2004 Honda Element: Road Test
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2004 Honda Element 2WD DX Manual
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- MSRP: $16,100 -$21,350
- Invoice: $14,881 -$19,723
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Our road test for the 2004 Honda Element includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Honda Element from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Honda Element, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Honda Element help you decide if a 2004 Honda Element is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 3 | 4.2 |
Test 2WD DX with manual transmission did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph. 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
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
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
| 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
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
More nimble than tall, boxy shape might imply. Stable cornering with little 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, and slippery pavement can easily induce wheelspin. To a lesser degree, it's the same with AWD, as there's a delay before the rear wheels engage with a clunk. Routine braking OK, though not all testers like pedal feel. And we wish ABS was available on all models, not just the top-line EX.
QUIETNESS
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
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
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Dashboard features 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)
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
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 and short nose give panoramic feel, though 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)
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
Lower step-in height than most compact SUVs eases all-around entry/exit but need to open front door to access rear seat is inconvenient. Opening both side doors leaves a wide, unobstructed 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 a full 90 degrees, but are difficult to reach, and thus close, from the rear seat.
CARGO ROOM
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
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
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 5.6 |
Element isn't so much an SUV as a motorized sports tote for "active lifestyle" folks. Though not designed for comfort or for serious off-roading, it's a versatile, practical, roomy compact wagon with Honda's expected solid workmanship and thoughtful features. That earns a Recommended rating.
Total Score
| DX 2WD, man. | EX 2WD, auto. | EX AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | 54 | 54 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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