Topic: CD Article: 2008 Honda Element SC

[Autos_Editor]

Test Drive:


"Think of the Element SC as the dressy city version," says contributor Bob McHugh.  With a lower suspension and 18-inch tires, the front-wheel drive SC "delivers a more sedan-like driving experience," he reports, "but remains a paragon of interior versatility."

 More:
Read the article | View the photos | All The Test Drives

[1TSX]

I haven't noticed too many of these around lately!  I can't remember the last time I saw one...

But a unique vehicle. I quite like it.

[si]

I'd MUCH rather have the 7 passenger Stream

[lostcomma]

Probably one of the most significant things that I noticed about the SC was that it is $7000-$8000 cheaper in the US. Yet there really isn't that much difference in the models.

[Eric Green]

I could not believe lostcomma's claim above. That price spread seemed outrageous. So I took 7 seconds, and checked with honda.com.

Lostcomma is entirely correct. Honda Canada must take its prospective owner base for fools. Virtually all of Canada's population can get stateside within an hour or so.

Caveat venditor, Honda Canada.

[quadzilla]

Quiet and efficient, the high-output 2.4-litre iVTEC engine gives the Element a good balance of both good power and fuel efficiency. While it's no road rocket, power is consistent from low to high engine speed and it redlines at 6,500 r.p.m. Transport Canada Energuide fuel consumption ratings (automatic transmission) are 10.5 L/100 km (27 mpg) City, and 8.1 L/100 km (35 mpg) Highway.

Cruising on the highway at 100 km/h, the tachometer reading was only 2,000 r.p.m., which translates to good fuel conservation. My test Element had the new five-speed automatic, which has a handy quick-change overdrive lock-out button the shift lever.

For a 166hp/161tq  4 cylinder I would expect a lot better. Even my 6 cyl/220hp wagon is rated (slightly) better.

I also think the $30k+ price is a bit steep for what you get.

[carcrazy]

Quiet and efficient, the high-output 2.4-litre iVTEC engine gives the Element a good balance of both good power and fuel efficiency. While it's no road rocket, power is consistent from low to high engine speed and it redlines at 6,500 r.p.m. Transport Canada Energuide fuel consumption ratings (automatic transmission) are 10.5 L/100 km (27 mpg) City, and 8.1 L/100 km (35 mpg) Highway.

Cruising on the highway at 100 km/h, the tachometer reading was only 2,000 r.p.m., which translates to good fuel conservation. My test Element had the new five-speed automatic, which has a handy quick-change overdrive lock-out button the shift lever.

For a 166hp/161tq  4 cylinder I would expect a lot better. Even my 6 cyl/220hp wagon is rated (slightly) better.

I also think the $30k+ price is a bit steep for what you get.

It's a Honda. What do you expect?

[Jaeger]

Overpirced, but way cool.  I'd much rather drive this than the soporific CR-V.

Jaeger

[The Mighty Duck]

For a 166hp/161tq  4 cylinder I would expect a lot better. Even my 6 cyl/220hp wagon is rated (slightly) better.

It's a big rolling box...  aerodynamics are not its strong suit.  Neither are looks...  remind me again why anyone would buy one of these?   

[quadzilla]

For a 166hp/161tq  4 cylinder I would expect a lot better. Even my 6 cyl/220hp wagon is rated (slightly) better.

It's a big rolling box...  aerodynamics are not its strong suit.  Neither are looks...  remind me again why anyone would buy one of these?   

You can say that again. The only reason I can see wanting one of these is for the extra interior height. Also, don't these have a carrying capacity of only 600-700 lbs?

I could only imagine how much worse the mileage gets after 120kph. A box driving into the wind...can't be very good.

[mrthompson]

It's a big rolling box...  aerodynamics are not its strong suit.  Neither are looks...  remind me again why anyone would buy one of these?   

Because a CR-V isn't cool enough?   

[tpl]

Don't be too sure about its aero.    Long flat sides....

[mrthompson]

However there is alot of frontal area to contend with.  And the windshield doesn't have much rake. 

[quadzilla]

Don't be too sure about its aero.    Long flat sides....

 

[tortoise]

I'm surprised something this big only seats 4 people.  I guess that's the price you pay for the ability to store your seats with a carabiner. 

Also, since when are heated mirrors a necessity?

[PJungnitsch]

This looked neat I thought:



Pricing looks good for a reliable, go-anywhere camping machine:

The Ursa Minor Vehicles ECAMPER™ is sold directly from the factory and is made to order. The price for a complete 2008 ECAMPER™ varies depending on base vehicle, options chosen and custom work.

     2008 Honda Element LX AWD MT $20,380 (EX AWD MT 22,390)
     ECAMPER™ Sleeper Assembly      $4300
     + Honda Body Color Paint Match (Metallic)    + $750
     + Honda Body Color Paint Match (Solid)    + $100
     + Yakima/Thule Rack Mounts, factory installed + $150

http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/camper.htm

Then I went to Honda Canada to price out the same machine:

LX AWD MT not offered
EX AWD MT $30,390, eight grand Canadian premium

No wonder Honda only sold a hundred Elements in Canada last month.

[Eric Green]

PJungnitsch:

Very, VERY clever. Trust the aftermarket to identify a market need and fill it with a high-quality product. Similar in concept to the old Series Land-Rover Dormobile conversions.

[1TSX]

This looked neat I thought:



Pricing looks good for a reliable, go-anywhere camping machine:

The Ursa Minor Vehicles ECAMPER™ is sold directly from the factory and is made to order. The price for a complete 2008 ECAMPER™ varies depending on base vehicle, options chosen and custom work.

     2008 Honda Element LX AWD MT $20,380 (EX AWD MT 22,390)
     ECAMPER™ Sleeper Assembly      $4300
     + Honda Body Color Paint Match (Metallic)    + $750
     + Honda Body Color Paint Match (Solid)    + $100
     + Yakima/Thule Rack Mounts, factory installed + $150

http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/camper.htm

Then I went to Honda Canada to price out the same machine:

LX AWD MT not offered
EX AWD MT $30,390, eight grand Canadian premium

No wonder Honda only sold a hundred Elements in Canada last month.

Wow! Very unique.

[rrocket]

I like the boxy Element/Scion Xb.......

[Harold Mcleod]

6wsgvv6cob5if03k