Five Great Cars for the College-Bound Grad
by Tom Appel
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2009 Honda Element
2009 Honda Element
| Consumer Guide rating: | None |
| Base Price: | $20,275 |
| EPA Mileage Range (city/hwy): | 18-25 mpg |
| Safety Features | |
| ABS: | Standard |
| Antiskid System: | Standard |
| Side Air Bags: | Standard |
| All-Wheel Drive: | Available |
| State Farm Ratings | |
| LRI: | B (somewhat lower than standard) |
| DTI: | C (standard) |
| VSD: | 20% Discount |
Honda’s adventure-themed Element slipped off Consumer Guide’s Recommended list a year or so ago, but only because it trades too much performance and rear-passenger comfort for its cargo utility. Young, agile passengers won’t mind the uncommon rear seat arrangement, or the industrial-grade cabin appointments.
Though compact on the outside, Element has vast cargo space inside. Another plus is Element’s available all-wheel drive, which is good for students who cover long distances between home and school in colder climes. Also, plastic front and rear fenders help keep small “incidents” small.
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2009 Honda Element
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