Mugen C

One of the salesperson @Roadsport told me yesterday that the new element has arrivied.

Because I am planning to sell one of the car in my household and replace it with the Element, so I went to Roadsport today to check it out.

The following are my 1st impression:

The car is quite big (even bigger than the CRV and Taller than the Odessey), and the exterior looks pretty good, except for the color (They only have the green one on display). And they don't have one for me to test drive. The one that I am planning to get is Sunset orange pearl but it won't be available until Mid March (I don't mind to wait)!

I am only okay with the interior, it look pretty cheap and feel a bit like a toy. Surprisingly, the head room for the back seat is pretty slim for a big car like this(And I am a small asian boy)! On the other hand, it is only a 4 seater!

Anyways, may be I will like it more after the test drive next week!

BTW, for the EX 4WD + Y package, they are asking for almost 29k (MSRP).

regards,
Mugen C

imported_Team Rukus

element was intended to be the cheap suv so guess thats wat you get for the price.
i already saw an element going down the road it was red wit black i believe (do they all come two toned?)

imported_MY SiR

Why are you suprised about the MSRP? It was in the paper more than a month ago.

The 2nd row has less head room because the rear seat passengers sit higher than the front seat passengers. It is "theatre" style seating.

If you are going to be driving a 4wd version, don't expect it to blow away a S2000 or anything like that. IMO it feels a little slower than a CR-V. Yes, I have driven both. It shouldn't be surprising though because they have similar powertrains and the Element is heavier...

I meant to post pics but they are already at dealers so, I guess it is too late. Well, some of you have already seen the pics I took on the highway.

Mark

imported_EG4door

I like the concept of the Element, its very practical.

Jokerluv

my work had them since early december i think they are pretty nice

imported_Joker

i saw one on the road too, it was navy blue
it looks ok better than getting an aztec I 'd say

Joker

AzimuthX

Bigger than the CR-V?

Its definately nicer than the Aztec but I like the Element on Bond's Signature, now thats

sjwong

I saw an Element on the 427 North on Friday...it looks like a BOX.

EL_Sport

Anything is better than an Aztec.

Honda fan

I was eager to see the Element when I went to the Detroit auto show a couple of weeks ago but was VERY disappointed in the element.

1. the plastic fenders were VERY scratched up just from being on display and it can't be buffed out. It will be interesting to see what they look like after a while of real world use.

2. When the rear seats fold up against the inside they flop around several inches - this would be very annoying and noisy when driving.

3. The interior had more plastic than ususal for a Honda and was falling apart at the show. (see comment #1)

4. The price difference is $1000 or less when compared to a CRV.

Like I said, I went there thinking this may be my next new vehicle but my first impressions were that the CRV is a much better vehicle.

P.S. The commercials for the CRV during the SNL superbowl thing were pretty cool.

Here's a new link to a road test;

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/03element.htm

Damn, I love the look of it and the idea of having an economical utilitarian vehicle but it seemed so cheap and plasticy at the show. I hope my first impressions can be changed

AzimuthX

Ahaha thats a stupid observation, the ELEMENT IS NOT BIGGER than the CR-V, yea right.

jdmcrx1

tupperware on wheels

cibs

I think he means inside from roof to floor....


and personally i like it, like they said it's a love or hate relationship, i think it's really cool and super practical!