CTC Review: 2007 Honda Element SC

[CD_Editor]

Picture Gallery:  2007 Honda Element SC


Day 1:

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The first model year for the Honda Element was 2003 --  I remember this vividly for some reason.  I remember how Honda claimed having no carpets made it easier to hose out mud and grime from camping trips, and how you could sleep in it, because the seats could be stored away against the sides.  I also remember my father commenting that it looked like a bread truck from the 1940s / 50s.  More...

[airbalancer]

" I have to say this new SC version looks extremely handsome."
when was the last time you had your eyes tested

[The Fuzz]

" I have to say this new SC version looks extremely handsome."
when was the last time you had your eyes tested

It's all relative! Compared to the Lego version they had out before, I thought this version was decent looking as well. It would be a great vehicle for carrying mountain bikes or other athletic equipment. Very versatile. Although the rear sun roof makes me  .

[2hondas1BMW]

I actually like the look of the SC version. It looks like they are trying to create a vehicle similar to the Scion xB, except alot larger.

[Mitlov]

I actually like the look of the SC version. It looks like they are trying to create a vehicle similar to the Scion xB, except alot larger.

The 2008 Scion xB has been upsized to about the size of an Element.  It also has a 160-ish horsepower engine now, instead of the fuel-sipping 100-ish hp engine the first-generation xB had.  So now the Element SC and Scion xB are direct competitors.

[dorin]

I totally love the old-school Lego-style Element.  This SC version is still nice, but it's a little too slick.  However, the SC is better than the naked Element (the one with body-coloured quarter-panels).  So in my books, the Elements rank as follows:
1. original Lego-style Element (hands-down one of the coolest looking vehicles out there)
2. this SC version
3. the naked body-colour quarter-panels Element (yuck! it's only acceptable-looking in black)

[prufrock]

I totally love the old-school Lego-style Element.  This SC version is still nice, but it's a little too slick.  However, the SC is better than the naked Element (the one with body-coloured quarter-panels).  So in my books, the Elements rank as follows:
1. original Lego-style Element (hands-down one of the coolest looking vehicles out there)
2. this SC version
3. the naked body-colour quarter-panels Element (yuck! it's only acceptable-looking in black)

 

The "Lego-style" as you call it is my favourite. I have looked for a while for a decent price on a used model, but the damn things have ridiculous resale prices and are just a little too pricey new for a second vehicle.

I think I like it so much because it reminds me of the Thing.

[mdxtasy]

The Element has aged gracefully and is now no longer that awkward looking teenager who's just entering puberty.

[mmret]

Should covert them into an ice cream truck...

[initial_D]

My brother has a MY2006 Element, very useful in terms of hauling stuff, and decent mileage. Wife drove it once, didn't like it at all. I might buy it off him once the lease is due for hauling purpose. like it better than a minivan.  

[G0dspd]

It looks a lot better than the previous version and it seems to be quite practical.  Looks like an interesting wannabe-SUV.

"2007 Honda Element SC
MSRP as tested: $32,605"

Nevermind 

[Leviathan]

It looks a lot better than the previous version and it seems to be quite practical.  Looks like an interesting wannabe-SUV.

"2007 Honda Element SC
MSRP as tested: $32,605"

Nevermind 

Ouch.

[tpl]

Hmmmm   put the Accord V6 in it with a manny tranny , AWD as per Subaru, HID lights and lose the sunroof and I would look at one around $40k.  I have always rather liked the look of them... however my better half does not so we have a Fit 

[Thinking Out Loud]

Have to give Honda credit - at least they're sticking to an original vehicle no other manufacturer else seems to have found any interest in following. 

Maybe they should have made the Element their hybridarrific vehicle instead of the Accord - could have drive some sales to the Element.

Reminds me of the 'different' GMC Envoy with the rear door window that went down (like the station wagons in the 1970's) and the roof that folded up turning it into an SUV with pick-up pretentions.

I think that one's a gonner now.....

