Honda to stop producing the element!!!

So what?

It doesn't bother me 'cause I've already got one.:grin:

 

It's their own fault for slow sales. A little more advertising wouldn't have hurt.

The Element was always Honda's unwanted step-child.:-(

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It's their own fault for slow sales. A little more advertising wouldn't have hurt.

The Element was always Honda's unwanted step-child.:-(

This is true. I have not once seen a honda commercial with the element.

 

look on the bright side, they're collectors' items now

 

True. I'm glad I have mine, but I guess I should quit racking up the miles.

 

Boooo... I'll just have to keep mine going until I can afford a Land Rover LR_. I need a vehicle with over 40" of rear entry space/clearance for work and I am not about to drive a van like all my co-workers. LR3/LR4 are the only other real option but with twice the sticker price and a fraction of the reliability, it's not much of an option. *sigh*

 

At least they had the grace to post a picture of a pre '09 Element instead of what they're making now. I figure my '08 will have to last until somebody starts producing something worth buying again. Honda sure isn't.

 

At least they had the grace to post a picture of a pre '09 Element instead of what they're making now. I figure my '08 will have to last until somebody starts producing something worth buying again. Honda sure isn't.

I feel the same way about mine.

If I were to buy a truck though, I'd get the Tacoma. The Ridgeline is kinda nice and has some nice features but the Taco just feels nicer. Nicer ride, nicer interior materials, etc.

 

Check out the Discussion.

 

Does it really come as a surprise?


It is currently being outsold 2 to 1 by the Crosstour....A vehicle i feel is the ugliest modern era Honda ever built.

 

Good Example

But they chose an excellent example to show with the article..... a Root Beer Metallic SC!!!! 8)

 

but they chose an excellent example to show with the article..... A root beer metallic sc!!!! 8)

i agree with that!!!

 

....whoever didn't see that one coming musta been living under a rock for a while!!!

With the dropping of the SC-model and the no longer available navi option, -- whata ya think is next...????

Maybe they will replace it with something even cooler and this time market it correctly!!

 

....whoever didn't see that one coming musta been living under a rock for a while!!!

With the dropping of the SC-model and the no longer available navi option, -- whata ya think is next...????

Maybe they will replace it with something even cooler and this time market it correctly!!

I still want one of these.....

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2007_Honda_Crossroad_01.JPG

I still have the option of waiting for it to meet Canadas 15 year exemption rule for Japanese imports.

 

back to used cars

I guess that when it's finally time to replace my '08, I'll have to buy a used.

I bought the element because it was the only 4cyl vehicle on the market that met my needs and didn't have carpet. Jeeps (the real ones) were to small and too unreliable.

Now there will be no car on the market that meets my needs/criteria. In all matters of consumer goods, I'm usually left out. So, why not cars too?

 

Boo Hoo!

Not totally surprised-never any news from Honda about the next generation Element. Oh well! I was planning on keeping my TRP-E for a long time, anyway. Something really special will have to come along before I'll replace it!

 

I bought my first E back in 2003 as an impulse buy. When it came time buy my 2006 i was on the fence between another E and a CRV.

I am currently driving a 2011 CRV and my wife drives the E. If and when the time comes to replace the E it was most likely be with a CRV.

 

Honda Element To Cease Production [AutoGuide Exclusive]

Autoguide has learned that Honda will announce on Friday that production of their Element compact SUV will cease. No official reasons were given, but one can suspect that slow sales of the vehicle, combined with strong sales of the Honda CR-V, led to the decision.

Stay tuned for more as we await official word from Honda on the fate of the Element.

More: Honda Element To Cease Production [AutoGuide Exclusive] on AutoGuide.com

 

Official Word From Honda


12/03/2010 - TORRANCE, Calif.
The 2011 Honda Element will be the final model year of production of the innovative and functional crossover utility vehicle, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. First introduced in concept form as the Honda Model X at the 2001 North American International Auto Show, the Element virtually created its own functional class and became an immediate favorite for small businesses, outdoor enthusiasts and pet owners. After a long life cycle, utility-seeking customers have more recently embraced other vehicles in the Honda lineup like the versatile and comfortable CR-V.
"The Element proved that ultimate functionality can often come from thinking inside the box," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "It made boxy vehicle designs cool, and Element owners continue to enjoy its unique styling and unmatched versatility."
Developed from the inside-out, the Honda Element entered new territory when it debuted during the 2003 model year by providing a multi-functional cargo area, innovative and versatile seating, a durable and dirt-friendly interior, energetic performance and outstanding value. Major upgrades were made through the years including more power and safety features in the 2007 model year. More recently, the Element embraced its long-held position as a pet-friendly vehicle by introducing the Dog Friendly Element accessory package in 2009.
More than 325,000 Elements have been sold in the United States since its introduction in December 2002.

