2005 Honda Element: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Honda's youth-oriented Element is based on the CR-V compact SUV, but has unique styling with center-opening side doors and uses some plastic body panels. Its rear-hinged back doors don't open or close independently of the front doors. Element comes in LX and uplevel EX models. All use CR-V's 4-cyl engine with manual or automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Sixteen-inch wheels and 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Front side airbags and ABS are EX exclusives. Elements seat four on front bucket seats and a split rear bench. The bench's 30-lb sections swing up to the sides or remove to expand cargo space. AWD models include a tilt/removable glass "skylight" over the cargo bay. Exclusive EX standard features include ABS, alloy wheels, and remote keyless entry.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and the Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are the Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.