Welcome, Shizzo.

I don't drive an SC, but I can tell you that the standard Element rides beautifully at any speed, unless of course there are high crosswinds. Very smooth and stable.

 

Don't know my tire size and the rest of the info is below where my avitar would be if I had one. And I should preface this with our last two SUVs were BMW X5s and we currently have a Porsche Boxster and I used to have an SCCA competition liscense so I have sort of a nodding aquaintance with handling.
My E is very comfortable cruising at 75-80 which is about my upper limit. It is not a BMW and in no way compares in ability with one. It doesn't turn into a corner well but once in the corner is stable. It has a short wheelbase - if it gets sideways it's harder to correct. Crosswinds will get your attention and your gas mileage will suffer.
Your wallet may suffer in other ways too; I've noticed mucho increased radar enforcement around Va and MD. They gotta make up for lost real estate revenues somehow.
se

 

Yipes! I wish I could give you a helpful comment unfortunately posted speeds in the 808 state is only 55 and in some places even lower. I usually cruise at 60 mph max but on several rare occasions I have taken my E up to 85 a few times and it feels pretty steady and still rides confidentally. I have 17" wheels, H&R springs, intake tube and catback and it's an automagic. Goodluck with becoming an EOC chronny like the rest of us....cool

 

I drive at 80mph on the dot for 60 or so miles each way to see my loved one, and the SC does fine. The EX seems less stable because of it's thicker sidewalls and lack of a lowered suspension. Both a prone to side winds, but nothing like that in our old VW Bus.

 

I live in Texas where we actually have 80 mph speed limits and I have on several occations driven my 05 EX auto at 82 or so from Junction to the El Paso county line (where the 80 mph speed limit ends - about 400 + miles) or the other way and it does OK. If I am fighting a head wind even 10 - 15 mph the Element is really working but it will do it. Mpg suffers quite a bit - say from 25+ down to 21 or so.

Keep in mind that I have a 4sp auto and my engine is turning quite a bit faster than an 2007 or later 5sp auto but I think that difference is of less effect than generally thought as the engine is running closer to the torque peak with the 4sp auto or a manual tranny than a later model with the 5 sp auto would be. Still and all not the best vehicle for that duty because of the aerodynamics. My accord does better in that duty.

 

You asked about specifics like tires and with Florida's tendancy to flush the roads clear every afternoon, it might be an interest. Why not do a search for "hydroplaning" and see what you come up with.

 

Thanks.

Any others?

 

I live in Texas too, and do regular trips to Austin (about 3 hours). Like the earlier posts say, the element drives great on the highway. The biggest determining factor in my mpg is headwind or no headwind. I experience almost identical mpg droppage as was mentioned by the other guy from Texas in a headwind (21) vs no headwind (25)

 

I think it rides pretty good for the type of vehicle it is. I have driven many kinds of vehicles in my years of driving and most if not all of them have been pushed to their limits in one way or another.

The E suffers dramatically from mpg loss due to speeding. If you have any roof attachments it makes it much worse! Just drove from Lexington, KY to Nashville and back and averaged 17 mpg doing 80+ with a roof basket on top. It does get tossed around a bit in high winds so just be careful about that.

 

I drive my 2003 MT E at 80+ all of the time. It seems to like to drive right at 80. It has no problem maintaining speed up hills at that speed either. Though slowing down to 75 seems to give me a couple mpg.

 

It may ride and drive well at this speed but as scorsone said it will burn a lot of fuel above about 65 mph due to lack of aerodynamics and engine size to weight ratio.

My .02c? Keep your Prelude or replace it with another small car for commuting.

 

Driving at 60-65 mph I get an honest 29 mpg. I'm not sure how drag coefficients work, something about the square of blah, blah, blah. Anyway, I would suggest keeping that Prelude no matter what. My gf is still missing her '85 from high school.

