The 2008 Element is a 4-door, 4-passenger sport-utility, available in 10 trims, ranging from the LX 2WD 5-Spd MT to the SC 2WD 5-Spd AT.
Upon introduction, the LX 2WD 5-Spd MT is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 166-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The SC 2WD 5-Spd AT is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 166-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
"Jump into the firm, relatively flat front seats, and start ‘er up. Don’t forget to depress the clutch (all the way down!) or the car won’t start. Sitting relatively high, you have a great view of the road and the surroundings in front. The large side mirrors are helpful, but the rear view mirror is useless"
Summary: I love this little suv!!! I am in my 60's and this is by far the most useful and enjoyable rig so far. It is used every day as a commuter vehicle and it is comfortable, economical, and a joy to drive. I have read other reviews that say it is none of these things and I wonder if they are talking about an Element or just blowing smoke. There is a huge amount of room im a very small package. Talk about versatility; carry grandkids, lumber, bulky items, camping stuff, bikes, and so on. Seats up, seats down, or seats out. Drive on the beach (tires at 15 psi) or through the snow with ease. Easy to drive, I find changing lanes safe because of the higher seating and excellent visiblity. The Ellie turns on a dime. Cruises the freeway at 75 and parks in the tightest of spaces. Whats not to like? It is not a perfect vehicle but suits me fine. Has a great sound system and I am hooked on the satellite radio. It does have a bit of road noise (not more than other cars I have been in) so we purchased a carpet kit that really dampened the noise and looks great. The bare floors are an advantage to some but not for us. Good grief, this sounds like a commercial but it's not. I really appreciate this car. Gas milage varies from 23 mpg to 27 mpg depending on how aggressive I feel. The clamshell doors are a great benefit most of the time. The little floor consol is useless so we purchased an armrest-high consol with mounted cup holders which should be made standard.
Strengths: Versatility, manuverability, comfort, visability, 5 speed auto transmission, low rpms at highway speeds, reasonable gas milage, sound system.
Weaknesses: Rated for 1500 lbs towning capacity, sunroof does not have built-in cover(what's up with that?), rear seat rated for only 2 people, not enough storage.
Similar Products Used: Plymouth voyager, Subaru Legacy, Ford F150 conversion van, Honda Civic
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Rating Reviewed by: Robert(Unregistered User)
Review Date October 2, 2008
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for Less than 1 month
Visitors rate this review 1.00 of 5,
1.00 votes
Review 3 of 132
Price Paid:
$22321.00
from Honda of Lisle
Year / Model Reviewed: 2008 ELEMENT 4WD EX
Summary: This is the best thing I could have purchased! I have a f150 that is 12 years old and what a change! I'm a personal chef in the Chicago area and this fits the bill for my all my needs! That 2.4 has the right power and the cabin is massive. I'm a big guy 6'4" 350+ and I fit!! I was looking at the Chevy HHR but forget it. I can't wait to drive it in the winter!
Strengths: Great ride! If you never owned a truck you may think its rough. It's a TRUCK! It will be but this is sweet. U turns and parking are a snap! Head room, Head room, Head room!! Great engine.4WD when I need it! 7 speaker 270 watt stereo. Seats in rear fold up and off the floor or come out! 75 cubes of space. Looks sharp! I have seen people look long and hard at the truck! View out the windows are great! You park and you can see over the roof of the car next to you. Nice and high!
Weaknesses: Wiper needs delay for rear. More delay selection for the front wipers. Would be cool if front seat could fold forward when people get in. Roller shade for skylight. Instant MPG readout, Individual tire pressure on read out and Average MPG selection on display. (saw it on the HHR and liked it)
Similar Products Used: HHR has 57 cubes of space. My F150 is still great to have if I need it!
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Summary: I have always loved the Honda Element, but not with the multi colored fenders, but once is became one color, I had to get one. I purchased the Sports Coupe (SC) and it is great. The comments I get vary from nothing, to it is great, to it is boxy. Regardless, I love the extra driver compartment roomyness and great sound system and XM satellite radio.
Strengths: It can haul alot in one load from a college kid moving into an out of a dorm to a 7 foot christmas tree without leaving the back open. Great price for an SUV 23K with tax and licence out the door along with Honda financing, it was less than 2 hours and our the door. Honda has a great financing systems. Good job Honda!
Weaknesses: The gas mileage is not as good as I expected a Honda to be, it is about 19-21 in the city and about 27-29 on the highway driving conservative. There are some blind spots that I had to correct with a extra large clamp on rear view mirror. Make the Element rounded in future models or put on ground effects to improve gas milage
Similar Products Used: N/A
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Summary: When I first seen this vehicle I thought it was the ugliest thing that was ever made. But when I went to the Honda Dealer I cheacked one out and fell in love with it. The outside looks grow on you. It was between the new CR-V or the Element. And I am glad of the choice I made. Yes I would have liked a 5th passenger seat, but all the other things this car can do completly beats the 5th seat. I have stuffed so much stuff in this car, you would not belive. After going mountain biking ican wash out all the mud and dirt with ease. And camping in it is excellent. It can only handle mild off-roading. All in all, I love this car! I don't think that I could ever get a different one!
Strengths: Easy Clean and Highly Versatile Interior
Exterior Looks
Leg and Head Room
Weaknesses: A V6 would be very nice or a turbo-4cyl.
Gas milage not the greatest (18-24MPG)
Only can sit 4
A bouncy ride at times
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