tracked the sale of the 2010 because I had a huge event coming up and didn't have the time to hang out at the dealership. I walked in, told them what I wanted, told them what I had and bought the 2010.

I LOVE the Element. In 2003 when they first came out I went into a dealer and bought one right off the showroom floor. At the time I was photographing the Big Dig in Boston and had complete access to all the construction and demolition sites with my Orange Element. American car purists HATED it because I was driving a Honda, but once they saw the benefits of what my little SUV could do they changed their minds.

I'm a construction and demolition photographer and drive my Element all over the US with all my equipment and my dog.

I was once at a big union construction job in Brooklyn and a hard core NY Yankee loving Ironworker came up to me, saw my Mass plates and my Redsox sticker on my windfairing and said 'why your driving that piece of crap Jap Honda?'

And I said , as I opened the hatch and released the TAILGATE....'Because there is not one Amercian car on the market with a REAL tailgate, unless I wanted to buy a mid 80's blazer.'
Then I showed him the suicide doors and how much room was in it and then he sat in the passenger side........ and actually 'apologized'....LOL

Maybe the word HATE was too strong a word to start this thread off with, but when you really love a car, and it worked for you, for all the right reasons, you stick with it.
Heck, I'm even considering buying 2- 2006's so when I drive this next one into the ground I will have a low-mileage back up in the wings...


A Heavy Construction and Demolition Photographer?
Here is that 'event' I had to get to...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg81GVFGGB4

and more of what I drive my Element to.....

http://www.setteducati.com

for those of you who dont know, i work in the trucking industry. A few days ago one of my trucks lost its power steering 100 miles from our shop. Now this nothing that is going to cause any type of safety problem, it just means you actually have to do some physical work to drive the truck. When i told this younger driver to bring the truck to the shop, you would have thought i was asking for his first born. My first thought was, you would have never survived in trucking in the 70's before there was a/c, power steering, lavish bunks, air ride suspension and cabs in over the road trucks.

If you hate your car that much, get rid of it. Its pretty simple. If you cant, dont blame Honda for your lack of making sure you purchase a car that has the features you like and want. Its kind of like going into a restaurant, telling them you want a hamburger, they say all they have is cheeseburgers so you agree to take one then bitch up a storm because you didnt get a hamburger.

Honda didnt force you to buy this car, so stop blaming them.


I totally understand where you are coming from and completely agree with you on the DIVA generation here. Previous to my Honda Element I drove a Blazer, Bronco, Ford F150, two diesel Suburbans and a Freightliner FL70 and I have an 11 second 1981 Chevy Malibu 2 door with a 406 SBC and manual steering that I built myself.

The bottom line is I will get rid of the 2010, lose some money in the process, but be happier in the long run.

As for blaming Honda......If you don't voice opinions the people making the decisions will never knew they made a mistake in the first place.

I didn't force you to read my post but obviously you knew enough to share your own experience with us and that's on of the greatest things about these internet forums.

Thank you.

everyone is different in their expectations, desires, needs and wants. Its unfortunate that he is stuck in a car he doesnt like. Ive been there, it SUCKS! To state that Honda made changes that were poor, and come off as its a fact; is not fair to honda. Its an individuals opinion.

I for one absolutely love this car. I have only loved 1 other car as much as my element and that was my 1999 Wranger TJ. I got my 09 element Jul 09 and already have over 20k miles on him. It is probably one of the most comfortable riding cars ive had in a very long time. The only regret I have is not getting the nav.

I totally understand where you are coming from and completely agree with you on the DIVA generation here. Previous to my Honda Element I drove a Blazer, Bronco, Ford F150, two diesel Suburbans and a Freightliner FL70 and I have an 11 second 1981 Chevy Malibu 2 door with a 406 SBC and manual steering that I built myself.

The bottom line is I will get rid of the 2010, lose some money in the process, but be happier in the long run.

As for blaming Honda......If you don't voice opinions the people making the decisions will never knew they made a mistake in the first place.

I didn't force you to read my post but obviously you knew enough to share your own experience with us and that's on of the greatest things about these internet forums.

Thank you.

I hate you...i want your malibu. I actually also had an 81 2 door that my parents had bought new. I had a built 350 punched 30 over and a mini tub. I miss that car. Some moron ran into it while it was parked.

Oh, and didnt honda move the seat belts from the pillar at the request of element owners?

I hate you...i want your malibu. I actually also had an 81 2 door that my parents had bought new. I had a built 350 punched 30 over and a mini tub. I miss that car. Some moron ran into it while it was parked.

Oh, and didnt honda move the seat belts from the pillar at the request of element owners?

Sorry for your loss.... heartbreaking.

I feel your pain, I want my 06 back so badly it's not funny but sadly it's in the Element cemetery :zombie004:

Awesome video BTW

I drove a 2010 today and have to agree with the seat-belts, the overhead console, the missing moonroof and the flip-up front seats

I will not be buying a new one - the seat belts were the deal killer

is it paid for ???? mine is !!!if your was a cargo khaki I might think about a trade. what the heck if it's paid for bring it on over.

