Attn: Dr. Airgate... WTF is *this*???
 

Okay, since I don't visit over here on Car Talk all that often, someone feel free to "invite me to 2 months ago":p...but I cannot fathom Honda making this sk8r-crowd car (should I call it a car???...mebe a blashphemy??? -- okay, so I wear my heart on my sleeve some times:D...but reeeeaally now!:()... WTF is this new Honda?

http://element.honda.com/images/bann...oto_05_mid.jpg

It's called the Honda "Element."

Sorry... After my rant, I should have elaborated: I saw this "Element" showcased on a weekend cable car show. Recognized it as a Honda (because of its emblem) and then turned up the volume immediately. So my better rant (and that is all this is), is What was Honda thinking??? It just looks horrible to me. From a strictly "Honda" standpoint, I just don't know of Honda ever having made such a pukey lookin' vehicle:(

Dude, I'm laughing my ASS off!:p

The new Element is a new Honda indeed! The most exciting thing is that this new Element may be the new platform for Honda's all-new (1st ever) pickup truck!:eek:

From hondanews.com
The Element will go on sale in December 2002.

By combining popular traits from pickup trucks, SUVs and other vehicles that deliver one or two functions well but for a trade-off, Element aims to provide the best overall package with a hard flat floor like a pickup, an enclosed rear area like an SUV, fuel economy and handling performance like a car, available 4-wheel-drive, and a price starting around $16,000.

Side cargo doors with no B-pillar open from the center and allow for easy loading of bulky items. For sports gear including mountain bikes, snowboards, surfboards and other equipment, the rear seats flip to the side to create a vast cargo area. The rear seats also lay flat to form a bed with the front seats, or can be removed entirely.

http://h.wieck.com//pv/2002/11/05/HO...0548009_pv.jpg

Element is available in two trim levels, the entry DX and the fully-loaded EX. The EX models add alloy wheels, ABS, air conditioning, cruise control, power mirrors, audio system and more.

The rugged and worry-free interior of EX models features waterproof material on the front and rear bucket seats (front seat only on DX models). A urethane-coated utility floor resists water, dirt and scratches while providing easy clean up and easy cargo loading. A large rear skylight (on 4WD models) tilts or removes completely and stores inside the vehicle. The gear shifter for manual and automatic transmissions is located on the center of the instrument panel, within quick reach from the steering wheel. Element EX models come equipped with a 270-watt 7-speaker (with subwoofer) AM/FM/CD sound system and an auxiliary audio input built into the dash for digital media/MP3 players.

Composite body panels around the fenders further enhance Element's ruggedness by providing better resistance to scratches and wear than traditional painted exterior surfaces. The split rear tailgate bottom opens down - creating room for two to sit - while the upper part of the tailgate opens up and creates a canopy.

Honda's 2.4-liter, i-VTEC, 4-cylinder engine with 160-horsepower and 161 lb.-ft. of torque, coupled to either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission, provides good acceleration while maintaining fuel economy in the low- to mid-twenties (EPA certification pending).

The i-VTEC system (the "i" stands for "intelligent") combines Honda's patented VTEC system with Variable Timing Control (VTC) to enhance low rpm torque while extending high rpm horsepower. Honda's Real Time 4WD™ system is available on both DX and EX models, and 16-inch wheels are standard.

Element's chassis features a Toe Control Link MacPherson strut suspension in front and a compact double-wishbone suspension in the rear. Although similar to the underpinnings of the Honda CR-V, significant adjustments have been made to the unibody construction to allow for the B-pillarless design, larger tires and the low, flat floor. Element is anticipated to earn the highest government crash test ratings for front and side-impacts - five stars for all passengers. Driver's and passengers front airbags are standard along with front seatbelts with load limiters and buckle pre-tensioners. Driver and front passenger factory-installed side airbags are available on EX models.

Element is based on the Model X concept vehicle that debuted at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Many of the features displayed on the concept vehicle are incorporated into the final production version.

http://h.wieck.com//pv/2002/11/05/HO...0548025_pv.jpg

I'll get to drive one soon enough and for a few days too!:LOL: The big 'ole write up with pics is soon approaching!

Besides. . .it's better than owning a MINI!:banghead: :LOL:

Hopefully they'll drop a F32C with 6 speed transmission inside the "Element :p."





... in my dreams.. :cry:

Oh.. and happy 1 year w1ngman!

I was considering getting the Element for my 2nd car since it seems to be on the other end of the scale of practicality from the S2000. It's beautiful in a functional, ugly way, and I love it. :) I'm not into skating at all, though.

I find it hard to believe Honda's going to base their upcoming trucks on the Element platform though, since the Element is after all just a stiffened up and slightly-modified CRV.

it's made by Tonka

Honda reliability plus lots of cargo room, I like it.

I don't really get it either. But I'm betting it will sell just fine even if it's not my thing.

Here's a prototype at a meet in Ohio:
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...a8c8706954.jpg
More here:
https://www.s2ki.com/imagecatalog/customima...mageview/29284/
https://www.s2ki.com/imagecatalog/customima...mageview/29285/
https://www.s2ki.com/imagecatalog/customima...mageview/29286/

it's a honda - it will sell. traditionally, honda styling is bland and uninspiring - but that's honda's thing: conservative, understated styling.

the element is anything but. though i'm sure it will sell. it's obviously aimed at younger buyers whose parents are looking for an affordable and reliable first car; finally, maybe these kids will get a car that they actually want.

yes, i said 'want.' do you remember whent he xterra was announced for production? i thought it was the ugliest thing ever, but look how well it's doing. it's even starting to grow on me; it's starting to look pretty damn good. the element is much more bold in the statement it's making (eventually it will earn its acceptance), but the bottom line is it's a honda, and it will sell.

if they can sell bland (aesthetically at least) cars like the acuras (sans nsx), accords, civics, pilot, cr-v (heck, even our s2000 can be called bland) so much so that there's a waiting list months after being first released (i.e. odyssey and pilot), surely, this element will be a hit with the youger generation.

i dunno. whatever.

