Author Topic: Honda Element (good pics on page 2) (Read 4092 times)

Mitlov · « **on:** February 07, 2010, 12:02:38 am »

Better pics to come in the daylight.

After a "marginal" roof crush test from the IIHS (worse than the Jurassic-era Ford Ranger), a third-party agency suggesting that the 2005-2007 Tacoma had an electronics-based unintended acceleration problem that Toyota was ignoring, and a remarkably high number of NHTSA complaints filed about unintended acceleration (50-60% the per capita complaint rate of the Camry, but many times that of most cars, and the vast majority of complaints are unintended acceleration or brake failure), we decided to trade in the Tacoma.

After considering a ton of different replacement options, my wife zeroed in on the Honda Element. It's not very impressive on paper (so-so fuel economy for the class, unremarkable power, unremarkable off-road ability), but it's the sort of car where every detail has been well thought-out. It's remarkably huge inside (I'm now a believer in tall boxes), really great for strapping young kids into car seats (I can squat in front of him and fiddle with the straps--no more bending and twisting), the water-resistant seats and rubber floor is GREAT considering that our three-year-old has a penchant for vomiting (not every day or every week, but it happens), the seats are incredibly comfortable, the sound system rivals the Mercedes C300 as the best I've ever encountered (crisp and clear treble and midrange, strong bass, and an overall rich feel), and my wife just likes the funkiness. Ignore the "dog-friendly" badges--we had them take that massively-overpriced option out ($1300!!!) but they left the badges. My wive LOVES the funky looks and the burnt orange exterior. The front seats are fantastically comfortable (the backs aren't, but they'll be holding Britax carseats of one type or another for years to come, and then they'll be holding kids who have lower standards for supportive seating). And control clicks and moves with the feel of a much more expensive car. And it scored top marks from the IIHS for front, side, rear, and roof crush crash tests.

And for the few times a year when we need to make a run to the dump with yard waste or the like, we can fold up the rear seats (they fold up to the sides of the car), leaving a rubber-floored utility van in the back:

(the one on the left side of the vehicle is what we'd do with both).

WE LOVE IT. I might just steal it from my wife and drive it to work for a week

rrocket · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2010, 12:07:20 am »

I've always liked those! Import Queen teases me..but it's in the details (like you pointed out). You could literally wear a tophat while driving it. Very utilitarian vehicle. Very NEAT!! Congrats!!

As a VW slappy...no Tiguan? I also sorta thought you might end up in a Forester someday for some reason...

1TSX · « **Reply #2 on:** February 07, 2010, 12:15:38 am »

That came out of nowhere. It is surely a unique vehicle for sure. Hope you get good use out of it.

Mitlov · « **Reply #3 on:** February 07, 2010, 12:33:33 am »

Quote from: rrocket on February 07, 2010, 12:07:20 am

As a VW slappy...no Tiguan? I also sorta thought you might end up in a Forester someday for some reason...

Tiguan is much more expensive (in AWD form) and doesn't offer remotely-comparable interior space. Nor does it have the super-useful waterproof interior. Finally, I'm guessing it's about average reliability, whereas the Element is best of the best. Average reliability is good enough for me, but my wife tends to demand the best of the best.

As for the Forester, one of the reasons we sold the Tacoma was to get away from Toyota. Toyota has owned a controlling (if minority) share in Subaru since 2005 or so. Interestingly, there have been an increasing number of unintended acceleration complaints filed about the new Forester with the NHTSA, even though there were essentially none with the older generation. Maybe some shared electronics? Idon't no. Regardless, it made no sense to dump the Tacoma in part because of unintended acceleration scandal (my wife was more upset about that; I was more upset about the roof crush test) and then get another car that might somehow be affected.

Mainly, though, the Element is just awesome. I honestly never liked the Tacoma, and my wife (who generally really liked the truck) increasingly frustrated with its mile-long wheelbase and poor rearward visibility now that our older one is going to preschool.

Winklovic · « **Reply #4 on:** February 07, 2010, 12:36:13 am »

Congratulations. Great colour.

ovr50 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 07, 2010, 01:00:56 am »

Congrats, Mitlov, although I am a bit surprised. As long as the wife likes it, that's really all that matters. Vehicles like the Element are certainly utilitarian and very handy to have around. With young children, I am sure you will enjoy it. The 911 can wait.

Getting a new vehicle is fun regardless, enjoy.