 

:-( :-( :-cry:

 

Sad, but not surprised. Honda's marketing consultants repeatedly missed the mark. Only on the last great push did they get close to the understanding that the E "restored the UTILITY in SUV."

Also, while I understand the need to do backflips trying to not tip their hand so as to not condemn standing inventory, I sort of don't appreciate the outright lies coming from Honda promising a second-gen Element.

Question now is: will I buy another Honda? Probably not. I've bought (and sold) two Civics since the E, sold primarily because I was underwhelmed by their blandness and that I really wasn't interested in driving them - they were Point A to Point B appliances for ferrying people as long as they didn't have stuff to haul. Life's too short to drive sedans, or SUVs or half-a-trucks (Ridgeline) with sedan trappings. So the bottom line is that Honda no longer has anything I'm interested in, which is a shame.

 

Also, while I understand the need to do backflips trying to not tip their hand so as to not condemn standing inventory, I sort of don't appreciate the outright lies coming from Honda promising a second-gen Element.

All I ever saw promising a "second generation" was one unofficial quote from an unnamed source. I would hardly consider that a promise.

Granted... every auto manufacturer makes a CR-V like vehicle, we'll have plenty of options when it finally is time to replace my wife's car, Honda is not ruled out yet. As for me and my Element... I'll hold on to it as long as it is practical but once I need something to do "more" with, I doubt Honda will have a vehicle I'd be interested in.

 

It will be interesting to see the values of the E in the next 5 years.

 

Hush... Don't make it hard for me to buy one...

 

Same here...wife will drive her '03 into the ground. If body is still good then a new motor...if not...2010 Dog Package here we come. In five years of owning an E, it is the most trouble free car we have had. Brake pads and routine maintenance has been it.

 

I'm already stocking up on duct tape

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This is a copy of what I just posted on Jalopnik:

Honda has SO last their way. The Element is the last gasp of the "old" Honda. The last car they took a chance on. The Element was what got Toyota and Nissan to bring over their respective "Box" cars.

At ever opportunity to innovate in recent years they have chosen to follow - not lead. The Insight is a Prius clone. The Crosstour is a vehicle without a market. They are just playing follow me to BMW with their "coupy" SUV (along with Acura's Clone).

This makes me sad, and confirms that Honda is no longer the company that it used to be. They left F1, they killed the NSX and S2000 and let them wither on the vine.

They never put themselves out there anymore - and when they do, they show how out of touch they are. (Crosstour?)

I literally bought the last 2010 Element SC that was on my local lot a little more than 2 weeks ago. I have had around 7 Honda products since my first in 1991 (a civic Si). This Element could very well be my last, because out of the entire lineup they have right now - this was the only car that is not just MEH.

I am a true Honda lover - but they are making it pretty hard to be a fan lately.:-(

R.I.P. Honda of Yore... :x

 

I was thinking of this a minute ago...I don't think of Honda as a rebel in the car biz. In fact, having bought my first back in '84, they were considered quite the conservative maker being compared a lot to Mercedes. They have no doubt come out with some very revolutionary technologues improving the industry (we could make a long list on that one starting with VTEC), but the designs have always been purposely not in your face...vs something like what Nissan does for instance.
The NSX was a huge change and a response to the market going through a huge expansion period if you ask me. Now we're in a major "smaller and more focused efforts" to survive mode for companies. Even though I don't like a lot of the newest designs from the H folk, they have traditionally shined in how to navigate these kind of economic times. If they follow tyhe past, it will be newest tech in some of the smallest packages...a la CRZ kinda stuff. All that said, I have read where in Japan they are considered to be like the Harley type of crowd willing to do and try anything vs Toyota as a John Deere tried and true group.
Oh well...was hopeful the E would pick up on the utility needs but it seems that is destined to be the tired and old in favor of the green thing.