 

Hey there i'd figure i'd chime in also since you're looking to get an SC. I've driven both at those speeds and have to say both ride good at those speeds. My 08 SC is alot more comfortable at that speed than FISH-E's 05 EX 4WD is, and the SC is MUCH less prone to the wind for sure. I believe it has to do with the lower profile of the tire sidewall, and the stiffer suspension of the SC. The 05 also has a 4spd. auto and my 08 has the 5spd auto so the engine is turning lower revs at hwy speeds so it gets a little better gas mileage. I've gotten approx 26 MPG on the couple long distance trips, but up here in the Mid Atlantic can't really roll at 80+ for too long without attracting some Blue light action :evil: I haven't taken any trips of any distance since i've lowered mine to tell you if there's a difference in MPG. Prolly not gonna make a big difference though cause of so many variables that go into it (weather, speed, hills...)
Hope this info helps. I beleive that most of the 09 drivetrain is pretty much the same as an 08.
Later, Eddie

 

125 mile round trip commute daily myself...right through Houston.

Once past 65, the mpg drops quickly. But, the driving dynamics remain very stable. I was actually quite surprised how well the E handles as I was expecting much more lean and body sway.

Wind, yada, yada, like everyone has menitoned...

My EX 4WD AT is very reactive in traffic and I enjoy squiriting through when I have to. Overall, I've been pleasantly surprised on handling.

I typically keep it 70-75 and it drives just fine. Have punched over 8o a few times and the Honda drivetrain handles it just fine...doesn't give any hints of struggle or wheezing as less advanced 4 bangers are known to do.

Coming out of my 99 Accord, the ride will not be as good (choppy and firmer when compared to Accord platform for obvious reasons), but I can't say the ride is bad by any means.

Good luck...

 

I have an '05 EX 4WD, so obviously my mileage will be different from an SC. I will say that I have found it to ride easy and stable at speeds up to 85 (haven't really gone past that in the E). Side winds suck a bit at any speed, but they really push you around once you're up to speed. We get that a lot in Idaho.

My mileage definitely suffers with greater speed. This winter, I've gotten 20-24 mpg on the freeway going 80 (and 24 had a strong tailwind much of the way), and I got 26 multiple times when I was going 65 consistently. I've found similar effects in the summer.

Hope that helps.

 

"Here's what I'd like to find out: Do we have any SC owners that drive on the interstate regularly? I commute 102 miles round trip for work each day, 4 days per week, and I tend to drive fast. I drive about 80-85 mph in my '01 Prelude while on the interstate. I'd like to know how the Element rides at these speeds, and any comments that owners may have regarding driving the Element at these speeds."

There are a whole lot of automobiles on the market today better suited to your needs.

 

I have an 04 EX and feel comfortable driving above 70mph with it. As mentioned before it does not do well with high gusty winds mostly because of the boxlike design. Other than that I cannot say anything negative about it and that is probably because I am totally brainwashed.

Jackson

 

Mileage suffers...

I'm a little late to this party, but I'll throw in my .02 anyway. After a year with my '08 SC I've gotten pretty used to driving it at freeway speeds. My previous cars were a '92 Toyota Supra Turbo and an '02 VW Jetta 1.8T so I know a bit about driving fast. I've put 17,000 miles on my E in the first year including a couple 2,500 mile trips to Texas and back.

Mileage will suffer greatly if you persist on pushing 85 for long periods of time, and 85 is about all you'll wanna do in an SC. Tried 90 for awhile and the RPMs were too high for it to be comfortable. My worst MPG was 16 for 2 tanks running 85 on the interstate with 2 mountain bikes and a cargo bag on the roofrack. Normally I can get 19-20 on the freeway with nothing on the roof. You'll see about 4,250 RPMs at 85 with the 5MT which is what I have, engine noise is definitely more noticeable than at 75. Also wind noise is pretty intrusive since you are driving a box, but that's what the iPod jack is for!

Handling wise I enjoy driving the SC at freeway/tollway speeds, it's nothing like my old sporty cars but still fun and capable of dicing traffic. The brakes are the only weak spot in my opinion, they work great but feel a bit lacking if you have to slow very quickly from 80 as sometimes happens on interstates. My E is stock SC all the way, tires are the first thing I'll upgrade since everyone seems to agree the Goodyears are crap.