Yep, cargo khaki is the best color ever. I think that's where Honda also failed with the E's intended demographic. The colors! The should have been painted in more primary and military-esque colors that the young dudes like. My favorite colors have been the cargo Khaki, Rallye Red, Magnesium Grey, the new Pearl (light blue). The green should have always been an Olive green darker non-metallic color. Honda should have also kept the fenders unpainted except for the SC.

I put the down payment on a new 2010. I did take it for a test drive and my biggest dislike was the visibility. I wish it had auto side mirrors I use them religously. But they seem big enough to see the ground and more. The side views are limited and the rear view is going to take some getting use to for sure.
Glad to be here. I'll look forward to all your do's and don't's. I should be picking this up Tuesday or Wednesday this coming week.
Wish me luck and a couple hundred k miles!

I HATE: The visors. Who the frakk made the executive decision to eliminate the best visors EVER designed. You slide the inner panels out and have a continous visor across your wind shield. Sweet...no more.



I agree 100% on the visors. i had an 03 and those were totally the best visors ever! Driving back from a hike tonight with the sun in my eyes was DANGEROUS with my 07 visors. Curving freeway, 30 mph crosswind, three lanes all going 75 mph, and me- trying to pull the visor over that hump behind the rearview mirror without moving the mirror or holding my hand up to block the sun... an accident waiting to happen IMHO. :x I have been watching the DIY threads just waiting for someone to retrofit an 03-06 visor on a 07+ E

But is it a dealkiller? After three years and 50k, no. I wouldn't trade a 5AT E for a 4AT E ever, no matter what. i enjoy driving up mountain passes and NOT being passed by early 70s VW vanagons. :roll::grin:

I certainly hope Honda takes a look at this thread-- if they don't, its a pretty good bet that most current E owners will jump ship if/when Honda does a 2nd gen E. :-(

Watson welcome to da cult... bout dam time ya got in here...:grin:

I put the down payment on a new 2010. I did take it for a test drive and my biggest dislike was the visibility. I wish it had auto side mirrors I use them religously. But they seem big enough to see the ground and more. The side views are limited and the rear view is going to take some getting use to for sure.
Glad to be here. I'll look forward to all your do's and don't's. I should be picking this up Tuesday or Wednesday this coming week.
Wish me luck and a couple hundred k miles!

auto side mirrors, or power side mirrors? Not sure what the LX trim comes with, but if you mean power side mirrors the EX has them

I love my 2009 but I did not own one before so I have nothing to compare it too. To bad that some of you don't like the upgrades. I am just glad to have and "E" now. :-)

I love my 2009 but I did not own one before so I have nothing to compare it too. To bad that some of you don't like the upgrades. I am just glad to have and "E" now. :-)

What he said

I agree, the car manufacturers don't seem to be listening to consumers. We thought about getting a new E and just didn't enjoy driving it as well as the 04. Absolutely hate the seat mounted belt design in new cars---it constantly pulls down the shoulder.

Looked at a new Chevy truck---they are doing the same thing. Most of the enjoyable little features are gone and the seats are just plain uncomfortable. The 03 still looks and drives like new----it's a keeper.

Can't buy a new Mustang. They have put the brake and gas pedals so darn close that my size 14EEE foot applies both at the same time---scary. Although, I blew the clutch a few weeks ago and just got through replacing it, by myself (too darn nit picky to use a helper,) on jack stands. Wound up busting an old repaired hernia loose---now, have get that fixed (can't do that one myself :lol:.)

In summary: took the E on an appointment, this morning, and thought how well she still drives---just like the day it was new :-). Another keeper.

Hello All,
I have had my 2010 for a whole week now and all is well, mostly. My former car was a Maxima so I miss the get up and go go go. But the E has plenty of spirit so it's not that bad.
The seat belt is not an issue, I'm 6'1'' and no problem.
The remote key does not lock, it unlocks but does not lock. That's a dealer visit I guess.
I am trying to get more familiar with the VSA. I have not had time to experiment. If it is "off" that means I am not in 4wd, is that correct? If not in 4wd is it front or rear wheel drive?
Wish the back windows opened and not the flip outs.
No arm rests, but I did get power mirrors. That's great for me!
Got tinted rear and back windows, that's kinda nice. Never had that.
Need to explore roof rack. Looks like there is a link or two in this club.
Need to look for seat covers also, my little guy loves to scramble through the clamshell doors and climb all over the seats before he sits. Much like a dog will walk circles before he settles down.
Thanks thats probably enough babbling for now.
Happy E motoring everyone.

Hello, Watson.

If [VSA] is "off" that means I am not in 4wd?
Separate systems entirely.

If not in 4wd is it front or rear wheel drive?
Front.

See owner's manual for more information.

Hello All,
I have had my 2010 for a whole week now and all is well, mostly. My former car was a Maxima so I miss the get up and go go go. But the E has plenty of spirit so it's not that bad.
The seat belt is not an issue, I'm 6'1'' and no problem.
The remote key does not lock, it unlocks but does not lock. That's a dealer visit I guess.
I am trying to get more familiar with the VSA. I have not had time to experiment. If it is "off" that means I am not in 4wd, is that correct? If not in 4wd is it front or rear wheel drive?
Wish the back windows opened and not the flip outs.
No arm rests, but I did get power mirrors. That's great for me!
Got tinted rear and back windows, that's kinda nice. Never had that.
Need to explore roof rack. Looks like there is a link or two in this club.
Need to look for seat covers also, my little guy loves to scramble through the clamshell doors and climb all over the seats before he sits. Much like a dog will walk circles before he settles down.
Thanks thats probably enough babbling for now.
Happy E motoring everyone.

