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2008 Honda Element Full Review
Date Published: 5/08/08
Also in the 2008 Honda Element Review:
5.
6.
Honda Element Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Honda Element Review
The 2008 Honda Element is basically unchanged this year. This boxlike compact SUV seats four and has rear-hinged rear side doors that don't open independently of the fronts. The only engine is a 166-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that teams with a manual or automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 1500 lb. Element is available as the front-wheel drive LX, EX, or SC model. LX and EX also offer all-wheel drive. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. 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.
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; some offer seating for seven.
Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.
Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.
News
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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2008 Honda Element Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Road noise |
| Ride | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Either transmission affords Element adequate power, though automatic versions are slow to gather speed from a stop. A test manual-transmission 2WD LX did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph. Manual models have smooth, low-effort shift/clutch action.
| 2WD LX, manual | AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Either transmission affords Element adequate power, though automatic versions are slow to gather speed from a stop. A test manual-transmission 2WD LX did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph. Manual models have smooth, low-effort shift/clutch action.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD LX with manual transmission averaged 22 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. AWD models averaged 19.2 mpg with the manual transmission and 20.9 with the automatic, both in an even mix of city and highway use. A test SC with automatic averaged 22.6 mpg. Element uses regular-grade gas.
| 2WD LX, manual | AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD LX with manual transmission averaged 22 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. AWD models averaged 19.2 mpg with the manual transmission and 20.9 with the automatic, both in an even mix of city and highway use. A test SC with automatic averaged 22.6 mpg. Element uses regular-grade gas.
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 the ride still can be stiff and jiggly on patchy pavement and washboard surfaces. The SC model is particularly rough, due to its sport suspension and 18-inch tires. All have decent body control over large humps and dips.
| 2WD LX, manual | AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | 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 the ride still can be stiff and jiggly on patchy pavement and washboard surfaces. The SC model is particularly rough, due to 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 their slab-sided body is subject to crosswind wander at highway speeds. SCs are more agile, with less lean and more grip. Traction is better with AWD than front drive, but the system is slow to send power to the rear wheels when the fronts slip. On several test models we detected a clunking noise when power was transferred to the rears. Routine braking is okay, though not all testers like Element's pedal feel.
| 2WD LX, manual | AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 4.7 |
Nimble for a tall box. All Elements corner with little tippy feel, but their slab-sided body is subject to crosswind wander at highway speeds. SCs are more agile, with less lean and more grip. Traction is better with AWD than front drive, but the system is slow to send power to the rear wheels when the fronts slip. On several test models we detected a clunking noise when power was transferred to the rears. Routine braking is okay, though not all testers like Element's pedal feel.
Quietness
Tire noise is evident on coarse pavement, and Element's boxy design is subject to intrusive wind rush at speeds above 60 mph. SC's performance-oriented tires contribute to elevated road noise, even at low speeds. The engine sounds gruff at full throttle and turns buzzy at highway speed.
| 2WD LX, manual | AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.6 |
Tire noise is evident on coarse pavement, and Element's boxy design is subject to intrusive wind rush at speeds above 60 mph. SC's performance-oriented tires contribute to elevated road noise, even at low speeds. The engine sounds gruff at full throttle and turns buzzy at highway speed.
Controls
Element has simple, convenient climate and audio controls. Hooded gauges are hard to see in some light conditions, and are partly obscured for tall drivers by steering wheel.
| 2WD LX, manual | AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Element has simple, convenient climate and audio controls. Hooded gauges are hard to see in some light conditions, and are partly obscured for tall drivers by steering wheel.
Details
Assembly quality is Honda-typical, but Element's cabin is decked out with lots of hard plastic with unappealing textures. It's in step with Element's utilitarian goals, but nearly all its rivals have nicer appointments.
| 2WD LX, manual | AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.1 |
Assembly quality is Honda-typical, but Element's cabin is decked out with lots of hard plastic with unappealing textures. It's in step with Element's utilitarian goals, but nearly all its rivals have nicer appointments.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Ample adult-size room, but hard padding is not conducive to long-haul comfort. The standard driver-seat height adjustment is welcome, but it has limited range and a tedious handwheel control. The SUV-tall driving stance and short nose offer a panoramic feel, but the roof pillars slice into visibility aft and over the shoulders. The front doors open wide but are long for tight parking spots.
| 2WD LX, manual | AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Ample adult-size room, but hard padding is not conducive to long-haul comfort. The standard driver-seat height adjustment is welcome, but it has limited range and a tedious handwheel control. The SUV-tall driving stance and short nose offer a panoramic feel, but the roof pillars slice into visibility aft and over the shoulders. The front doors open wide but are long for tight parking spots.
