Auto News & New car review

“The innovation comes in the form of an auxiliary input jack that allows things like an Apple iPod or other MP3 player to seamlessly pump its tunes through the Element’s seven speakers.”

“The innovation comes in the form of an auxiliary input jack that allows things like an Apple iPod or other MP3 player to seamlessly pump its tunes through the Element’s seven speakers.”
“Wide-swinging suicide-style doors on either side of the vehicle and a clamshell rear hatch make for impressively unobstructed access to the inside of the box.”
—AutoWeek

“A totally flat, washable floor and cleverly stowable rear seats—they fold up flat against the walls for 70.1 cubic feet of space, 74.6 cubic feet when taken completely out — give the Element the best and most convenient cargo hold of any small vehicle we can think of.”
—AutoWeek

“We like the Element’s optional full-time four-wheel drive, too, as it gives the Element a solid, stable on-road feel.”
—AutoWeek

“The steering is excellent, the four-wheel ABS disc brakes effective, the ride motions poised, and the cornering limits relatively high.”

“Versatility is the key word in the design of the Honda Element’s interior. Honda spent a lot of time designing features with flexible utility first and foremost in mind.”
—New Car Test Drive

What reviewers liked least about the Honda Element:

“Its 2.4-liter dual-cam four turns out enough power to keep up with traffic, but with just 160 hp at 5500 rpm and 161 lb-ft at 4500 rpm of peak output, it’s hardly a thrilling motor, even in full VTEC mode.”
—AutoWeek

“And the engine revs at a high 3500 rpm at 70 mph, which makes you want to reach for a sixth gear.”
Honda Element Comparisons:

“On the road, this is probably the best-handling SUV-like vehicle on the market with a sticker price below $35,000 — better even than Honda’s own Pilot.”

“The 166.5-inch-long Element sits on a wheelbase that, at 101.4 inches in length, is 1.7-inches shorter than the CR-V’s.”
—AutoWeek

“But the Element is more functional than the CR-V, combining features of a sport-ute and pickup truck while delivering a car’s performance and fuel economy.”
Best one-liners about the Honda Element:

“Honda can only hope it will strike a sweet spot with American Gen Yers because no automaker knows for sure what that age group really wants.”

“The Honda Element is one of those vehicles that elicits that great question: What’s that?”

“Pretty? Uh, no. Interesting? Hmmm, yeah okay, it’s interesting.”