2003 Honda Element

Pros: Roomy, Reliable, Realtime 4WD,Price, Romper Room on wheels
Cons: Honda's lack of standard equipment

I was in the market for a small SUV. The Element wasn't even on my list. I was at the point of purchasing a used Land Rover Freelander at a Honda dealership when my wife said "that's a cool looking car." What she was looking at was a Sunset Orange Pearl Element EX 4WD. We test drove it and knew we wanted it. After purchasing the vehicle I have driven it through snow, ice and a mix of both without a problem. It is a comfortable, but not luxurious ride. The kids love the stadium seating and the sunroof in the back. The interior is void of carpeting, making it virtually stain proof. It has some pep but don't expect a race car. The mileage is fair 22-24mpg and the turning radius is fantastic. You either like the look or you don't, it's not really a style that grows on you. If you are looking for a reliable, roomy, utilitarian vehicle, get the Element.

Pros: Functionality, comfort, easy to clean, ability to change back seats for more cargo room.
Cons: Only seats four. Can have interior wind / road noise. No hybrid option... yet!

I bought my Element in Oct of 2003. I have since put over 45000 miles on it in all types of terrain and situations. From the everyday work commute to the off road and snow driving experience I have been VERY happy with my "Box" as I like to call it.

My friends used to tell me that I must work for Honda cause I ALWAYS talk about my love for it. I would do full demonstrations on the features of it. I have 2 dogs and and very active in outdoor activities including camping, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and scuba diving. I LOVE that whether I am throwing the dogs in for a day hike or over night camp or if I'm throwing in my wet scuba gear, that I can alter the position of the back seats and can practically hose it out when I'm done.

Pros: convenient, durable, cheap to fix body parts
Cons: thirsty and unrefined

Ok, this car is awesome, but with a few shortcomings. You have to be under a certain age, or just think you're under a certain age to really appreciate an Element. If your idea of a great car is a new Volvo with heated seats, a Mercury Grand Marquis, or a RX-8, go get one, and don't even look back. If you always wanted an old Land Rover, or you value practicality over plush, or you simply want a super reliable all wheel drive vehicle, then the Element is for you.

It's large inside, but only rated to carry 4 SKINNY passengers and their luggage. So don't go carrying cement blocks in the back.

The stereo system isn't as awe inspiring as they claim.

It needs a V-6. The 4 is okay, but it only averages about 21 mpg, and is slow to accelerate on hills. It's not like a Ford Aspire towing an Airstream, but I think I was passed by a Pinto!

Oh, and if you're a passenger, don't read. The center of gravity is way high, and the thing rolls something fierce.

All in all, a nice, if unrefined ride.

Pros: Honda, enough said
Cons: Cant shift into 4WD when you want

This is all wheel drive, and it shifts automatically, which i would rather shift on my own. the sunroof is in the back, and all the seats, including the front 2, fold all they way down so you can lay down in it and look out the oversized sunroof in the back.

Pros: The Element is a very convenient vehicle and very comfortable.
Cons: It would have been nice if they started out with painted panels.

The Honda Element is a great utility car. Take it to the beach and transform the seats into two lounge chairs. You get nice sound from a stock system. There is a sub under the stereo up front and it puts out a good amount of bass. The seats fold up and even come out to maximize interior storage. The drink holders for the driver and the front passenger seat are on the floor between them. This is cool because you don't have to worry about the drinks falling on you. The rear seats sit a little higher than the fronts to give a theater feel. The benefit to this is that everyone can see the road and can react at the same time if there is an accident. Plus it helps out if you want to go to the drive-in. A friend of a friend was driving home, had an accident and rolled her Element 7 times. She cracked a rib and had a little blood come out of her ear. When she got the claim money she went out and bought another one. I will keep my Element forever.