2003 Honda Element: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.