Agree with you on the rear windows - wish they were automatic....at least automatic flip outs! The seat belts don't bother me either (I'm 6'3"). Is it a taller driver thing?

I think you can add an arm rest.

...
I for one absolutely love this car. I have only loved 1 other car as much as my element and that was my 1999 Wranger TJ...

That’s good to hear!
I still have my ’99 TJ and despite the abysmal MPG and less than stellar road manners, I too like driving it more than my DD.

I have decided to hold onto the 'hated' 2010 for now and make the necessary changes to make it liveable.

Here are my plans.
1) Install a sun/moon roof in rear.
2) Replace seats with 2006 versions or an after market custom seat
3) Purchase seat belts from a pre 2007 and install as they were on the rear door.
or relocate seat belt location altogether.
4) I already disconnected the Daylight Running Lights
5) Paint front silver 'grille' bumper black.
6) Purchase pre 2007 visors from ebay and install.


While I got a lot of 'hungry vultures' dealerships swarm on my 2010 none would offer me more than $15,000 for the trade -in. Bastards.

I like your dedication, Ssdphoto.

Getting pre-2007 back doors would likely be safer than trying to engineer new seat belts and anchors.

I have an 08 and I'm 6'4" I have no problems with my E! Sounds like you jumped into this without taking a good look at it. Something that the dealers love! Good luck with all that then! I would just sell it outright and cut my losses. If I hated my E but I love mine! :razz:

WOW Thanks for the post...everything you posted I like as well...
Engineers screw everything up sooner or later.

Thanks and glad I'm still in my 2004 with 105k...its like an old friend that has been through WAR with me.

Saint

Why didn't the original poster TEST DRIVE the car before buying it? Why didn't he inspect the car before buying it? All his alleged complaints have existed in the Element since 2007! This is nothing new. Next time look at a car before you actually buy it.

You are repeating the criticism made in post #2, to which the OP has already responded.

You are repeating the criticism made in post #2, to which the OP has already responded.

You are correct. Somehow breezed over that one. However, when I bought both my Accord and Element, my Honda dealer REQUIRED me to test drive the vehicles before purchase, to ensure that I knew what I was buying. So yes, the OP learned his lesson for buying a vehicle without ever looking inside of it or driving it.

and in my opinion looks better than previous years

I agree with this. Like another poster here, I never really was attracted to this car until the panels were all the same color, eliminating the big rubbermaid quarter panels. I am sure some people prefer this though.

Ironically most of my research before buying my 10 found that people overwhelmingly disliked the moonroof in the back. Most of these other gripes are pretty minor folks. While it is often annoying when companies make changes that don't suit you, are any of these really deal breakers? Visors? Only 2 power outlets? This is my first car with more than one, and the first one as well that didn't consider this a "cigarette'" lighter. I thought the seatbelt thing was a little weird at first, but much better for opening the rear door. Now, when I drive other cars, the other way of mounting seat belts feels weird.

While there are always some minutia that change from model to model, the Element is essentially the same car.

Now if they had lined it with shag carpet, that would be another story. Now that would have been a dealbreaker.

Well, I like this thread b/c I'm a hater too, in general
But this my 1st Element and I love my 2009.
But, at least you can do some major customizations
to your new Element...please posts pics...I really want to
see the rear sunroof.

you have to love it once you get it . rear sunroof ? manual ... got to open the hatch to make it function , can not operate it while driving was a bad plan ...seatbelt is a non issue , everything else is as designed , utility , wash and wear grade stuff , not a luxury liner by any stretch , drivers head room is stupendous , good visibility down the road while driving , the A posts are a bit thick ( 06 E ) for visual obstructions ( slow manoeuvring ) power is adequate , reliability is Honda ... :-)

Why didn't the original poster TEST DRIVE the car before buying it? Why didn't he inspect the car before buying it? All his alleged complaints have existed in the Element since 2007! This is nothing new. Next time look at a car before you actually buy it.

I 'looked' at it. Got in, had a look around noticed the minor changes, but didn't think anthing of it until I was driving it for a few hundred miles.
Of course it has been common knowledge since 2007 but I WOULDN'T KNOW this because everyone I know that has Elements (8-10 people) all have 2004-2006 models.
I was in a 2004 for 60,000 miles then a used 2006 for 95,000 miles so the world from the way I saw it was 'perfect'.

I do still HATE the seats ......sitting too high, damn seatbelt chafing my neck, knees bent at a 90 degree angle inches from the dashboard. Might as well been in a friggin CRV.

I want to be on the floor legs stretched out visors opened all the way across the windshield. A real comfort to drive 10 hours straight on those long commutes to the job site.

... Might as well been in a friggin CRV.

I'm coming from a different planet, I guess.

We bought 3 new cars in 2009. A 4th gen Acura TL for my wife. A Nissan 370Z, for my inner child. And, late in the year, they had the "clunker" program, so I traded a 1998 GMC Yukon SLT for the E.

