[vladmin]

Hello everyone, I'm a newbie here and am about to post something I hated seeing posted on my previous car's forum (www.csportcoupe.com, V-bulletin and these types of forums are great!!!). I'm in the market for a new car and just love the element and what it's all about. My only question is regarding the major differences between the DX and the EX. I noticed that the engines are the same. Can somebody be kind enough to explain to me the major differences between these two model types and esp. how the pricing reflects this. I'm interested in an EX AWD Auto, but if the major components of the car are pretty much the same, it wouldn't hurt to save a few bucks. :?

 

[boneheadz]

Welcome vladmin

I chose the awd ex (Y in canada) mostly because it was in my price range and I wanted everything. My last truck had everything except power windows/locks and it drove me nuts. The awd is a must in my opinion. I live in the land of snow and ice and 4x4 or awd is use a lot. The ex stereo is a nice feature. My only compliant is the looking at the exterior you can't tell the difference between the two models. My advice: if you can afford it, get the ex with the accessories you want and you will be happy. However, this is a utility truck. Even the ex is basic inside. No leather no carpet.

Just my thoughts, what ever you decide you will love the element. Make sure you have windshield insurance.

 

[utahrex]

If I remember correctly, the major differences are:
1. alloy wheels
2. cruise control
3. A/C
4. 270 watt radio/CD player
5. power mirrors
6. bungee loops in seat backs
and maybe a couple of other things I don't remember that are in the EX and not in the DX. :wink:

 

[M Ornett]

It also has anti-lock brakes. Plus the a/c is factory installed not dealer installed if you order it.

 

[dstranathan]

EX also adds:

sunroof
vanity mirror
armrest
roof storage compartment (for remote,sunglasses, etc)
subwoofer
more paint colors!

 

[ibutchman]

armrest sure, but the larger arm rest with storage costs extra.
Not to confuse .

 

[mmathews]

... and:

waterproof seat fabric on the back seats in addition to the front seats
mini-plug input to the 270W steroe system for MP3 or MD or weatherband or TV or whatever
seatback pocket on the passenger side, not a big deal, but it's there
map lights in the over head console, great for night driving roadttrips
metallic gray, versus gray, body panels
EBD, Electronic Brake Distribution, which adjusts front-to-rear braking power for steadier braking

Disadvantage: 60lbs additional weight

There is quite a difference between the two, but they may be things you have no interest in. Me? I bought the full up model, AWD EX--I'm lazy and I like my niceties.

 

[bqbauer]

Be sure to tally all of these responses; the differences between DX & EX are not insignificant! Most important differences for me are ABS with EBD, AC, stereo, cruise, and...well...all of the others, too.

There are a LOT of differences. For all of them, see:

http://www.hondacars.com/models/specifications.asp?ModelName=Element

 

[vladmin]

Thanks a lot guys, this really helps me out. The most improtant things for me are the ABS and factory AC, but I think all the other options that the EX offers definately make it more attractive and worth the extra $$$.

 

[RML]

Remember if you get a DX, and add the ABS and A/C, the cost is just about that of an EX.

 

[mmathews]

[quote:5d32fb770c="RML"]Remember if you get a DX, and add the ABS and A/C, the cost is just about that of an EX. [/quote:5d32fb770c]

Precisely my thoughts when I decided to write the big check, and I may still want to change out the stereo!

 

[shawns]

let's not forget that the EX plastic body panels have glitter in them. :wink:

 

[boneheadz]

I was at the car show this weekend and saw the dx and ex side by side. ex was sop and dx was gg. The dx looks plian and the lack of sun roof changes the look of the interior. Just my opinion.

 

[DXBoy]

[quote:b25884f249="shawns"]let's not forget that the EX plastic body panels have glitter in them. :wink:[/quote:b25884f249]

to each his or her own i guess!... but i think i'll pass on the glitter! hehe

 

[element-j]

Note that the sunroof is not a DX/EX thing; it's a 2WD/4WD thing.

4WDs have sunroofs; 2WDs don't.

(Why Honda decided to do it this way is a total mystery to me.)

e-j

 

[Taliesinn]

Hi guys, great site! I'm new here and am boning up on the Element before buying one for my birthday in November. I'm just now getting over the financial damage my evil ex-wife caused and deserve a present! I'm set on an EX model, 2 or 4 wheel drive to be determined later. I plan on buying all the accessories I want from third parties and doing the work myself with the exception of fog lights and possibly a security system. I hope to do some arm twisting to get at least the fog lights thrown in for free. I do have concerns about the spare tire cover cracking. I'm pretty sure that I did a little damage to one at my local Honda dealers when I walked through an Element. The cracking sounds were a bit disconcerting! I've been reading this board and seen that the cover has a weight limit of 50 lbs. Hell, my Bull Terrier weighs 65 lbs! Besides the sickening cracking, exactly how bad does the damage become? Any idea if Honda will address this problem in the 2004 model? I am also concerned over the Edmunds' review vis-à-vis the plastic panel around the fuel cap and spilt gas. Has anyone had erosion problems in this area? Lastly, just what IS the difference between the plastic panels on the DX and the EX?? I've only broken... er, seen an EX.

Thank you in advance for any answers.

Tali

 

[DXBoy]

The EX has the metallic gray plastic... or as some people put it here as "glitter". The DX has the flat gray plastic (which I personally prefer).