2003-2008 Honda Element: Full Review

Performance is adequate, especially with manual shift. A test 2WD LX with manual transmission accelerated to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. Honda advised that the AWD Element with automatic took 11.4 seconds. Overall, manual-transmission Elements feel decently spry and promise very smooth, low-effort clutch/shifter operation. Automatic-transmission versions do not feel sluggish, but need liberal throttle for brisk takeoffs or to maintain speed up steep grades. An automatic AWD Element averaged 21.2 mpg. Another with manual and 2WD averaged 22 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. A manual AWD model got 19.2 mpg in mostly city driving. Honda recommends regular-grade fuel. Ride quality depends on where you sit. Rear occupants nestle between the wheels, and therefore suffer unrelieved chop and thump over bumps. Front-seat riders will be more comfortable, but the ride is still stiff--jiggly on patchy pavement and washboard surfaces. Body control is decent over large humps and dips. More nimble than the tall, boxy shape might imply, the Element offers stable, predictable cornering with little tippy feel. However, the slab-sided body is subject to crosswind wander at highway speeds. Front-drive models suffer pronounced torque steer--pulling to the side--in rapid acceleration, and slippery pavement can easily induce wheel spin. To a lesser degree, it's the same story with AWD, which suffers a delay before the rear wheels engage with a clunk. Routine braking is acceptable, though not everyone appreciates the pedal feel. An ABS-equipped model is the better choice. Tire thrum is evident on coarse pavement, but the boxy design resists intrusive wind rush until 65 mph or so. The engine is gruff and throaty in rapid acceleration, and at higher rpm. The manual-transmission 2WD version turns at a buzzy 3800 rpm, at 75 mph. Element dashboards feature a simple, convenient climate panel and audio unit. The shift lever sprouts from the lower dashboard and falls readily to hand. Hooded gauges can be difficult to see in some lighting conditions, and are partly obscured for tall drivers because the standard tilt steering wheel does not raise very high. Cabin decor stresses sturdy function over flash, with water-resistant upholstery and floor covering. Though it looks utilitarian, the Element is nicely assembled from good-quality materials. Adults get ample leg and head room up front, but hard seat padding isn't conducive to long-haul comfort. The standard driver-seat height adjustment is welcome, but has limited range and tedious handwheel control. An SUV-tall driving position and short nose give a panoramic feel, though various roof pillars limit visibility to some quarters. Front doors open wide, but are very long, thus troublesome in tight parking spots. A lower step-in height than in most compact SUVs eases all-around entry/exit for rear occupants. Opening both side doors leaves a wide, unobstructed, but fairly short entrance. Head room is only adequate for six-footers, but there's ample leg room even with front seats set fully aft. The rear bench suffers even skimpier padding, plus too-short cushions and backrests. Rear doors open a full 90 degrees, but are difficult to reach and close from the rear seat. The industrial-look rubber flooring can become slick when wet. With seats suitably arranged, the Element can tote a 10-foot surfboard or sleep two six-footers with the hatch closed. There's a useful 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the split rear bench, whose sections stow easily and quickly. Too bad complete removal and reinstallation are difficult, time-consuming chores. The cabin has loads of nooks and crannies for small items.

Value for the Money
Rather than a strict SUV, the Element is more like a motorized sports gear tote, for "active lifestyle" folks. Though not designed for comfort, or for serious off-roading, it's a versatile, practical, and roomy compact wagon that incorporates Honda's expected solid workmanship and thoughtful features. That earns the Element a Recommended rating.