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Home::Trucks SUVS
2006 Honda Element: Unique Freak?
Author : Matthew C. Keegan
I admit it. When I saw my first Honda Element a few years back I
thought it was one of the most hideous looking vehicles on the
planet. Then I saw the Scion xA and Scion xB, so I quickly
relegated the Element to third place. I confess that my earlier
feelings about the Element have changed, possibly because I see
so many of them on the road these days and perhaps because I see
its usefulness. No matter, the Honda Element is a unique looking
vehicle and it is a lot less freakish than what you or I may
think.
Freedom from convention. That is the saying on Honda's
web site when it comes to labeling the Element. In many ways,
this marketing slogan is true. Who says that any vehicle has to
conform to what you expect? True, past radical models failed
miserably. The Ford Edsel and VW Thing are two that come to
mind. Yet, the times are different and a truly "rad" look is in.
Real in, if you know what I mean.
The Element does have a practical side to it. Although it is
shaped like a breadbox and equipped with two large doors as well
as two smaller doors [reminds me of the Saturn ION], the 4WD LX
Element has just about what any driver needs for just under
USD$20K: ABS; theft deterrent; air conditioning; cruise control;
power windows, doors, mirrors, and locks; and a AM/FM/CD audio
system with 4 speakers and a clock. Standard powertrain include
a feisty 2354cc I4 mated to a 5 speed manual transmission; a
four speed automatic is optional but considering that this car
is geared toward young people you can pretty much count on the
manny tranny winning drivers out over the automatic.
Many of the components for the Element are borrowed from the
Civic to give it more of a car like ride, while keeping its
truck like appearance. Open all four doors at the same time and
the Element evokes a strong resemblance to "suicide doors" that
were standard on the 1960s era Lincoln Continentals as well as
the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Honda was likely thinking that this
design would make it easier for passengers to retrieve all of
their gear without popping up the rear hatch and crawling in.
Indeed, everything in the Element is easily accessible and the
vehicle was designed for the outdoorsman.
Prices start at around $17,500 for the base 2wd model and climb
to just over $21,500 for the fully equipped 4wd version.
Compared to the average SUV, the Element is priced very
competitively and opens up a niche of buyers that Honda hopes to
exploit.
Whatever you think of the Element's looks the vehicle is an
attention getter. Judging by the sales, it is a hit with the
young crowd.
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