[T Mac]

Seems that I read a lot about the 2wd models being sold. But, then again I know many like 4wd. So, let's do a little poll for those of you who either (1) already own, (2) bought but are waiting to get your Element, or (3) intend to purchase an Element....


:?:

 

[Idon'tknow]

i got the 2WD cause I didn't see any reason for the 4wd in the south. i won't be going off road and it was just extra weight to me. plus the moonroof over the trunk.

 

[Elemental Tom]

Just bought it last night, 4WD EX, will pick it up Friday 1/24 :lol:

 

[DarkwingD]

The dealer only had 2WD in stock, & I just needed it right then...heh

 

[PaulyPaul]

I have not bought my Element yet.

but I am leaning for the 2wd just because it is in my price range.

and second of all, I don't go off roading. So 2wd will do just fine.

 

[RML]

We bought the 4WD. The Element is not really designed for off road, but the 4WD is a real help in the snow. Traveling in the Northeast, you never know when you will need it.

The sun roof over the back really does not matter to us (although the dogs seem to love it), but the gas mileage is close enough to make the 4WD worth it to us.

 

[ibutchman]

I got the 4WD Ex. I live in Michigan. Enough said.....Butch

 

[Carla]

Got the 4WD -- it's a no-brainer up here in the Rochester area, where it has snowed 100+ inches so far this winter, and snowed every single day this January. Sure does help :!:

 

[1manparty]

Leaning towards the EX 4WD manual, but not sure if I can wait until May/June for those to come out! If I cant wait then I will go with 2WD...

 

[GYPSYTDA]

Hi all, i have the 4wd (EX Blue).
I really normall would not care one way or the other about 2wd or 4wd. I always had front wheel drive sporty cars, which tend to do a lot better in the ice and snow then the 4wd vehicles (or perhaps it is operator error on their side).. so I really was not concerned.

I did want the sunroof (since my old prelude and integra had them, i love them) kinda is a must have for me. Sure it is in the back, but I plan to do some camping in this critter. I also got the screen for the sunroof which with the sunroof popper of removed will be a nice heat vent system for the horrible heat we get here!

I also liked some of the other little things you get with the EX 4WD that you don't get otherwise, sooo i figured what the heck, not a huge price difference and the gas economy does not differ too much either.

NOW all that said, and that I have driven around in front wheel drive cars, we all so have a normal pick up with an off road package (with out 4wd). So I have a nice level to gauge with. I drove around some of the steep windy hills north of where I am. They wind they go up and down, great roads I love them!. I was really impressed how the 4wd does work, it really gripped the road beautifully and semed in its ELEMENT on theses roads.

Now I am not an "off roader" nor is that my intention with this vehicle, but I like that it has a nice versatile nature and the driving is just awesome.. So I am definately not disappointed I chose the 4wd!

 

[GYPSYTDA]

I thought I would add a little more to help perhaps with the 4wd/2wd differences..

included or differences are:
Obviously the 4wd has 4wd (which is not a make or break for most people)
the 4wd has 1.8 cu ft more cargo volume & 2.5 cu ft more passenger volume.
the 4wd takes 2% of its weight distribuction from the front and moves it to the back, so that does make a drive difference too.
you loe 1city/2hwy mpg on the 4 wd
you get a skylight on the 4wd.

Here are the EX vs DX differences (or in Canada the EX is called the Y).
the EX-Y adds:
ABS & EBD (braking bonuses)
16" alloy wheels
dual power mirrors
metallic grey body panels
a/c with air filtration system
cruise control
you lose the lower storage compartment and gain a subwoofer.
passenger vanity mirror
over head storage compartment
map lights
front & rear 12 volt outlets (the dx has just the dront)
passenger side seat back pockets
driver side bungee loops front & back.
waterproof FXC seat fabric front & rear (DX just the front)
Driver side armrest.
270 wat am/fm 7 speaker (with subwoofer) sound system
MP3 digitl media aux jack
front & side airbag will be avail on the EX in the spring-ish summer!

Hope this helps some out there.. good luck!

 

[irishman4980]

I test drove a 4wd Element 2 weeks ago. A week earlier, I would never have thought about purchasing this vehicle. For a year now, i had been intent on getting a VW passat/wagon. A friend of mine at work, username pdub on the message boards, told me he test drove an Element and decided not to get a VW he wanted.
I researched the Element, then test drove it while I was in Dallas for the weekend....I fell in love with it! I can't stop thinking about it! It won't be until APril or May until I can buy one (which SUCKS so bad).

