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• Gives reasonable mileage and is environmental friendly.
• Rejuvenated for 2007.
• Nifty, spiffed up look.
Overview
In its element
Introduced for the 2003 model year, the Element is Honda’s interpretation of a crossover SUV which Honda describes as a multi-functional and versatile light-duty truck. The Element has a hard, flat floor like a pickup but is enclosed like an SUV, with side cargo doors and innovative seating to accommodate both passengers and cargo.
For 2007, the Element receives its first update with new styling, more standard equipment, 10 hp more of power, an optional new 5-speed automatic transmission, and an all-new sporty Element SC model joins the lineup.
The 2007 Honda Element receives new headlights and grille, standard painted exterior body panels in the EX, while the interior adds black urethane flooring and new gauge designs.
The Element SC is highlighted by a sport-tuned suspension with a lowered ride height, 18-inch wheels, exclusive styling with an “aero” grille, projector beam headlights, and unique painted bumpers. The interior is fitted with exclusive features including a carpeted floor, center console with storage and unique interior fabrics and trim.
The 2007 Honda Element competes with the Scion XB, Chrysler PT Cruiser, or Jeep Compass.
Engine and Performance
Spirited 166 hp engine
For power the Honda Element has a 2.4-liter Inline-4 engine that generates 166 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic is optional.
The Element LX and EX are available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, while the SC is front-drive only.
Walk-around
Rugged, sturdy, and dependable
The 2007 Honda Element is a car-based compact SUV. It comes in three trim levels: LX, EX, and SC. The LX comes with power windows and locks, an easy-to-clean urethane utility floor, removable and folding rear seats, waterproof front seats and a driver-seat height adjuster. Additional standard goodies include power mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry, air-conditioning and a CD player.
The EX has all of these features plus alloy wheels, body-color fenders and door handles, an additional cargo area-mounted power point, waterproof rear seats, and an upgraded audio system with MP3 capability, an auxiliary jack, and satellite radio. The new-for-2007 SC trim has 18-inch alloy wheels, a lowered suspension and special exterior and interior styling details. Element with all-wheel-drive comes with a removable rear sunroof.
Center-opening swing-wide doors with no B-pillar between them are the most notable feature of the Element's straightforward exterior design. To create a wide entrance space, the rear doors are hinged at the back and the front doors are front-hinged. The Element is smaller than the Japanese automaker's Pilot SUV, but its styling is undeniably more adventurous. Part of the lower body on most trims consists of composite cladding panels, which form a curious contrast to the painted steel portions.
The new Element SC features a different, blacked-out grille and painted bumpers in place of the gray cladding on most other Element models. It also sits lower on a revised suspension and features projector-beam headlights.
Comfort, Controls and Convenience
Comfortable storage and seating configurations
Although the Element is wider than many compact SUVs, it is configured to seat four, not five. With stadium-style seating for the rear passengers, those riding in the back enjoy plenty of room and high visibility. With the rear seats removed, cargo capacity is a quite impressive at 75 cubic feet.
Though the wide opening provided by the clamshell doors is useful, using the rear doors is not as convenient as one might think. To open them, the front doors must be opened first, leading to some annoyance. On the plus side, this year's new seat-mounted front seatbelts take some of the hassle out of disembarking from the Element's rear seat.
Functionality is considered one of Element's main attractions. The rear seats fold down to create a large, open cargo space in the rugged, easy-to-clean interior. Space is sufficient for hauling surfboards, snowboards, mountain bikes, and other outdoor equipment that young buyers with athletic lifestyles are presumed to use. A 270-watt seven-speaker audio system is installed in the EX model.
The floor is carpeted for all trims except the SC which has a wipe-clean plastic surface. The dashboard is darker and less fanciful with piano-black trim around the center control panel and vents and on the steering wheel.
Driving Impressions
Well balanced ride
The 2007 Honda Element is no speed demon, but it does offer peppy performance, with enough smoothness to make everyday commuting a pleasant experience. From behind the wheel, the Element feels as tall and boxy as it is. The steering offers positive feedback and the wide track keeps the Element stable in evasive maneuvers. The only thing that could detract from the fun on the open road is the wind noise generated by the boxy, high roof.
Overshadowed by the new SC version is the fact that the regular Element boasts drive train improvements, too. A 10-hp increase isn't dramatic, but the optional automatic transmission is now a five-speed rather than a four-speed. This makes the Element quicker, both off the line and in passing, and it improves highway gas mileage by an estimated 1 mpg with front-wheel drive and 2 mpg in the all-wheel-drive version.
Safety
Rates well on the safety front
In NHTSA (government) crash tests, the Element earned a perfect five stars for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS likewise gave a top score of "Good" for frontal-offset crash protection.
The Honda Element has four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitor system. Front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are also standard.
Antilock brakes are standard. All models have side curtain airbags and Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist program to keep drivers on their intended path.
