Honda Element

[chivas]

what says you? looking for something to carry the dog w.o the hassle of putting it in a crate and wedging it into the 5 or the 3.

it's a x-over which is a dime a dozen but i like how the rears are suicide doors and everything the rear folds up to give it a real mini-minivan like space.

anyone has one or drove one? i went looking on the Element's forum and it's going to be biased toward it. i *might* be able to get some less-partical responses here.

thanks!

[Griffoun]

To be moved to the General Auto forum... :p

It's a unique vehicle that dosn't work for everybody. If you find it interesting and useful, it may really work for you, and also beacuse you have taken away other "typical" choices.

Again, for space and fuel efficiency, I'm a fan of the Fit. So it depends on how much "utility" you want.

[chivas]

To be moved to the General Auto forum... :p

It's a unique vehicle that dosn't work for everybody. If you find it interesting and useful, it may really work for you, and also beacuse you have taken away other "typical" choices.

Again, for space and fuel efficiency, I'm a fan of the Fit. So it depends on how much "utility" you want.
i wonder if the Fit is easier for ingress and egress. that's the big factor. someone suggested the Mazda5 which has sliding doors; a mini-minivan with sliding doors instead of the suicide doors for easier access but to be honest, i'm not a fan of the Japanese Ford however the sliding might out do the suicide

[Bill325Ci]

what says you? looking for something to carry the dog w.o the hassle of putting it in a crate and wedging it into the 5 or the 3.

it's a x-over which is a dime a dozen but i like how the rears are suicide doors and everything the rear folds up to give it a real mini-minivan like space.

anyone has one or drove one? i went looking on the Element's forum and it's going to be biased toward it. i *might* be able to get some less-partical responses here.

thanks!

I just bought a CR-V, which I like quite well. The dog should fit quite easily in the back. Have you looked at one?

[chivas]

I just bought a CR-V, which I like quite well. The dog should fit quite easily in the back. Have you looked at one?
neighbor has one and i'm not sure if like the conventional openings. i figure the bigger the opening, the easier to get the dog in and out. plus, the Element looks more roomy eventhough i heard they are built on the same chassis/platform.

[Calliope]

Ugh the Element is FUGLY... don't get it! How about the FJ Cruiser from Toyota?

['Cane]

Ugh the Element is FUGLY... don't get it! How about the FJ Cruiser from Toyota?

+1

I think the CRV is much nicer looking.

[BLT]

Ugh the Element is FUGLY... don't get it! How about the FJ Cruiser from Toyota?

The Element is ugly but functional. Our friends with Elements love them. The fact that you can hose out the interior is a big plus if you live near the beach and own a dog..

[Double-S]

Ugh the Element is FUGLY... don't get it! How about the FJ Cruiser from Toyota?

It's an "Asian" thing.

[Double-S]

The Element is ugly but functional. Our friends with Elements love them.

Are they Asian?

[Griffoun]

Are they Asian?

Dare to start another "What's wrong with Asian" thread? :eeps:

[BLT]

Are they Asian?

No.

[Calliope]

The Element is ugly but functional. Our friends with Elements love them. The fact that you can hose out the interior is a big plus if you live near the beach and own a dog..

I have hear this as well... but function over form... baah

[Griffoun]

i wonder if the Fit is easier for ingress and egress. that's the big factor. someone suggested the Mazda5 which has sliding doors; a mini-minivan with sliding doors instead of the suicide doors for easier access but to be honest, i'm not a fan of the Japanese Ford however the sliding might out do the suicide

It may not matter much to you, but could be true for your dog.

As for mazda 5, what kind of image do you want to portrait when chicks see you sliding open the mini-minivan to let the dog out?

[SkyDog]

The Element's boxy shape doesn't bug me like it does some other people, but the interior is VERY plastic-y. I'm sure it makes for easy cleanup (like hosing out the interior), but when I sat in an Element, it felt a lot like sitting in a tiny delivery van with the interior of my 3- & 4-year-old daughters' plastic play fort. It could be a great little car for some people -- it's an impressive hauler for its size -- but it's just not my cup o' tea.