Room/Comfort (rear)
A lower step-in height than most compact SUVs eases all-around entry and exit. Headroom and legroom are only adequate. The rear bench suffers even skimpier padding than the front seats, and its undersized cushion and backrest further detract from comfort. The bench only seats two passengers as well. The 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, manual | AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
A lower step-in height than most compact SUVs eases all-around entry and exit. Headroom and legroom are only adequate. The rear bench suffers even skimpier padding than the front seats, and its undersized cushion and backrest further detract from comfort. The bench only seats two passengers as well. The 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 the seats suitably arranged, Element can tote a 10-ft surfboard or sleep two adults who are less than 5-feet-9-inches tall. There's a useful 25 cu ft of cargo space behind the split rear bench. Stowing the bench requires folding the seatbacks and awkwardly flipping the assembly up against the rear quarter windows, where they must be secured in place via a strap that hooks onto the ceiling. There are many cubbies inside the cabin, but none are covered or lined, meaning small items are exposed and can shift easily.
| 2WD LX, manual | AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.1 |
With the seats suitably arranged, Element can tote a 10-ft surfboard or sleep two adults who are less than 5-feet-9-inches tall. There's a useful 25 cu ft of cargo space behind the split rear bench. Stowing the bench requires folding the seatbacks and awkwardly flipping the assembly up against the rear quarter windows, where they must be secured in place via a strap that hooks onto the ceiling. There are many cubbies inside the cabin, but none are covered or lined, meaning small items are exposed and can shift easily.
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, manual | AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.9 |
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, manual | AWD EX, manual | AWD EX, automatic | SC, automatic | Class Average |
| 58 | 58 | 57 | 56 | 60 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 60 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2008 Honda Element Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/27/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD LX 4-door wagon, manual | $18,980 | $17,662 | $635 |
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| 2WD LX 4-door wagon, automatic | $19,780 | $18,404 | $635 |
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| AWD LX 4-door wagon, manual | $20,380 | $18,960 | $635 |
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| AWD LX 4-door wagon, automatic | $21,180 | $19,702 | $635 |
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| 2WD EX 4-door wagon, manual | $20,990 | $19,526 | $635 |
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| 2WD EX 4-door wagon, automatic | $21,790 | $20,268 | $635 |
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| AWD EX 4-door wagon, manual | $22,390 | $20,824 | $635 |
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| AWD EX 4-door wagon, automatic | $23,190 | $21,566 | $635 |
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| 2WD SC 4-door wagon, manual | $22,775 | $21,182 | $635 |
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| 2WD SC 4-door wagon, automatic | $23,575 | $21,923 | $635 |
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
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
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| Element | 0.9%-2.9% financing. | Customer | 06/30/08 |
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| Element | $1000-$1500 dealer incentive. | Dealer | 06/30/08 |
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, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth/vinyl upholstery, 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, 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.
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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2008 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 |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 18/23 |
| 5-speed automatic | 19/24 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 3 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| 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 | -- |
| 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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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: N/A Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 20.86 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Damon Bell If your lifestyle is full of mountain biking, surfing, kayaking, camping, and the like, the utilitarian Element may be just what you're looking for. For less-outdoorsy shoppers, there are plenty of more-conventional compact SUVs that are better choices for everyday use. Ed Piotrowski Honda makes a lot of great vehicles. Element isn't one of them. It tries to do too much in attempting to appeal to a wide audience, thus making it a mediocre product overall. Outdoorsy types would be better served with buying a real SUV such as a Suzuki Grand Vitara or Nissan Xterra. Honda lately has been advertising Element in video game magazines, hoping to appeal to a geekier crowd who might utilize Element's cargo capacity to carry gaming gear. Problem is the vehicle rides too stiffly and doesn't have a carpeted cargo area, thus risking damage to expensive equipment. A Fit is a much better choice for geeks on the go. All in all, Element is old, cranky, unrefined, and way too expensive for what it offers. Jennifer Geiger My one big gripe with Element is that between the awkward-opening rear doors and seating for just two in the back, it's not very people friendly. Element does have a lot of useful cargo room (it's practically van-like inside), but it doesn't have a whole lot of great or usable small items storage space. Element only seats four and there's not much of a center console for my "active lifestyle stuff." I get where Honda is going with Element, but if I'm buying a larger vehicle, I want to be able to carry more people than I could in a compact car AND all my gear. Rick Cotta Slightly quirky and remarkably roomy, the Element has its strengths. But the rear door arrangement is awkward in parking lots, the rear-seat area's flat floor and slick rubber covering mean anything put back there slides around, and the rear seat itself accommodates only two passengers. For virtually the same price, I'd look across the showroom to the CR-V. |
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Honda Element Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Honda Element Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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