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2006 Honda Element Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2006 Honda Element Review:
2006 Honda Element Review
Antilock brakes are standard for 2006 on all versions of Honda's new-age SUV. Element is based on Honda's CR-V compact SUV, but has unique styling and side doors that open like those of a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer. This four-passenger wagon comes with front-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing. The only engine is a 156-hp 4-cyl linked to a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic. LX, EX, and new-for '06 EX-P models are offered. ABS had previously been limited to EX versions, where it was standard. All models have 4-wheel disc brakes. Front side airbags are unavailable on LX, standard on other Elements. Curtain side airbags are unavailable. Element's rear seat divides into two 30-lb sections that swing up or remove to expand cargo space. The rear-hinged back doors don't open or close independently of the front doors. Some exterior body panels are plastic and are finished in contrasting-colors except on the EX-P, where they are body colored. AWD models include a tilt/removable glass "skylight" over the cargo bay.
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 Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.
Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.
Our Best Buys include Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.
Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.
News
With CR-V redesigned for '07, Element should get its own total makeover for 2008, also on the new-generation Civic compact-car platform. Look for a preview at one of this winter's big auto shows.
Meantime, the boxy wagon adds a little performance and bling with a 2007 model or option package patterned on the recent SC concept. Likely features include 21-inch wheels, three-inch lower ride height, specific grille and front bumper, an "aero" body kit, projector-beam headlamps, and monotone exterior in special colors. Interior trim is upgraded too. Engine retuning adds 10 hp, and ABS, front torso side airbags, and stability control will be standard.
Honda recently announced plans to sell "clean diesel" vehicles in America by 2009. Whether Element will be one of them remains to be seen, but the idea is not impossible. Depending on what Honda decides, the engine would be a next-generation 4-cyl designed to meet the tougher U.S. emissions standards taking effect in 2007.
Meantime, the boxy wagon adds a little performance and bling with a 2007 model or option package patterned on the recent SC concept. Likely features include 21-inch wheels, three-inch lower ride height, specific grille and front bumper, an "aero" body kit, projector-beam headlamps, and monotone exterior in special colors. Interior trim is upgraded too. Engine retuning adds 10 hp, and ABS, front torso side airbags, and stability control will be standard.
Honda recently announced plans to sell "clean diesel" vehicles in America by 2009. Whether Element will be one of them remains to be seen, but the idea is not impossible. Depending on what Honda decides, the engine would be a next-generation 4-cyl designed to meet the tougher U.S. emissions standards taking effect in 2007.
2006 Honda Element Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Control layout | Road noise |
| Passenger and cargo room | Ride |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Test manual-transmission 2WD LX did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph. Manual models are decently spry overall, 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 feels right.
| 2WD LX, man. | 2WD EX, auto. | AWD EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 |
Test manual-transmission 2WD LX did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph. Manual models are decently spry overall, 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 feels right.
Fuel Economy
Test automatic-transmission AWD averaged 21.2 mpg. Test 2WD with manual transmission averaged 22 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests, and AWD averaged 19.2 in mostly city driving. Element uses regular-grade fuel.
| 2WD LX, man. | 2WD EX, auto. | AWD EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Test automatic-transmission AWD averaged 21.2 mpg. Test 2WD with manual transmission averaged 22 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests, and AWD averaged 19.2 in mostly city driving. Element uses regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
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 can be stiff, jiggly on patchy pavement and washboard surfaces. Decent body control over large humps and dips.
| 2WD LX, man. | 2WD EX, auto. | AWD EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
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 can be stiff, jiggly on patchy pavement and washboard surfaces. Decent body control over large humps and dips.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Nimble for a tall box. Cornering stable, predictable, with little tippy feel, but slab-sided body subject to crosswind wander at highway speeds. Flooring throttle in front-drive models can trigger 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.
| 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 throttle in front-drive models can trigger 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.