I agree, needs more power!!

looks very cool to me

and...

It's the first mass-produced car to arrive on the market with SUICIDE DOORS - before the RX8 and others that will certainly follow.

Hmm.... wasn't/isn't there a Saturn with a little suicide door on one side?

oops...maybe.. but to be honest we don't get to see a lot of saturns on this side of the world.
Who makes them?
are they any good?

Tell that to the new Civic Si!!!
:(

Yeah, the Saturn Coupe's have a third door. I can't figure out why they only put that door on the one side. I mean, it makes sense to put it on the driver's side if you are only going to put one extra door, but why not just put one on each side?

Anyway, I always thought that third door on the Saturn was useless... until last month. I went out with a friend to buy him a new monitor and we got a 21" Sony monitor box into the back seat of his Saturn using that door! When the dude from CompUSA wheeled the box out to us, he was like:
:eek3:
But it all fit right in with a couple of inches to spare all the way around.

Also, don't forgot the trucks that were coming with those little suicide doors for a while.

Yup...my wife owns one of those:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...e16fe96ad4.jpg

And the access granted from those doors is fantastic!:cool:

i wouldn't exactly call all of these doors on trucks and saturns 'suicide doors.' they aren't exactly that suicidal as they can only be opened when the front door is open. a true 'suicide door' is one which can be opened 'backwards' by itself. they tended to be a bit dangerous when new passengers mistake the door latch for a grab handle while on the freeway, thus ejecting them to certain death; hence the name suicide door.

i dunno. whatever.

No...you are absolutely correct. *True* Suicide doors are a thing of the past...

looks good... i want one.... :)

seriously... it is cheap, and spacious. and it's a HONDA!!!!

Yeah, good point there.

Does anyone know if the Element's rear doors can be opened independantly of the front doors? From the looks, I'd guess the fronts had to open first. Anyone know for sure?

There are lots of us out here who would not agree with you, and you can count me as one!

I'm a die-hard Honda guy and I have been driving Nissan 4x4 pickups for a decade because Honda has yet to come to the truck party. The Element is supposed to be Honda's step in that direction. Time will tell if they get it right, because true trucks do not have AWD, so my fingers are crossed.

Although SUVs do not work for my needs, I have so often tried to find a way to rationalize buying an Element because I just think it is too cool!

I like Airgate have a test drive coming as soon as my dealer gets one in, and I just can't wait. I however will not have it for a couple of days though, oh well, I will have fun with it while I do have it. I really suspect this thing is going to sell very well!

Nice job Honda!
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...1bd993846f.png

Really? It's not sellin well? I see em all the time, test drove one, thought it was an incredible car for its class. Fun fun fun, and practical. :)

SteveUCI, I like the new Civic Si as well! Would definitely take it over its competitors (e.g. SVT Focus).

Official release date is Dec 19 in "limited quantities." They will probably show up at dealerships around the 16th.

The EX 2WD Auto MSRP is $19,910. 4WD is $1400 more. Manual is $800 less, but the 4WD manual will not be available until June. The DX is $2550 less but I don't think you will see many of those around.

I think the orange is going to be available too!

I like it for the price...

the fact that you spelt blasphemy wrong is the real blasphemy! But really, I will have to see it in person, but I love the shot where you can fold down all the seats, and the room at the back looks hugge, the two tone exterior colour is also nice...

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SteveUCI
[B]

Really?

I think so too but there is an Si here in town that must be running 18's or 19's and it steals my eyes everytime I see it. It's just awesome!:D :p :cool:

http://www.ephatch.com

See if any of the Si's are there "Dr." Airgate! ;) :D

To me the Element rates with the Aztec, Rondauvous(sp??), and the Avalanch(again sp??). What is it with all the ugly cars these days. Can't they design one that will do the work of a pick up, SUV, minivan, car, and still look good? But the big question, are these types of automobiles really necessary?

Dude, I'm with ya on the Aztec and Ronda.. Ronde... err, that Buick thing, too.

But the Avalanche is awesome! For rugged looks (note I'm saying looks only), I'd pick the Avalanche over an H2 and maybe over the original Hummer. It just has presence. That's one vehicle I wouldn't honk at from my S2000 if it cut me off on the highway.

no, this is tonka.

http://www.ford.com/NR/rdonlyres/e2a...g_Tonka_01.jpg

ford

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ricosuave
[B]

no, this is tonka.

http://www.ford.com/NR/rdonlyres/e2a...g_Tonka_01.jpg

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SteveUCI
[B]

Really?

They definitely aren't as common as the previous gen Civic Si's were (I had one of the first ones so I was always on the lookout for them), but then, I remember it taking many months before they starting showing up in every nook & cranny. How long has the new Civic Si been out now?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ricosuave
[B]

no, this is tonka.

http://www.ford.com/NR/rdonlyres/e2a...g_Tonka_01.jpg

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ugotmade
[B]To me the Element rates with the Aztec, Rondauvous(sp??), and the Avalanch(again sp??).

:thumbup: :thumbup:
:D