Two good cars, and one "crunker", as my wife calls it. And you know which car of the three we fight over who gets to drive? Yup: the E.

It's like driving a living room sofa, compared to the two sports-oriented cars. Fun, easy to get in. Not too much horsepower. Able to carry 99% of the stuff we've had occasion to carry, so far (... but I miss that extra length and payload of the Yukon, a very little.)

The E is the car we drive into New York City. It's easy to park. And if something happens to it, we're not going to shed a tear (much).

Now, just to round this out: we test-drove an Acura RDX. (That's the Honda CR-V basically on steroids.) It was fun, fine -- we didn't like the ride height for the amount of horsepower the car was engineered to feel like it was putting out. ;p We never considered the CR-V, but when I was shopping for the clunker replacement, we looked at the Nissan Cube, Kia
Soul, Scion xB, Honda Fit ... nothing was in the league of the E.

YES the seats could be better. If I had time, I'd visit junkyards looking for CR-V or RDX seats that might fit on the rails. (I'm surprised we haven't had a thread about other car seats getting swapped into the E.)

Final comment -- we got rid of the OEM Goodyear Wranglers and put on GY Fortera Triple-Treds after the first rainstorm. That solved almost all the handling issues.

I'm coming from a different planet, I guess.

Late in the year, they had the "clunker" program, so I traded a 1998 GMC Yukon SLT for the E.

YES the seats could be better. If I had time, I'd visit junkyards looking for CR-V or RDX seats that might fit on the rails. (I'm surprised we haven't had a thread about other car seats getting swapped into the E.)

Final comment -- we got rid of the OEM Goodyear Wranglers and put on GY Fortera Triple-Treds after the first rainstorm. That solved almost all the handling issues.

I'm still considering, yikes, if I find the RIGHT one...buying a low mileage (under 100K) 1996-98 2 Door Diesel Tahoe with tailgate. Had two diesel Suburbans in between 2004 and 2006 E's.

I had the opportunity to drive my 2010 on a twisting turning mountain road late last night and loved the handling and power. Course I do have 235 75 R16 Kumho Road Venture AT's. GLUED to the road in dry, wet or snow.

Seats + Seat Belts STILL an issue......

We just bought our very first Element, a 2010 EX, and LOVE LOVE LOVE this car!!! Although I have to say that I'm only comparing it to the car we replaced especially (2001 Ford Explorer), not another Element. We can't get over how massive the room is inside...and the thing that forced us to go check one out was the FLOOR...we have three dogs.
This is a great website...glad I joined!

PS: Can someone tell me what this secret E wave is when passing another owner that I've heard about?? Thanks!

Dude (op), forget about retro-fitting it. The seatbelts were a deal breaker for me back in 2007 and you can't 'fix' them. You either live with the strangulation, pass on it or are lucky enough that your torso and neck ratios mean it doesn't bother you. From my perspective, the 2006 Elements were the last of the good ones. I've owned a 2004, 05 and 06. The way to do it is get an older one and upgrade the things that are better, like I did with my 05. Check out the 07 grill and black bumper center pieces I added to my 05 and the Pilot wheels and beefier tires. The new ones can't compare.
http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/45866/2003950070103575343S600x600Q85.jpg

Dude (op), forget about retro-fitting it. The seatbelts were a deal breaker for me back in 2007 and you can't 'fix' them. You either live with the strangulation, pass on it or are lucky enough that your torso and neck ratios mean it doesn't bother you. From my perspective, the 2006 Elements were the last of the good ones. I've owned a 2004, 05 and 06. The way to do it is get an older one and upgrade the things that are better, like I did with my 05. Check out the 07 grill and black bumper center pieces I added to my 05 and the Pilot wheels and beefier tires. The new ones can't compare.
http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/45866/2003950070103575343S600x600Q85.jpg

Nice look. I like it. On the fence right now with where I should take this.... we'll see.

Jeez not this old stuff again. It seems like every forum I hang out on from motorcycles to cars, its the same old story. My old one is worlds better than your new one, too bad for you that you have to drive a brand new POS while I cruise around in the best one ever made. BORING.

Thank you for your contribution, Rwortman.

Jeez not this old stuff again. It seems like every forum I hang out on from motorcycles to cars, its the same old story. My old one is worlds better than your new one, too bad for you that you have to drive a brand new POS while I cruise around in the best one ever made. BORING.

I must agree. This phenomenon is not unique to Element owners. I was guilty of it myself when I refused to by a new RAV4 because the 2010 "SUCKED COMPARED TO MY OLD ONE!". Thus, I am an Element owner. I expect that when I want to buy a new one in seven or eight years I won't because the 2018 model will suck compared to my old one.

Jeez not this old stuff again. It seems like every forum I hang out on from motorcycles to cars, its the same old story. My old one is worlds better than your new one, too bad for you that you have to drive a brand new POS while I cruise around in the best one ever made. BORING.

