2008 Honda Element Review
The Element is a compact CUV first introduced in 2003. Designed to be stylish, yet rugged, it features an easy to clean hard plastic floor. Its large suicide doors make loading and unloading a snap. It was last updated in 2007, with a new exterior, more standard features, and more horsepower. It was nominated for the 2003 “North American Truck of the Year” award.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Honda Element is an inexpensive, reliable, safe and practical utility vehicle. It’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with a lot of gear, or small families with young (messy) children. Unfortunately, it’s completely incapable of off-road travel, but otherwise, the Element is a perfectly utilitarian vehicle.
What’s New For 2008:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the Element 3.5 stars for mechanical and design quality, and 2.5 stars for performance. Problems with the Element include faulty door locks, rocking seats and defective occupant detection. No major recalls have been issued. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Element earned perfect IIHS and government crash test scores. It is one of the IIHS’s “Top Safety Picks” for 2008. Anti-lock brakes, brake assist, full side airbags, and stability and traction control are standard.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Extremely safe
+ Spacious
+ Easy to clean interior
Cons
– Very utilitarian look
– Meager off-road capacity.
– Awkward doors
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Kia Sportage costs a couple thousand less, and has a V6 with a bit more hp. The Subaru Forester costs about a thousand less, with a little more hp, but lacks stability control and has less passenger room. The Mitsubishi Outlander costs a few hundred more, but has a V6 with 50 more hp.
What Others Are Saying:
“Young ‘uns descending upon Honda dealers with $20k-ish in hand (or Daddy’s AMEX) will pass right by the Element’s cousin the CR-V. The savvy shoppers amongst them will note that the new CR-V is only slightly more expensive. The extra money buys greater refinement and a fifth seat; better fuel economy, handling, resale value, visibility; and the ability to surmount more than a pebble on the road.” – The Truth About Cars
“Honda’s fresh take on the SUV is unconventional yet pleasantly utilitarian.” – Forbes
“The Element is the box it came in, all the better to fill with bicycles, skis, snowboards, surfboards, climbing equipment, or camping gear. Wait, scratch the camping gear – with seats that fold flat into a double bed, an Element makes a very good base camp… Have lots of active-lifestyle equipment? Put it in the box – the Honda Element.” – The Auto Channel
Read more about the 2008 Honda Element at the Honda manufacturer web site.