[DoubleClutch]

I too have always liked the lego styling of the original element. Styling wise this SC looks better IMO. But I sure hope the SC drives better than the original though. Because the original element was the worst driving experience I've had in a Honda. Plus it's a mistake for the rear seats to be capable of only carrying two passengers. That just isn't right for a vehicle that's suppose to be versatile.

The original with AWD for about $25k was pretty good. But at $32k with only FWD ... I'll take a fun to drive Fit over an Element SC for about half the price.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I too have always liked the lego styling of the original element. Styling wise this SC looks better IMO.

  The SC looks best in my books.

I've driven the original in both auto and manual, and the manual transformed the experience.

I'm surprised the SC isn't available with AWD, but I guess the price would be creeping high... above the FJ Cruiser. But still. Also, would prefer the rubber floor.

[DoubleClutch]

I've driven the original in both auto and manual, and the manual transformed the experience.

That always seems to be the case. When I test drove the element it was an auto because they had no manuals for test drive.

[johngenx]

It's funny that Honda completely missed their target demo, yet found a niche anyway and scored some good sales numbers.  Their "active lifestyle" crowd target thinks the Element is laughable.  That crowd has the following take on vehicles (generally speaking):

1. Subaru is King.  Decent on gas is important, real AWD is required, off-road capbility is limited, but logging roads are easily handled by most Scoobs.  Poorer 20-30's crowd own 90's Legacies, established 30-40's crowd have newer Foresters.  2000- Outbacks have very low front and rear overhangs, not very popular.
2. Toyota is the Off-Road Ruler.  The older 4x4 four-cylinder Toyota pick up is the off-road God for ice/rock climbers and backcountry adventurers needing to get into difficult areas.  Sips gas, indestructible, rusts and looks gross so no one steals it.
3. Honda Civic is the Prince, especially hatchback models.  The older hatches are the fall back for the guys that couldn't find a good old 2.2L Scoob.  They are good with snowies mounted and sip fuel.  Two guys and lots of gear can be crammed into them and bikes/skis/whatever go on top.
4. Various older mid-sized SUV's including 4-Runners (four bangers are coveted) and Pathfinders.  Sixes are hard on gas, but cheap to buy, simple to DIY fix, and durable.
5. Jeeps, the older the better, and Cherokees preferably for the interior room, though CJ's are a great find.  All hard on gas, for die-hard off-roaders only.

[Blueprint]

The Element SC with stick is a vehicle I would put near the top of my MPV-replacement list...if it sat 3 in the back.  That 4-seat config is a major mistake.

[soj]

It's funny that Honda completely missed their target demo, yet found a niche anyway and scored some good sales numbers.  Their "active lifestyle" crowd target thinks the Element is laughable.  That crowd has the following take on vehicles (generally speaking):

1. Subaru is King.  Decent on gas is important, real AWD is required, off-road capbility is limited, but logging roads are easily handled by most Scoobs.  Poorer 20-30's crowd own 90's Legacies, established 30-40's crowd have newer Foresters.  2000- Outbacks have very low front and rear overhangs, not very popular.
2. Toyota is the Off-Road Ruler.  The older 4x4 four-cylinder Toyota pick up is the off-road God for ice/rock climbers and backcountry adventurers needing to get into difficult areas.  Sips gas, indestructible, rusts and looks gross so no one steals it.
3. Honda Civic is the Prince, especially hatchback models.  The older hatches are the fall back for the guys that couldn't find a good old 2.2L Scoob.  They are good with snowies mounted and sip fuel.  Two guys and lots of gear can be crammed into them and bikes/skis/whatever go on top.
4. Various older mid-sized SUV's including 4-Runners (four bangers are coveted) and Pathfinders.  Sixes are hard on gas, but cheap to buy, simple to DIY fix, and durable.
5. Jeeps, the older the better, and Cherokees preferably for the interior room, though CJ's are a great find.  All hard on gas, for die-hard off-roaders only.

Very nicely summarized, you've captured it perfectly.  Not only that but I kind of sense the same applies to the US NW as well.  If I'm right it makes me wonder what the marketing types in Honda were thinking.  Then again who knows, maybe once they're 10 years old they'll make it into their target demographic after all.