And I must disagree. Take the Chevy HHR for example. They have generally gotten better as they've been around longer and even so are not long for the world I would guess. Their SS model has laready bit the dust. Early models of nearly every nameplate - particularly the first year run, have 'bugs' that early adopters who bravely take the plunge help the mfg work out. The Honda Element is unique - to some degree, in certain ways it has improved but in other ways it has de-evolved. For the life of me I am baffled why it hasn't already been killed off. Sales figures are anemic, press reviews generally negative and the 'by committee' yearly improvements that they started in 2007 have for the most part been misguided, desperate, silly and in some cases downright stupid. Yes, even the mighty HONDA can screw up.

All that having been said, I also think that your stated interpretation that posts here are claiming the new ones are POS, strains for accuracy. The newer models have some great features and while simple technological advance will guarantee improvement, after all is said and done, they are still a HONDA! The main point for some of us seasoned veterans who can remember when even painting the panels bordered on blasphemy, the bloom badly faded beginning around 2007.

All that having been said, I also think that your stated interpretation that posts here are claiming the new ones are POS, strains for accuracy. The newer models have some great features and while simple technological advance will guarantee improvement, after all is said and done, they are still a HONDA! The main point for some of us seasoned veterans who can remember when even painting the panels bordered on blasphemy, the bloom badly faded beginning around 2007.

Well, the title to this thread is not " Honda's improvements are dubious at best" It is "HATE my 2010 Element." Personally I have never hated a vehicle that I wouldn't also characterize as a POS. I haven't owned an older one so I have no direct experience. When I was thinking about a used one I looked no older than a 2007 because of the advances and I would NEVER have bought one with the black plastic fenders because they were ugly as sin.

Heh, some of us prefer the plastic fenders. Honda's choice to make the Element femme is neither here nor there for me, but the new seats are a deal-breaker. Too bad, since side curtain airbags would be really nice to have.

My brothers 06' E seats are cracked and falling apart on the base of the seat sides. I do admit my 2010 seat belts can get annoying...but I hear that can be fixed via a seat belt extender.

Heh, some of us prefer the plastic fenders. Honda's choice to make the Element femme is neither here nor there for me, but the new seats are a deal-breaker. Too bad, since having side curtain airbags would be really nice to have.

Well I was going to stay out of this but since a MODERATOR wants to call newer ones "femme".....I loathed the gray plastic bits too,always thought they looked like clown cars. But then. I don't require an automobile to reinforce my ideas of my masculinity....:razz:

> I don't require an automobile to reinforce my ideas of my masculinity....:razz:
Lol, that makes two of us. My point is that taste isn't debatable, but comfort and safety are.

My brothers 06' E seats are cracked and falling apart on the base of the seat sides. I do admit my 2010 seat belts can get annoying...but I hear that can be fixed via a seat belt extender.

Too bad Honda does not offer seat belt extenders!!

If you need/want one -you need to have it made for you = $$$.

Too bad Honda does not offer seat belt extenders!!

FWiW, I just completed a 1550-mile trip in 36 hours (28 hours driving time) in a 2009 E, half with a kevlar canoe strapped on a Thule rack.

The seats were OK. The seat belt across the shoulder, no. I kept folding a T-shirt around it, because the edge of the nylon would cut into my neck.

But I keep thinking this design must be for a reason, and it seems this high strap would catch much more of your upper torso in a sudden impact. Seat belts which are more comfortable tend to give you more freedom of movement. In an accident, that means your torso has space to "launch" forward into the strap.

I'm likely to buy a wraparound cushion for the strap, but I don't think I'll do anything to alter the safety systems in this car.

But I keep thinking this design must be for a reason,It is. People whined because they had to *gasp* unbuckle their seat belt in order to open the rear doors. Therefore, Honda changed it to get those people to quit whining, and by doing so they managed to create other issues.

You would think they would drive the car before putting it into production. Maybe they figure most people only drive about 10 miles per trip, so they won't notice their skin slowly being rubbed off 10 miles at a time.

Shoulder strap pad makes the seatbelt much more comfortable. Love my 08 even with its few quirks. All cars have flaws and for every change there is a positive and negative reaction.

I've flipped through this thread a few times during the six months or so I was thinking about buying my E. I have a few comments...

I'm 5'7" and the seat belt feels just fine to me. In fact, I like that it isn't attached to the side of the car, like the one in my Explorer was. THAT one used to cut into my neck. This one lays nice and flat on my shoulder. :)

I drove two hours home from the dealer and my back hurt a little bit when I got out of the car at home, but I chalked that up to not having adjusted the seat yet.

My seat has an armrest...would they really have held that back for the top trim package?


I have a suggestion for one of them, however. Change your dogs' diet! :lol: It's totally true. If your dog is puffing a lot, you should upgrade to a better food. My little guy is on grain free food and he doesn't puff at all.

Heh, some of us prefer the plastic fenders. Honda's choice to make the Element femme is neither here nor there for me.

The manliest car I ever owned had painted fenders. That's kind of a bizarre statement.

Neither my wife or I really like the painted fenders, however it certainly isn't a deal breaker- we ended up purchasing an EX-P because it was the best E for the price. One positive note, the painted fenders are a bit easier to keep clean.

Why didn't the original poster TEST DRIVE the car before buying it? Why didn't he inspect the car before buying it? All his alleged complaints have existed in the Element since 2007! This is nothing new. Next time look at a car before you actually buy it.