And since the Element has one, allow me to vent about one little pet peeve of mine: I hate dash-mounted shifters.

Other cars I might be inclined to check out: Subaru Outback, VW Jetta Sportwagen. I like how the Jetta's nifty rear seats fold down completely flat. With the seats folded down, you've got one big ol' flat cargo area stretching from the back of the driver's seat to the rear hatch. (Your dog would love it.)

[SailinSand]

The Element is ugly but functional. Our friends with Elements love them. The fact that you can hose out the interior is a big plus if you live near the beach and own a dog..

+1 :thumbup:'The few friends that I have driving Elements LOVE them! Not sure about the dog factor, but these people are always dealing with dirty bike/triathlon gear. That being said, I don't find Elements of the FJ Cruisers to be ascetically pleasing.

[rivercity]

+1 :thumbup:'The few friends that I have driving Elements LOVE them! Not sure about the dog factor, but these people are always dealing with dirty bike/triathlon gear. The being said, I don't find Elements of the FJ Cruisers to be ascetically pleasing.

I agree, the friends that I know that have them, absolutely love them, because they are outdoor folks and take there dogs everywhere with them.

Even though they are a box on wheels, but they are fairly good on gas......

[SailinSand]

I agree, the friends that I know that have them, absolutely love them, because they are outdoor folks and take there dogs everywhere with them.

Even though they are a box on wheels, but they are fairly good on gas......

What kind of MPG are they getting? (takes cheap stuff too, right?)

(FWIW: I'm getting high 15-16+ on the X5 3.0)

[02 330Ci]

wow, I have a 85 ford f-150 on 35" tires that gets 15-16mph, and this truck isnt a little 5.0 engine, I got to say im surprised by the X5's gas mileage.

[Andrew*Debbie]

I've rented an Element several times. There are better options.

Positive comments:
Remove the rear seats and you have a big empty box.
Easy to clean after the dogs make a muddy mess of it. I don't see the plastic interior as a drawback.


On the not so positive side:

Uncomfortable driving position. You might not notice it on a dealer test drive but the car is quite unpleasant after 45 minutes.
For a big box, visibility is surprisingly poor. Folded up, the rear seats block the side windows. There are blind spots on the front too.
Control placement is haphazard. Some controls are very hard to reach.
Handling or complete lack thereof.
Power. Absence of.
Driving feel. None.

Payload capacity is only 680lbs. You could easily exceed that with 4 adults and no cargo.


Can only tow 1500lbs. X3 will tow 3500.

[JBZ]

My wife and I have had our Element since 2004. We wanted a PT Cruiser, but after renting one for a week it wasn't what we wanted. I took so much crap from people for buying it back then. I did not care we love it, it has so much room it is extremely practical and very comfortable on long trips. It also gets better mileage than most SUV's. Everyone that gets in can not get over the room inside. It is not for everyone, if you like all the bells and whistles and are concerned about looks stay with the high dollar SUV's, and yes the resale on these are great. Good luck.:thumbup:



http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s94/JBZ426/DSC00515.jpg

[Andrew*Debbie]

i wonder if the Fit is easier for ingress and egress. that's the big factor. someone suggested the Mazda5 which has sliding doors; a mini-minivan with sliding doors instead of the suicide doors for easier access but to be honest, i'm not a fan of the Japanese Ford however the sliding might out do the suicide


The 5 is a great car to drive. It is miles better then an Element as a driver. Better handling, better visibility and much more comfortable. It seats 6 while the Element will only seat 4.

The trade off is you don't get that big empty box. Not that you can make much use of the space since the Element can only carry 680lbs.

The Honda's rear clamshell doors are a pain. You can't get out until someone in the front lets you out.


We ended up getting an X3, but if I had to pick between the Mazda 5 and an Element, I'd take the 5.

