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2003 Honda Element Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2003 Honda Element Review:
2003 Honda Element Review
This new youth-oriented compact SUV has novel interior features and unique wagon styling with center-opening side doors. Element is based on Honda's CR-V, but is a bit taller and wider, and up to 200 lb heavier. It shares CR-V's 4-cyl engine and manual and automatic transmissions, and offers the same front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive system without low-range gearing. Element has an upper liftgate and drop-down tailgate vs. CR-V's swing-out cargo door. Element has rear-hinged back side doors that are shorter than the fronts and don't open or close independently of them. Element seats four on front bucket seats and a split rear bench. The rear seat's 30-lb sections swing up to the side or remove to expand cargo space. AWD models include a tilt/removable glass "skylight" over the cargo bay. Base DX and upscale EX models are offered. DXs are equipped for personalization and come without factory audio. EXs include a 270-watt CD audio system, plus alloy wheels, 2-tone interior trim, cruise control, power mirrors, and air conditioning; the last is a dealer-installed option for DXs. All Elements have water-resistant cloth upholstery, rubberlike floor covering, 16-inch wheels, and 4-wheel disc brakes. Exclusive to EXs are standard ABS and optional front side airbags.
Competition
Though our Best Buys, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class. CR-V has a bit more on-road refinement and cargo space.
Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.
Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.
News
Element's debut caps an unusually busy 2002 for Honda, with the Japanese company bowing five new models or model variations in the 12 months. No near-term changes are expected, but look for Honda to add new accessories and features based on feedback from Element's trend-conscious target audience. Because those young buyers are often environmentally conscious as well, we think Element will get the hybrid powertrain expected as a 2005 option for sister vehicle CR-V, perhaps even by '04.
2003 Honda Element Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Instruments/controls | Road noise |
| Passenger and cargo room | Ride |
| Visibility | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Test 2WD DX with manual transmission did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph, nearly a second quicker than Honda's estimate. Have not yet timed an AWD Element, but Honda pegs it at 11.4 sec 0-60 with automatic transmission. Overall, manual-transmission Elements feel reasonably spry and have very smooth clutch/shifter operation. Automatic-transmission versions don't feel sluggish, but need liberal throttle for brisk takeoffs or to maintain speed up steep grades.
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
Test 2WD DX with manual transmission did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph, nearly a second quicker than Honda's estimate. Have not yet timed an AWD Element, but Honda pegs it at 11.4 sec 0-60 with automatic transmission. Overall, manual-transmission Elements feel reasonably spry and have very smooth clutch/shifter operation. Automatic-transmission versions don't feel sluggish, but need liberal throttle for brisk takeoffs or to maintain speed up steep grades.
Fuel Economy
Test automatic-transmission AWD averaged 20.2 mpg. Test manual-transmission 2WD averaged 22 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. Test manual-transmission AWD averaged 19.2 in mostly city driving. Honda recommends regular-grade fuel.
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Test automatic-transmission AWD averaged 20.2 mpg. Test manual-transmission 2WD averaged 22 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. Test manual-transmission AWD averaged 19.2 in mostly city driving. Honda recommends regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Depends on where you sit. Rear occupants nestle between the wheels and thus suffer unrelieved chop and thump over bumps. Front-seaters are more comfortable, but ride still stiff, jiggly on patchy pavement and washboard surfaces. Decent body control over large humps and dips.
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Depends on where you sit. Rear occupants nestle between the wheels and thus suffer unrelieved chop and thump over bumps. Front-seaters are more comfortable, but ride still stiff, jiggly on patchy pavement and washboard surfaces. Decent body control over large humps and dips.
Steering/Handling/Braking
More nimble than tall, boxy shape might imply. Stable cornering with no tippy feel. However, slab-sided body subject to crosswind wander at highway speeds. Front-drive models suffer pronounced torque steer--pulling to the side--in rapid acceleration. Routine braking good even without ABS, though not all testers like pedal feel.
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
More nimble than tall, boxy shape might imply. Stable cornering with no tippy feel. However, slab-sided body subject to crosswind wander at highway speeds. Front-drive models suffer pronounced torque steer--pulling to the side--in rapid acceleration. Routine braking good even without ABS, though not all testers like pedal feel.
Quietness
Tire thrum evident on coarse pavement, but boxy design resists intrusive wind rush until 70 mph. Engine gruff, throaty in rapid acceleration and at higher rpm; manual-transmission 2WD version turns a buzzy 3800 rpm at 75 mph.
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
Tire thrum evident on coarse pavement, but boxy design resists intrusive wind rush until 70 mph. Engine gruff, throaty in rapid acceleration and at higher rpm; manual-transmission 2WD version turns a buzzy 3800 rpm at 75 mph.
Controls
Dashboard follows good CR-V design with simple, convenient climate panel and audio unit. Shift lever sprouts from lower dash, falls readily to hand. Hooded gauges can be difficult to see in some lighting conditions, and are partly obscured for tall drivers because standard tilt steering wheel doesn't raise very high. Cabin decor stresses sturdy function over flash with water-resistant upholstery and floor covering.