Hey Hillstone thanks for the update. I did look at it. Thought, hmmmmm.... maybe these are improvements...thought wrong, my bad, some will get a nice broken in trade in soon.

you have to love it once you get it . rear sunroof ? manual ... got to open the hatch to make it function , can not operate it while driving was a bad plan ..

Well, I like this thread b/c I'm a hater too, in general
please posts pics...I really want to
see the rear sunroof.

Rear Moon Roof or Sunroof what ever you wanna call it was marketed originally to the 20 something generation the E was aiming toward in 2004. That it would make a great 'camping' vehicle with all the seats folded down to make a 'bed' and you could look at the stars from the back.

Since I do a lot of driving and travel often with my dog, (I made platform in the back for her crate) there was nothing better than opening the side windows and the moonroof to get air to circulate. Now the back is one big Viking Stove.

Jeez not this old stuff again. It seems like every forum I hang out on from motorcycles to cars, its the same old story. My old one is worlds better than your new one, too bad for you that you have to drive a brand new POS while I cruise around in the best one ever made. BORING.

rwortman, you must spend a lot of time on the computer in forums...are you the Owner's Group member for the US Dept of Justice that has been on my website recently? Sounds like DC talk to me...


I must agree. This phenomenon is not unique to Element owners. I was guilty of it myself when I refused to by a new RAV4 because the 2010 "SUCKED COMPARED TO MY OLD ONE!". Thus, I am an Element owner. I expect that when I want to buy a new one in seven or eight years I won't because the 2018 model will suck compared to my old one.


Suckage will continue untill all the old great cars are off the road...

The manliest car I ever owned had painted fenders. That's kind of a bizarre statement.
Honda started painting the plastic panels (and later replaced them with metal) to appeal to people who didn't like the look of the original Element. The change did nothing for ruggedness; in fact the paint shows scratches more easily than plastic, but it's pretty in the showroom. Likewise the new off-white interior: pretty, but bad for owners who often have dirty stuff banging around inside their cars.

Whether or not your old Jeep, Unimog, or Sherman tank had painted panels is entirely irrelevant to the fact that Honda originally designed the Element for utility, then backed off and made it pretty to appeal to boulevardiers. SC, anyone?

As I said, I don't give a rat's *** that Honda femmed-up the Element, only that they degraded the front-seat design, making it less useful, less comfortable, and possibly less safe, in order to please the people who whined about having to unbuckle before opening the back doors.

If I could buy a 2011 Element with the original seats (and MT) I would, even if it came in Mary Kay pink or with Hello Kitty graphics.

I've flipped through this thread a few times during the six months or so I was thinking about buying my E. I have a few comments...

Too bad this thread only started in May----2 months ago...

I'm 5'7" and the seat belt feels just fine to me. This one lays nice and flat on my shoulder. :)


Not when you are 6"1', 250....but glad you like it...

I drove two hours home from the dealer and my back hurt a little bit when I got out of the car at home, but I chalked that up to not having adjusted the seat yet.

There is no adjustment really. And yes the seats do suck.



:lol: It's totally true. If your dog is puffing a lot, you should upgrade to a better food. My little guy is on grain free food and he doesn't puff at all.


I own an English Bull Terrier (Spuds, Target, MacArthur Dog) and they are known for FARTING (whats a puff, LOL) so.......... the moonroof worked well.

Maybe little dogs puff.

Honda started painting the plastic panels (and later replaced them with metal) to appeal to people who didn't like the look of the original Element. The change did nothing for ruggedness; in fact the paint shows scratches more easily than plastic, but it's pretty in the showroom. Likewise the new off-white interior: pretty, but bad for owners who often have dirty stuff banging around inside their cars.

I attached a magnet to my 2010 lower panels......... STILL PLASTIC!!

Whether or not your old Jeep, Unimog, or Sherman tank had painted panels is entirely irrelevant to the fact that Honda originally designed the Element for utility, then backed off and made it pretty to appeal to boulevardiers. SC, anyone?

Change is difficult for people.

they degraded the front-seat design, making it less useful, less comfortable, and possibly less safe, in order to please the people who whined about having to unbuckle before opening the back doors.

Let me express my utter disgust once again for the front 'titanium' colored upright, non-rubberized non-durable, no- moveable, with non adjustable seatbelt front seats
$%^&*#()*********(@$%^&&!!!!!!!!!!!!

By the way.......how does one normally open the back door? Wouldn't you have to be out of the car to open and retreive stuff from the back, thus having your seat belt off?

If I could buy a 2011 Element with the original seats (and MT) I would, even if it came in Mary Kay pink or with Hello Kitty graphics.

I hear ya Ramblerdan......thanks for your complete understanding.

Hi everyone,

This is my first post. I am also pretty new to this forum.

I had always liked the looks of previous year Elements, but always hated the plastic fenders. I always thought that the plastic used for the fenders faded and looked gray when they really should have looked black (for my taste at least.) When the last 2 model years switched over to the painted fenders, I was very happy with the new look.