Quietness
Tire thrum evident on coarse pavement, but boxy design subject to intrusive wind rush at about 65 mph. Engine gruff, throaty at full throttle; in manual-transmission 2WD version, turns buzzy at highway speed.
| 2WD LX, man. | 2WD EX, auto. | AWD EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Tire thrum evident on coarse pavement, but boxy design subject to intrusive wind rush at about 65 mph. Engine gruff, throaty at full throttle; in manual-transmission 2WD version, turns buzzy at highway speed.
Controls
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, are partly obscured for tall drivers by steering wheel. Cabin materials utilitarian, but are nicely assembled.
| 2WD LX, man. | 2WD EX, auto. | AWD EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
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, are partly obscured for tall drivers by steering wheel. Cabin materials utilitarian, but are nicely assembled.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Ample adult-size 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, short nose lend panoramic feel, but roof pillars slice into visibility aft and over the shoulders. Front doors open wide, but are long for tight parking spots.
| 2WD LX, man. | 2WD EX, auto. | AWD EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Ample adult-size 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, short nose lend panoramic feel, but roof pillars slice into visibility aft and over the shoulders. Front doors open wide, but are long for tight parking spots.
Room/Comfort (rear)
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 undersized 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.
| 2WD LX, man. | 2WD EX, auto. | AWD EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.6 |
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 undersized 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
With seats suitably arranged, Element can tote a 10-ft surfboard or sleep two six-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 difficult to remove or install. Cabin has loads of nooks for small stuff. Screw-in legs transform lift-out rear cargo floor into small table.
| 2WD LX, man. | 2WD EX, auto. | AWD EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 7.3 |
With seats suitably arranged, Element can tote a 10-ft surfboard or sleep two six-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 difficult to remove or install. Cabin has loads of nooks for small stuff. Screw-in legs transform lift-out rear cargo floor into small table.
Value within Class
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, roomy little wagon with Honda's expected solid workmanship and thoughtful features.
| 2WD LX, man. | 2WD EX, auto. | AWD EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.3 |
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, roomy little wagon with Honda's expected solid workmanship and thoughtful features.
Total Score
| 2WD LX, man. | 2WD EX, auto. | AWD EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 58 | 56 | 56 | 52.5 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 29 | |
| Average Score | 52 | |
| High Score | 62 |
2006 Honda Element Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/27/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
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| 2WD LX 4-door wagon, manual | $17,750 | $16,408 | $550 |
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| 2WD LX 4-door wagon, automatic | $18,550 | $17,146 | $550 |
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| AWD LX 4-door wagon, manual | $19,150 | $17,699 | $550 |
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| AWD LX 4-door wagon, automatic | $19,950 | $18,437 | $550 |
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| 2WD EX 4-door wagon, manual | $19,625 | $18,137 | $550 |
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| 2WD EX 4-door wagon, automatic | $20,425 | $18,875 | $550 |
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| AWD EX 4-door wagon, manual | $21,025 | $19,428 | $550 |
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| AWD EX 4-door wagon, automatic | $21,825 | $20,166 | $550 |
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| 2WD EX-P 4-door wagon, manual | $20,125 | $18,598 | $550 |
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| 2WD EX-P 4-door wagon, automatic | $20,925 | $19,336 | $550 |
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| 4WD EX-P 4-door wagon, manual | $21,525 | $19,890 | $550 |
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| 4WD EX-P 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,325 | $20,628 | $550 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LX
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth/vinyl upholstery, cupholders, front bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, stowable split folding or flip-up rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, 215/70R16 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, manual rear sunroof.
EX/EX-P adds to LX:
Safety
Front side airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cloth upholstery, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio (requires monthly fee), steering wheel radio controls, map lights, passenger-side visor mirror.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Unique exterior trim (EX-P), alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, manual rear sunroof.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2006 Honda Element Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Honda Element 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 101.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 169.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 70.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3508 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 77.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 43.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.1 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 156 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 160 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 21/24 |
| 4-speed automatic | 21/24 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Honda Element 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | 10/100,000 on PZEV vehicles. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | Towing available only for warranty-covered breakdowns |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2006 Honda Element Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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