[Dave 330i]

I'm practical. Poeple say they wouldn't want to be caught dead in a soccer mobile (minivan). But, I see it as the most useful layout of any vehicle for hauling stuff. I love the utility of my old van, especially when I removed the two rows of seat. I don't care for the new vans with the hidden seat compartments or fold away seating arrangement since I don't have kids (anymore). When I haul my two kayaks, I shove them inside, not on the generic top carrier. Yes, the rear lid is not completely closed.

[blueguydotcom]

Your goal seems to be utility and on that front the Element is great - easy in and out, easy to clean, easy to maintain. I know two owners and they love their Elements.

Screw the naysayers about looks. You get a car for what your needs are, not if it looks "cool."

[SevDre]

:rolleyes:The Element does kinda look like a lego car
if i might add

Id say CR-V instead they're not that bad.

[Spicey]

My girlfriends parents are on their second element. It is a very useful car for hauling things around such as dogs. During one of the rain storms here a large branch fell through the moonroof and flooded the interior. It was no big problem the washed out the debris and let it dry out. The parents have also camped in it. I have drove it once for about 6 miles total. It felt like driving my old honda. It is great if you want something to use and abuse, but not for style.

[chivas]

The 5 is a great car to drive. It is miles better then an Element as a driver. Better handling, better visibility and much more comfortable. It seats 6 while the Element will only seat 4.

The trade off is you don't get that big empty box. Not that you can make much use of the space since the Element can only carry 680lbs.

The Honda's rear clamshell doors are a pain. You can't get out until someone in the front lets you out.


We ended up getting an X3, but if I had to pick between the Mazda 5 and an Element, I'd take the 5.


I saw a Mazda5 yesterday and i can tell you now... hells no. omg the styling looks like something stevie wonder came up with if he was on acid thinking about spaceships. How much room does the X3 have compared to the E?



I'm practical. Poeple say they wouldn't want to be caught dead in a soccer mobile (minivan). But, I see it as the most useful layout of any vehicle for hauling stuff. I love the utility of my old van, especially when I removed the two rows of seat. I don't care for the new vans with the hidden seat compartments or fold away seating arrangement since I don't have kids (anymore). When I haul my two kayaks, I shove them inside, not on the generic top carrier. Yes, the rear lid is not completely closed.


supporting the above statement lacking in hauling weight does lack a bit in the E. would like more but then i'm going for the full sized minivan and that's not what i'm looking for. something for the dog and something for Ikea/West Elm/Pot Barn/Crack and Barrel/etc..


Your goal seems to be utility and on that front the Element is great - easy in and out, easy to clean, easy to maintain. I know two owners and they love their Elements.

Screw the naysayers about looks. You get a car for what your needs are, not if it looks "cool."

The E can look cool if it's in the right colour. there's so many "BLAH" colours of the E that really makes it unattractive (that god awful green or the pedestrian silver). the new SC version looks actually very nice though it doesn't come in AWD format (however it's only $1300ish away from making a SC looking AWD E).


:rolleyes:The Element does kinda look like a lego car
if i might add

Id say CR-V instead they're not that bad.

Funny, when it first came out, i thought the same thing and I actually really like Lego. call me crazy but i like the square boxy look on cars/suv's. i like the P39 RR over the new rounded out RR but the supercharged HSE... that's just gizzism. the CR-V just looks small and I absolutly dispise the rear spare tire mount.


My girlfriends parents are on their second element. It is a very useful car for hauling things around such as dogs. During one of the rain storms here a large branch fell through the moonroof and flooded the interior. It was no big problem the washed out the debris and let it dry out. The parents have also camped in it. I have drove it once for about 6 miles total. It felt like driving my old honda. It is great if you want something to use and abuse, but not for style.

they hosed down the interior??? what i've read, you're not suppose to do that but i guess you can. see... another good thing about the E, them plastic lined interior.

[Andrew*Debbie]

How much room does the X3 have compared to the E?