I just purchased a '10 Element and couldn't be happier. Maybe because I do not have a basis of comparison to older Elements, but I find most of the gripes about the '10 just minor annoyances (at best.) The criticism of the seatbelt location is fair. I am 6 ft 4 in and about 250 lbs and I would love if the upper mount for the seatbelts were higher, but this is just a small perturbance to an otherwise excellent experience with one of the best cars that I have ever owned. Besides, I have driven everything from a Nissan 200sx to a Ford F350 and have had the same issue with those cars as well. It is just one of the facts of life for people of above average size.

Just my 2 cents

Honda started painting the plastic panels (and later replaced them with metal) to appeal to people who didn't like the look of the original Element. The change did nothing for ruggedness; in fact the paint shows scratches more easily than plastic, but it's pretty in the showroom. Likewise the new off-white interior: pretty, but bad for owners who often have dirty stuff banging around inside their cars.

Whether or not your old Jeep, Unimog, or Sherman tank had painted panels is entirely irrelevant to the fact that Honda originally designed the Element for utility, then backed off and made it pretty to appeal to boulevardiers. SC, anyone?

As I said, I don't give a rat's *** that Honda femmed-up the Element, only that they degraded the front-seat design, making it less useful, less comfortable, and possibly less safe, in order to please the people who whined about having to unbuckle before opening the back doors.

If I could buy a 2011 Element with the original seats (and MT) I would, even if it came in Mary Kay pink or with Hello Kitty graphics.
I just don't agree with you in any way that it was "femmed up" and take exception to that descriptor. I actually thought the plastic panels looked goofy (especially after they start to fade). It wasn't until the painted panels came out that I was sold on the purchase. I am a fan of rugged vehicles -- my last car was a lifted F250 that spent just as much time in the mud as it did on the road. I completely and wholeheartedly disagree that any sort of ruggedness was removed by painting the panels.

And when has an integrated seatbelt EVER been less safe than a belt attached to a DOOR? Are you serious?

Too bad this thread only started in May----2 months ago...

Not when you are 6"1', 250....but glad you like it...

There is no adjustment really. And yes the seats do suck.


I own an English Bull Terrier (Spuds, Target, MacArthur Dog) and they are known for FARTING (whats a puff, LOL) so.......... the moonroof worked well.

Maybe little dogs puff.
Geez, you're crabby! I guess I would be if I bought a car I hate. :-D

For What it's worth-the Element is STILL the best overall 'Box' sport utility -bar none. I would've purchased a new 2009 (instead of my '09 Forester) -no sunroof, metal fenders and all- IF Honda sold seat belt extenders- I only need about 3 freakin inches to be able to move. Our 06 EX-P has a good 4 inches of extra room-even with my hulk sized frame! GM realized its on-the-set belts were too short for a number of folks and offers FREE extenders in several lengths.

too bad you hate your 2010. Ill take it if you wanna give it to me lol

I don't really know about the seat belt angle thing. All I know is this. I sat in a 2010 Element for the 1st time today out of curiosity mostly because of this thread. I had to go the stealership anyways today to get the 2nd key cut that I was promised when I bought my 06' 2 weeks ago so I gave it a try. I had no idea before I read this thread that the seat belts were different.

To the point. I don't really like the seat belts that are on the seats. To me, they seem just weird. I don't know about safety or what not but they are just weird feeling as compared to everything else I have ever driven on a regular basis. Would they stop me from buying the vehicle? Probably not. I really like the flip up cooler thingy between the seats. I'm thinking about adding it to my 06'.

Now to the femme' thing. IMO the Element isn't really a male or female vehicle. It is kinda a neuter mobile. I don't think it ever shouted it was for males or females in the older model years or the newer ones even though Honda said that it was for guys who just out of college. They totally missed the demographic that they were aiming for when they marketed the vehicle because most E drivers I see are 40 ish men and women.

If you want to get ribbed about a femme vehicle, try on a Ridgeline for size. My truck has been called all sorts of names by people who try to get under my skin for whatever reason. My usual comeback is something like, You know what, you are right. My truck is a POS. You are much smarter than me. That is why you are driving a beat up 95 F150 and I'm not.

I used to try and educate people about the merits of the truck. I learned real quick that you can't fight stupid.

People will hang with their Fords or their Rams or whatever they were brainwashed into thinking is the best vehicle to ever grace the asphalt no matter what is blatantly a more practical vehicle for their needs.

Far from being "purposely derisive or antagonistic," I had no idea that the "femme" comment would be so threatening to people, and continue to be surprised at the vitriol it has engendered. (I also ride a scooter with full safety gear and thus am occasionally subjected to the scorn of motorcyclists who ride "real" bikes, so maybe I just have a thick skin.) It's an aesthetic opinion, for crissakes. Get over it, move on.

On second thought, I was wrong. All Elements are super macho, and so are the manly men who drive them. OK?

I can't believe I'm saying this but Honda should take a hint from GM. I previously owned a GMC Sierra that had the seatbelts in the upper-outer corner of the seat.
The difference was it was on top of the seat next to the headrest. I drove that truck for six-and-a-half years with no complaints. In fact, I loved it because you could freely tilt up the seat to reach behind it and never rubbed on my neck.