Mitlov · « **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2010, 01:30:28 am »

Quote from: ovr50 on February 07, 2010, 01:00:56 am

Congrats, Mitlov, although I am a bit surprised. As long as the wife likes it, that's really all that matters. Vehicles like the Element are certainly utilitarian and very handy to have around. With young children, I am sure you will enjoy it. The 911 can wait.

A 911, or even a 3-Series, is a long way off financially. But don't be surprised if a MkIII Focus 6MT graces my driveway in a couple years

Better yet, a Focus ST if they bring it here...the RS is a bit too crazy for me, but an ST would be just perfect.

Mitlov · « **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2010, 01:32:47 am »

James May thinks we're cool!

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/089-Top-Gear-Honda_181916.htm

dr_spock · « **Reply #8 on:** February 07, 2010, 01:52:13 am »

Congrats. Very practical choice.

I also can squat in front of my kids in the New Beetle to strap them in. One thing you should be aware of is now that you're in front of them, they can kick you in the balls when they are fighting you and don't want to be strapped in. But being in front, you can more effectively push them into the car seat than from the side.

Mitlov · « **Reply #9 on:** February 07, 2010, 02:33:09 am »

Quote from: dr_spock on February 07, 2010, 01:52:13 am

Congrats. Very practical choice.

I also can squat in front of my kids in the New Beetle to strap them in. One thing you should be aware of is now that you're in front of them, they can kick you in the balls when they are fighting you and don't want to be strapped in. But being in front, you can more effectively push them into the car seat than from the side.

LOL! Spoken like a true parent.

Mitlov · « **Reply #10 on:** February 07, 2010, 03:21:12 am »

Another thing I think is worth pointing out. Recently, Honda has had a tendency to have dramatically over-styled dashboards with plenty of hard plastic. The Element being such a funky design, you would think it would be the biggest offender. But it's not! Interior plastics are soft-touch and quality, and the design is attractive and simple and utilitarian:

Everything about the Element is what Honda, 5-10 years ago, did right in every car they made. Call it the anti-CRZ if you will

safristi · « **Reply #11 on:** February 07, 2010, 07:48:12 am »

...as U R both in yer ELEMENT wot else but HAPPY MOTORING.............

..burnt Orange somewhat APEELING........................has Just Bob sent U rose Kolored Glasses

...your ist Pic above made me think it woz a Photoshopped Element/Ridgeline bastardization......

..Not a bad idea IMHO...........

tpl · « **Reply #12 on:** February 07, 2010, 07:48:32 am »

Excellent. Although I like mrs tpl's FIT the only Honda I'd buy for myself would be an Element.

inco · « **Reply #13 on:** February 07, 2010, 07:54:18 am »

Didn't see this coming- especially from a guy who normally tells all.

Must be the wife's influence and the control she has over you eh?

Regardless the Element is one very under the radar vehicle that most people tend to ignore and so it's likely to get a better deal when buying.

A friend of mine who is 6'6 got one and can't stop saying good things about it. He is also a sailboat guy and in the summer he takes advantage of the interior to haul all kinds of stuff to and from the boat and loves it.

Enjoy Mr.M and good luck convincing your wife that she shouldn't drive it and you should!

toolatecrew · « **Reply #14 on:** February 07, 2010, 07:58:01 am »

While the color is not for me I love everything else about it. I'm normally not a track, van CUV person..I'm a car person but something about the Element just smaks of practicality to me. Hope you enjoy it. Post some fuel economy numbers down the road. Very curious about that.

Cudworthhab · « **Reply #15 on:** February 07, 2010, 08:12:03 am »

Wow you do things quick . I would like to get rid of our Chev Venture & get one of these but the Wife thinks it looks bad.

safristi · « **Reply #16 on:** February 07, 2010, 08:17:09 am »

show here a CUBE..SCION and maybe a SOUL Matey................and she'll be ALL OV'r U fer an M3.........................

Railton · « **Reply #17 on:** February 07, 2010, 08:22:43 am »

Congrats!
Railton

DockMan · « **Reply #18 on:** February 07, 2010, 09:29:39 am »

Mit, What a great, smart choice. (The DockMan seal of approval is of course rare and coveted

) IMO, this is what 99% of SUV drivers really should have. Hope you guys enjoy it.

safristi · « **Reply #19 on:** February 07, 2010, 10:19:50 am »

..and the OTHER 1%............c'mon U NO U wants ME......................