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Honda Element - getting the axe

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Old Dec 3, 2010 | 08:43 AM
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Red face Honda Element - getting the axe

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/03/honda-a...tion/#continued

No more Element after next year - Honda says the CR-V is the preferred cute ute, although to me, its another single-model run that got cut, like the S2000 and NSX. Who wants to take bets on the death of the Ridgeline?



2011 Will Be Final Model Year of Production for Honda Element

Boxy, bold vehicle found many functional niches during its 9-year run

The 2011 Honda Element will be the final model year of production of the innovative and functional crossover utility vehicle, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. First introduced in concept form as the Honda Model X at the 2001 North American International Auto Show, the Element virtually created its own functional class and became an immediate favorite for small businesses, outdoor enthusiasts and pet owners. After a long life cycle, utility-seeking customers have more recently embraced other vehicles in the Honda lineup like the versatile and comfortable CR-V.

"The Element proved that ultimate functionality can often come from thinking inside the box," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "It made boxy vehicle designs cool, and Element owners continue to enjoy its unique styling and unmatched versatility."

Developed from the inside-out, the Honda Element entered new territory when it debuted during the 2003 model year by providing a multi-functional cargo area, innovative and versatile seating, a durable and dirt-friendly interior, energetic performance and outstanding value. Major upgrades were made through the years including more power and safety features in the 2007 model year. More recently, the Element embraced its long-held position as a pet-friendly vehicle by introducing the Dog Friendly Element accessory package in 2009.

More than 325,000 Elements have been sold in the United States since its introduction in December 2002.
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Old Dec 3, 2010 | 08:57 AM
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I always thought the Element was a cool little car.
If they still offered manual transmission with the AWD, I would've seriously considered it as a DD.

Dan
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Old Dec 3, 2010 | 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by nearwater4me,Dec 3 2010, 09:57 AM
I always thought the Element was a cool little car.
If they still offered manual transmission with the AWD, I would've seriously considered it as a DD.

Dan
I really like them too. AWD+manual would be nice! Too bad none were supercharged.
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Old Dec 3, 2010 | 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by North Star,Dec 3 2010, 10:23 AM
I really like them too. AWD+manual would be nice! Too bad none were supercharged.
I know.
They did offer manual transmission for the 1st gen.. not quite sure if they offered it with AWD as well.
When I saw the Element "SC" model, I thought it was supercharged and got excited.
Boy was I wrong. lol.
They did look sweet though.

Dan
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Old Dec 3, 2010 | 10:32 AM
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Was it an interesting vehicle, yes although not particularly popular.

I agree that the Ridgeline will follow it into the sunset as well.

I saw these as two interesting cars and attempts at Honda branching out from its core compentencies, yet in the end, having less than successful results.
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Old Dec 3, 2010 | 10:36 AM
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I would have bought the element if it had a 5th seat. 4 seats only was a dealbreaker for me personally. I like the SC, but couldn't justify the price either.
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Old Dec 3, 2010 | 10:58 AM
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Unlike the S2000, NSX, most likely the Crosstour - the Ridgeline will get a sequel. I think it's a pretty good SUT from a company that's never been in the truck market. Not bad for your first attempt.
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Old Dec 3, 2010 | 01:34 PM
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Originally Posted by rioyellows2k,Dec 3 2010, 11:58 AM
Unlike the S2000, NSX, most likely the Crosstour - the Ridgeline will get a sequel. I think it's a pretty good SUT from a company that's never been in the truck market. Not bad for your first attempt.
And I believe it's the only truck in the market with a unibody. Main reason why it was named the 'truck of the year'.

Dan
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Old Dec 3, 2010 | 01:52 PM
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9 year run....sounds familiar Honda.
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Old Dec 3, 2010 | 02:31 PM
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Element = 4 seater? We routinely get 5 and occasionally 6 in my son's.

Very practical vehicle. Could have used that Supercharger but that's literally the only complaint we've had in the 3 years we've owned it.

Ridgeline NEEDS to be axed. The price point is outrageous for what you get. And then there's the itty, bitty engine issue. Oh wait you have to add the gas mileage issue as well.

But I do love the trunk in the bed!
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