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2007 Honda Element Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2007 Honda Element Review:
2007 Honda Element Review
More safety features, a new sporty model, and a touch more power mark 2007 for Honda's boxlike SUV. Element is based on Honda's 2002-2006 CR-V compact SUV, but has unique styling and rear-hinged rear side doors that don't open or close independently of the front doors. This four-passenger wagon comes with front-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing. The only engine is a 166-hp 4-cyl, up 10 hp for '07. Available are a 5-speed manual transmission, and for '07, a 5-speed automatic that replaces a 4-speed. Element comes in LX, EX, and new-for '07 SC trim. The SC is not available with AWD. ABS is standard. Front side airbags are standard on all models; they previously were unavailable on the LX. Curtain side airbags are also standard; they previously were unavailable on any Element. The rear seat divides into two 30-lb sections that swing up or remove. AWD models include a tilt/removable glass "skylight" over the cargo bay. SCs have a lowered sport suspension, 18-inch wheels, specific front styling, and unique trim. Exterior body panels are plastic; on LX they are finished in contrasting-colors, on EX and SC they are body colored. LX and EX models also get revised front styling for '07.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically 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 Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
Our Best Buys include the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
News
With CR-V redesigned for '07, Element should get its own total makeover for 2008, also on the current Civic compact-car platform. Look for a preview at one of this winter's big auto shows.
Honda plans "clean diesel" versions of several North American models starting in 2009. Would the redesigned Element offer one? Honda is likely still debating that question. Whatever the answer, sources say at least the CR-V will eventually be available with a new "oil burner" 4-cyl designed for the tougher U.S. emissions standards taking effect in 2007.
Honda plans "clean diesel" versions of several North American models starting in 2009. Would the redesigned Element offer one? Honda is likely still debating that question. Whatever the answer, sources say at least the CR-V will eventually be available with a new "oil burner" 4-cyl designed for the tougher U.S. emissions standards taking effect in 2007.
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2007 Honda Element Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Road noise |
| Ride | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Adequate power with either transmission, though automatic versions slow to gather speed from a stop. Test manual-transmission 2WD LX did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph. Manual models have smooth, low-effort shift/clutch action.
| 2WD LX, man. | AWD EX, man. | AWD EX, Auto. | SC, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.6 |
Adequate power with either transmission, though automatic versions slow to gather speed from a stop. Test manual-transmission 2WD LX did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph. Manual models have smooth, low-effort shift/clutch action.
Fuel Economy
With manual transmission, test 2WD LX averaged 22 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests, and test AWD EX averaged 19.2 in mostly city driving. Test SC with automatic averaged 22.6 mpg. Element uses regular-grade fuel.
| 2WD LX, man. | AWD EX, man. | AWD EX, Auto. | SC, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
With manual transmission, test 2WD LX averaged 22 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests, and test AWD EX averaged 19.2 in mostly city driving. Test SC with automatic averaged 22.6 mpg. Element uses regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
In LX and EX, comfort 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, especially in SC, with its sport suspension and 18-inch tires. All have decent body control over large humps and dips.
| 2WD LX, man. | AWD EX, man. | AWD EX, Auto. | SC, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
In LX and EX, comfort 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, especially in SC, with its sport suspension and 18-inch tires. All have decent body control over large humps and dips.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Nimble for a tall box. All Elements corner with little tippy feel, but slab-sided body subject to crosswind wander at highway speeds. SCs more agile, with less lean and more grip. Flooring throttle in front-drive models can trigger torque steer plus wheelspin on slippery surfaces. Traction better with AWD, but rear wheels slow to engage and, on several test models, often clunked as they did. Routine braking OK, though not all testers like pedal feel.