 

This is another link annoucing the same thing. The handwriting been on the wall since 2008, Honda has never even hinted at a second generation Element. I still love my Element and plan on driving it for many years to come. ;-)

Chief

http://www.thecarconnection.com/mar...om/marty-blog/1052134_honda-announces-end-of-element-production-with-2011-model

 

This is another link annoucing the same thing. The handwriting been on the wall since 2008, Honda has never even hinted at a second generation Element. I still love my Element and plan on driving it for many years to come. ;-)

Chief

I think when we were at East Liberty and asked them about the Second Gen and the plant officials were tight lip, we all knew something was up. Then, for the guy who had us in the conference room for lunch, and was conducting the Q&A tell tell me, "If you want an Element, you better buy one now" was a sure sign the the Element was coming to the end and had run its short course.

From The Precious to Too Precious. I'm happy were I am and thankful for the memory and fellowship of the past with my Element.

Peace, Chozn has left the room. Someone hit the light switch on the way out.

 

After a long life cycle, utility-seeking customers have more recently embraced other vehicles in the Honda lineup like the versatile and comfortable CR-V.

Talk about bald-faced PR lies. They've "embraced" the other vehicles simply because it's been completely impossible to find an Element and no marketing incentive to look for one.

I agree, Honda's become a "me too" company, not innovating but merely copying industry trends after the trends have peaked. They've decided to go all in on their reputation of reliability and safety to the near total disregard of anything else, and it echoes in their incredibly blandified designs and boring, ho-hum marketing. As much as I do love my Element, I think Honda's just lost their way in the sea of "creating shareholder value" and over-caution. I look to what the US car companies are doing right now, especially Ford, and see that they're going all out to win back market share and reputation with innovative designs and marketing. They were on the other side of the wall for a long time and are now eager to regain what they've lost, whereas Honda is now seemingly coasting on its reputation.

If you need me I'll be over in the corner curled up in a fetal position sobbing and rocking. :-(

 

If Honda continues to follow Volvo's lead, that exactly where they will wind up, with a bunch of boring, 'safety first' vehicles that will stop appealing to people under 40 years old!

Chief

 

If Honda continues to follow Volvo's lead, that exactly where they will wind up, with a bunch of boring, 'safety first' vehicles that will stop appealing to people under 40 years old! Chief

>>...a bunch of boring, 'safety first' vehicles...<< ...and not particularly good vehicles, at that. Adequate, but not particularly good.

 

2011 Will Be Final Model Year of Production for Honda Element
December 03 2010
Boxy, bold vehicle found many functional niches during its 9-year run

The 2011 Honda Element will be the final model year of production of the innovative and functional crossover utility vehicle, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. First introduced in concept form as the Honda Model X at the 2001 North American International Auto Show, the Element virtually created its own functional class and became an immediate favorite for small businesses, outdoor enthusiasts and pet owners. After a long life cycle, utility-seeking customers have more recently embraced other vehicles in the Honda lineup like the versatile and comfortable CR-V.

"The Element proved that ultimate functionality can often come from thinking inside the box," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "It made boxy vehicle designs cool, and Element owners continue to enjoy its unique styling and unmatched versatility."

Developed from the inside-out, the Honda Element entered new territory when it debuted during the 2003 model year by providing a multi-functional cargo area, innovative and versatile seating, a durable and dirt-friendly interior, energetic performance and outstanding value. Major upgrades were made through the years including more power and safety features in the 2007 model year. More recently, the Element embraced its long-held position as a pet-friendly vehicle by introducing the Dog Friendly Element accessory package in 2009.

More than 325,000 Elements have been sold in the United States since its introduction in December 2002.

http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=5775

Maybe they'll fill the void with something fun in a few years.

 

"Developed from the inside-out..."

Yep, that's what made the Element special. Who knows if Honda, or any other automaker for that matter, will ever create another passenger/utility vehicle that isn't designed primarily for looks, with utility a distant second. Personally I'm all for "safe and boring." Looks, schmooks—I want to carry stuff, have room to move around, and be able to see out the windows.

 

"Developed from the inside-out..."

Yep, that's what made the Element special. Who knows if Honda, or any other automaker for that matter, will ever create another passenger/utility vehicle that isn't designed primarily for looks, with utility a distant second. Personally I'm all for "safe and boring." Looks, schmooks—I want to carry stuff, have room to move around, and be able to look out the windows.

I'll second that. I don't care what it looks like, I care what it DOES. Sadly the world in general is so brainwashed by fashion it's lost the ability to actually use logic and simply thinks with its emotions. This is why you get fashion designers designing cars. WTF!?

 

Who cares? We are riding together til one of us drops dead! :|