If you pull out the rear seats, the Element has a lot more room. But the X3 is more usable. An E would have been overloaded with what we carried in the X3 this morning. Me, Debbie, 3 of our dogs and a bag of dog food. And we aren't that large. Maybe the dogs are :)

An X3 will carry 4 adults in comfort along with luggage. We've done that pickup up my parents from the airport. An Element would be over the manufacturers rating.


No problem using our X3 to get things from Ikea or Home Depot although we have had to rent a pickup twice. Once was for a washing machine and the other time was for a couch. Neither would go in an Element either. If you do a lot of that I would get a utility trailer.

I'm sure you can find some bulky items that will fit in an Element and not in an X3.


I like the Element's concept. I wish it was better executed.





they hosed down the interior??? what i've read, you're not suppose to do that but i guess you can. see... another good thing about the E, them plastic lined interior.


Not a good idea. But it is an easy interior car to clean. A lot easier than our X3.

[chivas]

If you pull out the rear seats, the Element has a lot more room. But the X3 is more usable. An E would have been overloaded with what we carried in the X3 this morning. Me, Debbie, 3 of our dogs and a bag of dog food. And we aren't that large. Maybe the dogs are :)

An X3 will carry 4 adults in comfort along with luggage. We've done that pickup up my parents from the airport. An Element would be over the manufacturers rating.


No problem using our X3 to get things from Ikea or Home Depot although we have had to rent a pickup twice. Once was for a washing machine and the other time was for a couch. Neither would go in an Element either. If you do a lot of that I would get a utility trailer.

I'm sure you can find some bulky items that will fit in an Element and not in an X3.


I like the Element's concept. I wish it was better executed.







Not a good idea. But it is an easy interior car to clean. A lot easier than our X3.
all dem your dogs?

[Andrew*Debbie]

all dem your dogs?

4 of them are. We are fostering Merlin for a local dog rescue.

http://merlinthedog.blogspot.com


Do you know anyone interested in a large Great Dane? He desperately needs a home. Merlin is a wonderful loving dog with some issues. He is suitable for experienced giant breed owners only.


We are leaving the country and Merlin can't come with us. We did the paperwork for our dogs ages ago. If we had known, we would have done the vet work for him too. At this point it is way too late. He would have to stay in the US with someone for 7 months. -- Anyone keeping him that long wouldn't want to give him up.

[chivas]

4 of them are. We are fostering Merlin for a local dog rescue.

http://merlinthedog.blogspot.com


Do you know anyone interested in a large Great Dane? He desperately needs a home. Merlin is a wonderful loving dog with some issues. He is suitable for experienced giant breed owners only.


We are leaving the country and Merlin can't come with us. We did the paperwork for our dogs ages ago. If we had known, we would have done the vet work for him too. At this point it is way too late. He would have to stay in the US with someone for 7 months. -- Anyone keeping him that long wouldn't want to give him up.
what kind of issues are we talking about and how soon does he need a home?

[02 330Ci]

If you pull out the rear seats, the Element has a lot more room. But the X3 is more usable. An E would have been overloaded with what we carried in the X3 this morning. Me, Debbie, 3 of our dogs and a bag of dog food. And we aren't that large. Maybe the dogs are :)

An X3 will carry 4 adults in comfort along with luggage. We've done that pickup up my parents from the airport. An Element would be over the manufacturers rating.


No problem using our X3 to get things from Ikea or Home Depot although we have had to rent a pickup twice. Once was for a washing machine and the other time was for a couch. Neither would go in an Element either. If you do a lot of that I would get a utility trailer.

I'm sure you can find some bulky items that will fit in an Element and not in an X3.


I like the Element's concept. I wish it was better executed.







Not a good idea. But it is an easy interior car to clean. A lot easier than our X3.
Its funny you should mention that........... My mom put a full sized Washer into her 91 mazda 323 hatchback, moved it, then went and got the dryer...... Lets just say it was quite an interesting sight. She even was able to close the hatch.

[Andrew*Debbie]

what kind of issues are we talking about and how soon does he need a home?

I sent you a private message. Don't want to take this thread too far off topic.