| 2WD LX, man. | AWD EX, man. | AWD EX, Auto. | SC, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 4.8 |
Nimble for a tall box. All Elements corner with little tippy feel, but slab-sided body subject to crosswind wander at highway speeds. SCs more agile, with less lean and more grip. Flooring throttle in front-drive models can trigger torque steer plus wheelspin on slippery surfaces. Traction better with AWD, but rear wheels slow to engage and, on several test models, often clunked as they did. 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. SC's performance-oriented tires contribute to elevated road noise, even at low speeds. Engine gruff, throaty at full throttle, turns buzzy at highway speed.
| 2WD LX, man. | AWD EX, man. | AWD EX, Auto. | SC, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.5 |
Tire thrum evident on coarse pavement, but boxy design subject to intrusive wind rush at about 65 mph. SC's performance-oriented tires contribute to elevated road noise, even at low speeds. Engine gruff, throaty at full throttle, turns buzzy at highway speed.
Controls
Simple, convenient climate controls and audio unit. Shifter sprouts from lower dash, falls readily to hand. Hooded gauges hard to see in some light conditions, are partly obscured for tall drivers by steering wheel. Cabin materials utilitarian, but are nicely assembled.
| 2WD LX, man. | AWD EX, man. | AWD EX, Auto. | SC, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Simple, convenient climate controls and audio unit. Shifter sprouts from lower dash, falls readily to hand. Hooded gauges hard to see in some light conditions, 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. | AWD EX, man. | AWD EX, Auto. | SC, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
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 six-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. | AWD EX, man. | AWD EX, Auto. | SC, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Lower step-in height than most compact SUVs eases all-around entry/exit. Head room only adequate for six-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. | AWD EX, man. | AWD EX, Auto. | SC, man. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.2 |
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. It sacrifices some convenience to rear doors that don't open independently of the front doors. And posh comfort or serious off-roading aren't on its agenda. It is, however, a roomy and adaptable little wagon with Honda's expected solid workmanship.
| 2WD LX, man. | AWD EX, man. | AWD EX, Auto. | SC, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.5 |
Element isn't so much an SUV as a motorized gear tote for "active lifestyle" types. It sacrifices some convenience to rear doors that don't open independently of the front doors. And posh comfort or serious off-roading aren't on its agenda. It is, however, a roomy and adaptable little wagon with Honda's expected solid workmanship.
Total Score
| 2WD LX, man. | AWD EX, man. | AWD EX, Auto. | SC, man. | Class Average |
| 55 | 55 | 54 | 54 | 53.1 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 36 | |
| Average Score | 53 | |
| High Score | 60 |
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2007 Honda Element Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/01/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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|
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| 2WD LX 4-door wagon, manual | $18,900 | $17,588 | $595 |
|
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| 2WD LX 4-door wagon, automatic | $19,700 | $18,330 | $595 |
|
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| AWD LX 4-door wagon, manual | $20,300 | $18,886 | $595 |
|
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| AWD LX 4-door wagon, automatic | $21,100 | $19,628 | $595 |
|
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| 2WD EX 4-door wagon, manual | $20,910 | $19,452 | $595 |
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| 2WD EX 4-door wagon, automatic | $21,710 | $20,194 | $595 |
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| AWD EX 4-door wagon, manual | $22,310 | $20,750 | $595 |
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| AWD EX 4-door wagon, automatic | $23,110 | $21,492 | $595 |
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| 2WD SC 4-door wagon, manual | $22,695 | $21,107 | $595 |
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| 2WD SC 4-door wagon, automatic | $23,495 | $21,849 | $595 |
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 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
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, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, urethane floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, 215/70R16 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, manual rear sunroof.
EX adds to LX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cloth upholstery, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, steering wheel radio controls, map lights, passenger-side visor mirror.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, manual rear sunroof.
SC adds to EX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Center console, carpeting, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 225/55R18 tires.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2007 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. | 166 @ 5800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 161 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 21/24 |
| 5-speed automatic | 21/26 |
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 |
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 | 8/80,000 on Civic and Accord Hybrid battery packs. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | -- |
| 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
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Also in the 2007 Honda Element Review:
1.
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4.
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