Anyone have any opinions (positive or negative) about the Element? I need something with seating for 4, good cargo capacity, decent fuel economy, and tons of practicality.

 

well if you want practicallity it's definently the element....the interior of that thing litterally transforms. hahaha..... and it's got plenty of cargo room....

 

It sure looks like it on the surface. Do you know anyone that has one?

 

I have an 03 Element 4WD EX, 5 Speed, in "eternal blue pearl," which, because it was "eternal," was discontinued for 04. Go figure.

****************GREAT FRIKIN' CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't know where to begin. It has exceeded all my expectations.

And I bought the first model year of it. Thus far only one very minor issue covered by TSB (door lock sticky). The car is highly functional, everything is where it's supposed to be, everything works great, it is FUN to drive, extremely easy to clean (the plastic interior that all folds away, etc.) and it definitely swallows huge chunks of cargo while having the wheelbase and turning radius of a civic.

Has a 4 cylinder VTEC that moves it nicely with the stick shift though it ain't the S. Car is lighter than it looks. I typically get exactly the mileage on the sticker, 20-21 city, 25 highway, regular unleaded (87).

It isn't rated to carry super HEAVY cargo, so I wouldn't load it with gold bricks and then take it to the autocross while towing a trailer, but I've hauled good amounts of standard yuppie cargo (plants, trees, dogs, scuba tanks) effortlessly. It is also extremely room, including in the back. Rear passengers have lots of legroom so it's good for tall people.

Axe away if you have any questions. Their forum is www.elementownersclub.com

 

Glad to hear all the positive info. I saw the new Silver w/ Blue trim in Florida last week -- striking.

 

BUT if you could fit some gold bricks inside.. I'm there with two arms and legs.

 

me too

 

While I can't argue with its practicality, I think it's one of the most hideous vehicles on the road. The large grey plastic panels on the exterior just throw me off completely. Sorry for the contrarian view, but hey, you asked for people's opinions.

- Jeremy (jnn4v)

 

i think it's a wonderful vehicle.
I think you should def. get one.
All honda products are good. :-)

i believe you shoudl be able to get one for 400$ below invoice.

Raja

 

the vehicle's appearance is, ummm, controversial. you either love it or you don't get it.

haven't priced one recently. elementownersclub has pricing threads, I am certain. 400 below invoice still gives the dealer a nice chunk of holdback. when shopping for the S, i had one dealer remark (not in his interest) that they were not getting very many used elements. i also understand the demographic buying these is a bit older than honda would have liked/predicted.

bottom line: super-versatile, fun to drive, solid and roomy cargo hauler, not a heavy duty or luxury vehicle, but a damn good SUV. the 4WD is **great** for snow....