Honda Element - getting the axe
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 694
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From: Las Vegas | Manila
-> I like the Element especially its EX AWD model up to 2008 (which can be optioned w/ M/T + AWD).
^ I bet a nice used 2007 EX AWD model is a good buy nowadays since the fail-factor 3rd-gen CR-V and '09-'10 Element AWD are A/T only...
-> With the Element now gone, Honda's fun to drive 'CONVENTIONAL' (non-hybrid) vehicles are on the brink, I would think the Civic Si would be next on the chopping block. Since Honda is seriously pursuing to be an all-hybrid & all-EV car brand...
^ I bet a nice used 2007 EX AWD model is a good buy nowadays since the fail-factor 3rd-gen CR-V and '09-'10 Element AWD are A/T only...
-> With the Element now gone, Honda's fun to drive 'CONVENTIONAL' (non-hybrid) vehicles are on the brink, I would think the Civic Si would be next on the chopping block. Since Honda is seriously pursuing to be an all-hybrid & all-EV car brand...
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 1
From: North Richland Hills, TX
Originally Posted by ksdaoski,Dec 4 2010, 09:40 AM
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.
I traded my '05 Avalanche on one, before that I had an '01 Tundra and previous to that a '96 4Runner. The Ridgeline is my favorite of them all. I'm well aware of its limitations, but its versatility is awesome, and it does exactly what I need in a truck, while being comfortable enough for my wife to DD.
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,362
Likes: 636
The ridgeline was never to compete against the f150, silverado, tundra, tacoma, etc. It was built for the honda consumer who needed a truck for its versatility, but not necessarily it's capabilities.
I mean think about it, how many guys do you know that really use the full towing capabilities, off roading capabilities, etc etc that traditional trucks offer? I mean look at SUVs, there was a time where all SUVs were built like tanks and could all go offroading, think of the ridgeline as the modern interpretation of a truck, just like other manufacturers did with the SUVs.
I like the ridgeline, and if you seriously cross shop it with a crew cab tacoma or tundra (dunno which cab size wise would be comparable) and option accordingly, the price difference really isn't that drastic if not favorable for the honda.
Now if you wanted to do some serious offroading, or towing, yeah look elsewhere.
I mean think about it, how many guys do you know that really use the full towing capabilities, off roading capabilities, etc etc that traditional trucks offer? I mean look at SUVs, there was a time where all SUVs were built like tanks and could all go offroading, think of the ridgeline as the modern interpretation of a truck, just like other manufacturers did with the SUVs.
I like the ridgeline, and if you seriously cross shop it with a crew cab tacoma or tundra (dunno which cab size wise would be comparable) and option accordingly, the price difference really isn't that drastic if not favorable for the honda.
Now if you wanted to do some serious offroading, or towing, yeah look elsewhere.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 21
From: Dallas, TX
I really like the Element SC with the painted body panels. They should have done this standard from the beginning.
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AP1 and AP2 Clear Headlight Diffusers!!! - Clear out your S2000 headlights!
LED Conversions for all S2000 lights
Keyhole Covers - Get the Shaved look
Oil Drain Valve - Easiest Oil Change ever!
_________
For LEDs for your other cars, head to our new website: SupernovaLEDs.com. Same great quality, easy-to-use website. Pick your car, we'll show you what fits.
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