Seems like RD is getting bashed extra hard because he has moderator next to his name. If it wasn't sitting there in bold no one would know, and maybe half of this argument wouldn't exist. We are all entitled to our own opinions and decisions, whether the next guy likes it or not. Everyone has posted theirs and then some. Just because you don't run ship like a moderator from another auto company forum doesn't mean you don't run the ship right.

Can someone please spell out for me where his post was antagonistic?

Was it the "femmed-up" part or was it the I'll give my opinion and you take it as you want part?

Has the OP gotten rid of his E or what...? Maybe we can close up this thread and work on world peace and famine relief...?

Then, I'll need help on my nuclear research to microwave a bag o'popcorn in less than 10-seconds... I'll start a collection for my flight so I can submit it to CERN and the Hadron Collider and then with time permitting, I'd like to get on a boat and help clean up the Gulf...

Lastly, I'd like to find that notorious terrorist in Afghanistan so I can ask him where Elvis and Jimmy Hoffa are...

It's hump day ya'll...! Oh yeah, when I win the Nobel Peace prize, I'd like to donate the money to all those Elements out there that need a new home... Dogs, cats and hamsters all have their advocates... I'd like to be one for the Elements...!

:eoc:
.L-B-D.
-http://l.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/111.gif-

I think the in-seat seatbelts are very comfortable.

Actually, the new E looks a bit more macho with the squared off wheel wells. I can say one thing though, Honda finally did up the nose right.

Brainwashed? How about experience? I have had a '94 F150 4.9l six since new, now 260K+ miles on the original engine and tranny - just fluid changes - no leaks - doesn't burn oil - runs like new. Has only had dino runnin' through it's veins. Hydraulic lifters/direct gear timing. It is way TOO practical. Sure, I would like to get better than 16 to 19 mpg, but it is the best vehicle I've ever owned until proven otherwise. Oh, did I mention, she still looks like new. You'll get tired of looking at an F150 long before it wears out.

Brainwashed? How about experience? I have had a '94 F150 4.9l six since new, now 260K+ miles on the original engine and tranny - just fluid changes - no leaks - doesn't burn oil - runs like new. Has only had dino runnin' through it's veins. Hydraulic lifters/direct gear timing. It is way TOO practical. Sure, I would like to get better than 16 to 19 mpg, but it is the best vehicle I've ever owned until proven otherwise. Oh, did I mention, she still looks like new. You'll get tired of looking at an F150 long before it wears out.

I'm glad that your truck has serviced you well.

I have never personally seen a Ford truck that traversed more than 125k without a major mechanical problem.

My experience? I had a Ford Ranger that I bought new with the 4.0 V6. I rarely towed with it but needed a new tranny, new ball joints, a new steering rack and rear end by 100k. I babied that truck it's entire existence. It was hand washed every weekend and never missed an oil or fluid change. The 2nd factory rebuilt tranny was shot at 125k. Needless to say, I no longer own it.

We are now a 2 Honda family. I just got rid of the Pontiac Sunfire convertible that my wife loved so much that has forced me under it's hood every other weekend so far this year.

My wrenches are now at rest. :-)

Original Poster here.....still have the 2010.
Have 5,000 miles on it.

Still 'dislike' everything I have stated.

Looking for a low miles 2006.

On topic, I still love my 2010. I had an 07, but with the same seats as the 10. I did drive an 06 on the lot before popping for the 07 and liked the 07 much better. I was not influenced by the extra HP. I am not a cheap sell. No way.

I think the 10 has been subtly massaged in many ways resulting in a much better overall feel than with my 07. Even my GF said she likes it better than the 07, which is saying truckloads, because she is against anything that takes her garage space when she comes over.

Seems like RD is getting bashed extra hard because he has moderator next to his name. If it wasn't sitting there in bold no one would know, and maybe half of this argument wouldn't exist. We are all entitled to our own opinions and decisions, whether the next guy likes it or not. Everyone has posted theirs and then some. Just because you don't run ship like a moderator from another auto company forum doesn't mean you don't run the ship right.

Can someone please spell out for me where his post was antagonistic?

Was it the "femmed-up" part or was it the I'll give my opinion and you take it as you want part?
I don't think a moderator-look up moderate-has any business casting aspersions because another E owner likes painted fenders! Just because I think painted fenders lend a more mature versus Fisher-Price Playskool look, I wouldn't say so,if I was a moderator. Hikerchick said in another post that she would take her dogs anywhere at any time and if someone else didn't like it, THEY were the "lowest common denominator". Too many people here are selfish,self interested and screw everyone else. I thought we all had someting in common, as in a love for a special automobile, but too many have a "conform or you can't be one of us" attitude. Amazing, for a car that is non conformist by nature. I don't want to belong here any longer. Too many E people are like right wing mouth breathing republicans-my way is the only way. Keep it to yourselves.:evil:

....Too many E people are like right wing mouth breathing republicans-my way is the only way....

Wow, if that isn't the pot calling the kettle black. How did a post about painted vs. non-painted plastic turn into a political bashing session?

If I had your attitude I guess I should take offense to you and the way you've stereo-typed my political party preference, but I don't.

Thank you for your input, Catman2130093.

:lol::shock:Let's look at valid issues concerning the element not Liberal against Conservative. Can the moderator removed this string so we can get back to the "elements" of our life.

> Can the moderator remove this string

Yep.