Best of luck with your purchase and hope you love your E!

Best of

 

Milaege suffers badly!

First off: I love my '07 Element SC! It runs beautifully and staeady. It grips nicely to the road, has great room and ammenities. But I've been very dissapointed with gas mileage; it's absolutely abissmal! I lived in FL and drove the Turnpike to work daily (22 miles one way) at speeds between 65-85 and got average 17MPG. Took it to the dealer twice and all systems were go; no reason for it! I just moved from Miami to San Antonio (military transfer) and got no-better-than 19MPG on the 3-day trip. I now have a longer commute (30 miles one way) and I'm seriously considering trading it. It breaks my heart cause I love my Element, but if gas goes back up to $3 or $4 bucks I'm hosed!:x

 

First off: I love my '07 Element SC! It runs beautifully and staeady. It grips nicely to the road, has great room and ammenities. But I've been very dissapointed with gas mileage; it's absolutely abissmal! I lived in FL and drove the Turnpike to work daily (22 miles one way) at speeds between 65-85 and got average 17MPG. Took it to the dealer twice and all systems were go; no reason for it! I just moved from Miami to San Antonio (military transfer) and got no-better-than 19MPG on the 3-day trip. I now have a longer commute (30 miles one way) and I'm seriously considering trading it. It breaks my heart cause I love my Element, but if gas goes back up to $3 or $4 bucks I'm hosed!:x

The E has 0 aerodynamics. And if you watch the tach at all, you will see that
the engine is very rev happy. Anything over 70 mph and your gas mileage goes
into the toilet. If you can set the cruise control at 65, you will get better
gas mileage. Not sure what else to tell ya. You have to feather the gas
pedal as much as possible. I am pretty much in the same boat you are in.
I get about 20mpg average city and hiway. I cruise on the freeway here
at about 75 - 85 depending on traffic. I just cant go slow!!

 

well ive topped out my element and it seemed pretty stable till about 105 to 110. After that its pretty much dead and really bouncy on the freeways

 

Mach2....:d

 

You're a braver man than I. Isn't that about the top speed of most Harleys? Shoot that was the top speed of alot of late '50s early '60s american v8s and quite a few european sports cars. It would be funny to be running next to a 100-4 Austin Healey WFO. The look on the Healey pilots face would be priceless.
se

 

in my younger years I had the opportunity to drive some fast cars and 110-120 was pretty fun and plenty fast. I wouldn't think of it today even with a fast car. The penalties if you are caught would outweigh the fun. My neighbor's son just lost his license and spent the night in jail for going 103! Get a track car and speed on a closed course if you feel the need for speed. Losing your license can ruin your career.

 

Majram07, your mileage sounds about right for the reported speed and the fact that you likely have the a/c on most of the time in Texas summer. EPA estimate of 22/27 is a bit optimistic and assumes driving at legal speed (and probably with the a/c off). I have averaged 20.6 mpg over 100K miles, but that's what I get for driving a toaster.

If you want better mileage, follow the usual wisdom (speed, tire pressure, gradual accel/decel, etc.).

 

You also drive a 4x4 dan. that places a role

 

You also drive a 4x4 dan. that plays a role

Eh, just a little. Bigger factors are all the extra stuff I have hanging off the car (roof rack, spare tire, bug shields, aux. mirrors, etc.) and most of all a lead foot.

 

EX on the highway

My EX-AWD-MT is brand new, but I bought it in Tennessee and drove it to Florida. The ride was fine and responsive and the soundsystem can negate any noise.

However, the gas mileage was a bit dicey. I found I was running in the neighborhood of 3000rpm at 70mph, but at 80mph, I was around 4000rpm. This would tend to squander some gas. One more gear would be a wonderful thing.

Still, no regrets. I pledge to be a law abiding citizen and I'll be rewarded with fuel efficiency.


Ken in Jax

 

In the interest of fuel economy (25+mpg) and saving money on speeding tickets (clean record) I rarely exceed 65mph on the interstate. I used to go faster, but there's something about the Element that makes me slow down and enjoy the ride.