I would like to own a 4WD....but I don't see the practicle use for it since I live in Austin, and really don't need the use of the 4WD. Also, the 2WD is cheaper. Galapagos Green, 2WD with Utility Rack is what Ive decided to get.

If anyone can give me some feedback on how much you enjoy the Element, let me know. I think I am pretty much sold, but I just wan't to hear other people's opinion that have an Element.

Seth

 

[GYPSYTDA]

ATT: irishman4980

I have the 4wd EX, and I completely & absolutely love mine.

• TURNING: radius is incredible, smooth and tight at the same time
  The driving is smooth as well, very car like.
  BRAKINGand acceleration, you would swear it is not even on it is so quiet & perfect!
  COMFORT: is surprising, i was really surprise it was/is as comfortable as it is, I have been doing alot of driving and am incredibly impressed about the complete comfort.
  POSITION: driving position is nice, you are high enough with out it feeling weird
  VIEW: the windshield is clear and easy to see out of, i have not noticed glare but if that were and issue those visors take car of that really well, i love the pull out for behind the rearview mirror!
  ROOMY: I love the elbow room, you don't feel cramped & crunched, you can move so easily,
  BEVERAGES: cup holders are awesome, for the front they are on the floor which works great, you don't bump into them all the time but they are easy to access, and they fit REAL drinks (not a little 4 oz or something silly, i have a 24 oz insulated tumbler that fits perfect!)
  PERFECTION: what else can i tell you, it just is the best vehicle i have ever driven and ever seen! Complete LOVE!

Let me know if you want more, I would be happy to answer anything!
Take care & Good Luck!

 

[ibutchman]

Well Irishman4980....As soon as I get mine I'll let you know, too bad it won't be for another 2 weeks .....Butch

 

[RML]

Hi all,

Just got back from a road trip up to NH from NYC. The 4wd was great in the snow and ice. We had a storm (real small a few inches of snow on top of a bit of ice), and the 4WD kicked in as needed. I could feel a bit of a slip, and bam, no more sliding. If you are planning on being in an area where you are driving in snow and ice, go with the 4WD it is worth the extra few bucks.

 

[Sideshow Bob]

Okay, I'm fifty and I like the looks of the Element. Maybe it's a midlife crises. What I'm worried about is the 4cyl. engine carrying full loads. Will the engine be screaming when you try and take it up Pike's Peak. Are you better off with 2wd considering the weight?
I'm interested in comments from any anyone who has put some miles on their Element. Are you sorry you didn't wait for the 6cyl, or are you happy with the four?

 

[GYPSYTDA]

the 4wd 2wd and the 4cyl 6cyl issue is something honda gets hounded on often.. that was an issue with the CRV and though it has a 4cyl it has more than enough pep and get up and go with out a gas hog 6 cyl!

I drove sooo many vehicles 6 cyl 8 cyl and 4 cyl.. and when i had driven the 4 cyl crv it has more umph then half the 6 cyls.. and more pep then an 8cyl!

So taking that into consideration and I am not with my Element for over a week, and have done alot of driving I have not one complaint.

As far as heavy loads, what were you thinking of piling on your element? it does have some inside weight restrictions.. it can handle a reasonable amount but the really depends on the interpretation of reason eh?

PS I live around some nice winding roads which would make an engine Scream.. and this lil 4cyl does nothing of the kind.. it really loves the inclines as well as the twists and turns!

 

[tommy.roks]

beside the look of the car i was very interested the realtime 4 wheel drive.
Plus i live in NYC we do snow here..

 

[GYPSYTDA]

4 wd does not really do better in the snow, the best in the snow is front wheel drive... Above all it is the driver that is the best asset to the abillity of the vehicle too.

But if you are slip and sliding 4wd will not assist there. The abs and other wonderful items will make the difference.

The 4wd does make it nice on the inclines and windy roads so ENJOY!

I too go the 4wd & love it!

 

[tommy.roks]

[quote:e6c2730182="GYPSYTDA"]4 wd does not really do better in the snow, the best in the snow is front wheel drive... Above all it is the driver that is the best asset to the abillity of the vehicle too.

But if you are slip and sliding 4wd will not assist there. The abs and other wonderful items will make the difference.

The 4wd does make it nice on the inclines and windy roads so ENJOY!

I too go the 4wd & love it![/quote:e6c2730182]you're the first to said that but sound pretty true to me. My accord did a pretty good job this winter.