2005 Honda Element Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2005 Honda Element includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Honda Element from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Honda Element, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Honda Element help you decide if a 2005 Honda Element is right for you.

2005 Honda Element Road Test

Pros	Cons

Control layout	Road noise

Passenger and cargo room	Ride

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
5	3	3	4.3

Test 2WD LX with manual transmission did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph. Manual models are decently spry overall and have smooth, low-effort shift/clutch action. Automatic-transmission versions need full throttle for brisk takeoffs or to maintain speed up steep grades. Honda's claim of 11.4 sec 0-60 with automatic feels right.

Fuel Economy

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
6	5	5	4.8

Test automatic-transmission AWD averaged 21.2 mpg. Test manual-transmission 2WD returned 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

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4.5

Depends on where you sit. Rear occupants nestle between the wheels and thus endure marked 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

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	4.7

Nimble for a tall box. Cornering stable, predictable, with little tippy feel, but slab-sided body subject to crosswind wander at highway speeds. Flooring the throttle in front-drive models often creates marked torque steer--pulling to the side--plus wheelspin on slippery surfaces. Traction better with AWD, but rear wheels slow to engage and often clunk as they do. Routine braking OK, though not all testers like pedal feel. And we'd like to see ABS available on the LX, not just top-line EXs.

Quietness

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4

Tire thrum evident on coarse pavement, but boxy design subject to intrusive wind rush at about 65 mph. Engine gruff, throaty at full throttle; manual-transmission 2WD version turns a buzzy 3800 rpm at 75 mph.

Controls

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.5

Simple, convenient climate controls and audio unit. Shift lever sprouts from lower dash, falls readily to hand. Hooded gauges hard to see in some light conditions, and are partly obscured for tall drivers because standard tilt steering wheel doesn't lift that high. Cabin looks utilitarian, but is nicely assembled.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.7

Ample adult-size leg and head room, but hard padding on water-resistant cloth seats not conducive to long-haul comfort. Standard driver-seat height adjustment welcome, but has limited range and tedious handwheel control. SUV-tall driving stance and short nose lend panoramic feel, but roof pillars slice into rear and over-the-shoulder views. Front doors open wide, but are rather long for tight parking spots.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	4.5

Lower step-in height than most compact SUVs eases all-around entry/exit. Head room only adequate for 6-footers, but leg room ample 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 90 degrees and leave a wide entrance, but are difficult to reach and thus close from the rear seat. Industrial-look rubber flooring can become slick when wet.

Cargo Room

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, 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 quickly but are a literal pain to remove or install. Cabin has loads of nooks and crannies for small stuff. Screw-in legs turn the lift-out rear cargo floor into a small table.

Value within Class

2WD LX, man.	2WD EX, auto.	AWD EX, auto.	Class Average
7	8	8	6

Element isn't so much an SUV as a motorized gear tote for "active lifestyle" types. Though not designed for posh comfort or serious off-roading, it earns our Recommended label as a versatile, practical, and roomy little wagon with Honda's expected solid workmanship and thoughtful features.

Total Score