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Dashboard follows good CR-V design with simple, convenient climate panel and audio unit. Shift lever sprouts from lower dash, falls readily to hand. Hooded gauges can be difficult to see in some lighting conditions, and are partly obscured for tall drivers because standard tilt steering wheel doesn't raise very high. Cabin decor stresses sturdy function over flash with water-resistant upholstery and floor covering.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Ample adult-size leg and head room, but hard seat padding not conducive to long-haul comfort. Standard driver-seat height adjustment welcome, but has limited range and tedious handwheel control. SUV-tall driving position, short nose give panoramic feel, though various roof pillars take slices out of visibility to some quarters. Front doors open wide, but are very long, to the detriment of parking-lot convenience.
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
Ample adult-size leg and head room, but hard seat padding not conducive to long-haul comfort. Standard driver-seat height adjustment welcome, but has limited range and tedious handwheel control. SUV-tall driving position, short nose give panoramic feel, though various roof pillars take slices out of visibility to some quarters. Front doors open wide, but are very long, to the detriment of parking-lot convenience.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Lower step-in height than most compact SUVs eases all-around entry/exit. Opening both side doors leaves a wide, unobstructed, but fairly short entrance. Head room only adequate for 6-footers, but there's ample leg room even with front seats set fully aft. Rear bench suffers even skimpier padding than front seats, plus too-short cushion and backrest. Rear doors open to a full 90 degrees, but are difficult to reach, and thus close, from the rear seat.
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.1 |
Lower step-in height than most compact SUVs eases all-around entry/exit. Opening both side doors leaves a wide, unobstructed, but fairly short entrance. Head room only adequate for 6-footers, but there's ample leg room even with front seats set fully aft. Rear bench suffers even skimpier padding than front seats, plus too-short cushion and backrest. Rear doors open to a full 90 degrees, but are difficult to reach, and thus close, from the rear seat.
Cargo Room
With seats suitably arranged, Element can tote a 10-ft surfboard or sleep two 6-footers with the hatch closed. There's a useful 25 cu ft of cargo space behind the split rear bench, whose sections stow easily and quickly for even more room. Too bad complete removal and reinstallation are difficult, time-consuming chores. Cabin has loads of nooks and crannies for small stuff. Available screw-in legs make the lift-out rear cargo floor into a small table.
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
With seats suitably arranged, Element can tote a 10-ft surfboard or sleep two 6-footers with the hatch closed. There's a useful 25 cu ft of cargo space behind the split rear bench, whose sections stow easily and quickly for even more room. Too bad complete removal and reinstallation are difficult, time-consuming chores. Cabin has loads of nooks and crannies for small stuff. Available screw-in legs make the lift-out rear cargo floor into a small table.
Value within Class
Element isn't so much an SUV as a motorized sports tote for "active lifestyle" youngsters. Though not designed for comfort or serious off-roading, it's a versatile, practical, roomy compact wagon with Honda's expected solid workmanship and thoughtful features.
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
Element isn't so much an SUV as a motorized sports tote for "active lifestyle" youngsters. Though not designed for comfort or serious off-roading, it's a versatile, practical, roomy compact wagon with Honda's expected solid workmanship and thoughtful features.
Total Score
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
| 56 | 53 | 53 | 47.1 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 27 | |
| Average Score | 47 | |
| High Score | 62 |
2003 Honda Element Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/19/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| DX 2WD 4-door wagon, manual | $16,100 | $14,881 | $460 |
|
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| DX 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic | $16,900 | $15,619 | $460 |
|
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| DX AWD 4-door wagon, manual | $17,500 | $16,172 | $460 |
|
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| DX AWD 4-door wagon, automatic | $18,300 | $16,910 | $460 |
|
|
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| EX 2WD 4-door wagon, manual | $18,650 | $17,233 | $460 |
|
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| EX 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic | $19,450 | $17,971 | $460 |
|
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| EX 2WD 4-door wagon w/side airbags, manual | $18,900 | $17,463 | $460 |
|
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| EX 2WD 4-door wagon w/side airbags, automatic | $19,700 | $18,201 | $460 |
|
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| EX AWD 4-door wagon, manual | $20,050 | $18,524 | $460 |
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| EX AWD 4-door wagon, automatic | $20,850 | $19,262 | $460 |
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| EX AWD 4-door wagon w/side airbags, manual | $20,300 | $18,755 | $460 |
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| EX AWD 4-door wagon w/side airbags, automatic | $21,100 | $19,493 | $460 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
DX
Powertrain
2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, cupholders, front bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, stowable split folding or flip-up rear seat, power windows, power door locks, tachometer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, 215/70R16 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, manual rear sunroof.
EX adds to DX:
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, cruise control, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, manual rear sunroof.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2003 Honda Element Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Honda Element 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 101.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 166.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3489 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 77.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 43.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.1 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 160 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 161 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 20/23 |
| 4-speed automatic | 20/24 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Honda Element 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | 8/80,000 on Civic Hybrid battery pack and IMA. In CA and green states the warranty is extended to 10/150,000. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Honda Element Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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