Honda Element - getting the axe
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 1
Yes, they were available, at least roughly the first half of its run, with AWD and the manual transmission. My friend had one, and it was a goofy looking car, but if you like to do stuff like biking, kayaking, etc., it was about the perfect car for the job.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
From: Beaumont, TX
Hell, I thought they axed them 5 years ago.
The Ridgelines whole problem is its price point. For that kind of money you can buy a full size truck that does a whole lot more. It may ride a little nicer, but ride isn't the top priority for someone buying a truck. If Honda wants to make a truck, then they need to learn from Toyota's revelation and build a full size truck with a full size motor. Or go small, cheap, and reliable.
The Ridgelines whole problem is its price point. For that kind of money you can buy a full size truck that does a whole lot more. It may ride a little nicer, but ride isn't the top priority for someone buying a truck. If Honda wants to make a truck, then they need to learn from Toyota's revelation and build a full size truck with a full size motor. Or go small, cheap, and reliable.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 1
From: Miramar, FloriDUH
Never liked the boxy vehicle designs. I'm sure it was practical but it was too damn ugly.
I see the Ridgeline following suit also. Too expensive and it's not even a real truck. Just about every Honda is outclassed by the competition in the price point (from ever since).
I see the Ridgeline following suit also. Too expensive and it's not even a real truck. Just about every Honda is outclassed by the competition in the price point (from ever since).
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 0
From: Formerly PDX now Pewaukee
I love my Ridgeline, and I'm not just saying that because I sunk the cash into it and justifying to make myself feel better, like many people do on Car Talk.
It's the perfect white collar truck. Its not designed to be a work truck, which fits the bill for the majority of truck end users
Tows 6k pounds, which was perfect for my Mastercraft.
The bed makes it a lot more convenient than a traditional SUV for hauling large items, like a fridge, leaves, trash cans, couches, tables, etc.
Easily holds 5 people. Whenever people get in the backseat they're surprised by all the room and comfort.
The AWD handles snow with ease, and we seem to get 100" a year in WI. The AWD also performs fantastic in rain, especially around corners and from a stop.
Creature comforts, leather, heated seats and mirrors, sunroof. Makes it feel more like an Accord than a Ram. The trunk is awesome, great for tailgating, groceries, whatever.
The downsides, gas mileage isn't fantastic, but its not horrible. I get 17mpg in daily driving, and over 20 on the freeway. My prior truck, an 05 Ram 1500 only got 13.5 in dd and 17 on the freeway. I paid 26k new for the 08 Ridgeline, so pricing wasn't that bad. Again, its a white collar truck, and would not make a good work truck.
While I haven't owned an element, I always admired them, similar to the Ridgy, Honda was thinking outside of the box in the development, and was a highly versatile vehicle.
It's the perfect white collar truck. Its not designed to be a work truck, which fits the bill for the majority of truck end users
Tows 6k pounds, which was perfect for my Mastercraft.
The bed makes it a lot more convenient than a traditional SUV for hauling large items, like a fridge, leaves, trash cans, couches, tables, etc.
Easily holds 5 people. Whenever people get in the backseat they're surprised by all the room and comfort.
The AWD handles snow with ease, and we seem to get 100" a year in WI. The AWD also performs fantastic in rain, especially around corners and from a stop.
Creature comforts, leather, heated seats and mirrors, sunroof. Makes it feel more like an Accord than a Ram. The trunk is awesome, great for tailgating, groceries, whatever.
The downsides, gas mileage isn't fantastic, but its not horrible. I get 17mpg in daily driving, and over 20 on the freeway. My prior truck, an 05 Ram 1500 only got 13.5 in dd and 17 on the freeway. I paid 26k new for the 08 Ridgeline, so pricing wasn't that bad. Again, its a white collar truck, and would not make a good work truck.
While I haven't owned an element, I always admired them, similar to the Ridgy, Honda was thinking outside of the box in the development, and was a highly versatile vehicle.
