I'm looking around for a family hauler that isn't a minivan. We've been looking at the Element. I personally want the SC model even if I have to pay the extra few thousand for it.

Are there any known problems or annoyances that these boxes have?

 

Virtually none. Can't remember if it was the '04 or '05 MY but there was a S/B about cracked windshields but that's a non-issue with the newer models. Easily one of the "less frequent" visitors to the Service Dept.

 

I have an SC, I've had it for 4 months with 7000 miles on it already, only thing I don't like about it is drive by wire, but I can't do anything about since all cars are now equipped with that.

 

Ive got an 08 sc and i work at honda parts. I got used to the drive by wire. the automatics traction controll is awsome the ABS isnt touchy. I really like mine.

The early elements had thin glue holding the window in and when it shrinks and the glass edge touches the metal it chips or scores it a little. and because the window is so flat it flexes at high speeds and cracks from the edge.

Even newer elements still go thru windows more than some cars because of the shape of the car and arowdynamics.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by D50boy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm looking around for a family hauler that isn't a minivan. We've been looking at the Element. I personally want the SC model even if I have to pay the extra few thousand for it.

Are there any known problems or annoyances that these boxes have?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Remember its a only a four seater. No center seat belt. Hope the family is small
Very safe car
Pretty much head on collision and I walked away without a scratch. Far better then the Camry

 

Does the drive by wire make it less responsive? Less road feel? What sort of gas mileage are you guys seeing?

We're only planning on 4 members of this family, so it should be big enough.

 

Drive by wire.....not to much of an issue. If you gave the same person two different cars w/ and w/out,id doubt they would know the difference.
Gas mileage varies. Alot less then most expected. Anywhere from 16 to 21 on the street. A full 16 gallon tank ill just get over 3-310 on the way to Vegas. Gas light comes on around 230 to 250. Alot less on the way back going uphill. Expect around 20-25 freeway. The damn thing is a box and is felt while driving in windy conditions and at speed on the freeway. Great car for the price just a little heavy and slow.

 

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We're only planning on 4 members of this family, so it should be big enough. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I got mine in 03 when they first came out and she has been great. The only problems were with the 03's and that was the cracking windshield, and the drivers rocking seat both issues that never found mine! 77k for my odo and I averaged 27.5 mpg the entire time I have owned mine. I also got a best MPG of 31 on a trip to SC during last summer!!! no lie, its a manual trans on mine so I can watch my revs a bit.

GL you will LOVE IT!!! I have

 

no problems with mine except my wife wants automatic now,so im gonna trade it in.

 

the element is an awesome car hands down. only thing i had a small annoyance is when i make left turns or U turns, the A pillar creates a pretty big blind spot. mechanical wise, perfect all the way around. good luck

 

i'm looking at a sc as well what can you tell me about it? is it better than the base model

 

are the seats comfortable? I'm thinking of buying one for a DD

 

The SC has some changes to it that some of the "original" element owners do not like. For example, it has carpet instead of the plastic floor panels. It has a stiffer and slightly lower suspension with 18" wheels stock. Mechanically, it is the same as a FWD ex as far as drivetrain etc, drives quite different. I just picked mine up on Saturday and so far I love it. The reaction of people when you tell them you bought an element is funny, until they see the SC and realise it does not look like they pictured (most people think of the black panels).

 

the element is honda most reliable newer car.

 

pics for clicks


whatever I love it

 

Nice, that looks awesome I keep thinking about getting one for my daily driver. I just wish the ex's came with the painter plastic above the rear door/windows.

Also are there any ex 4wd manual owners out there? if so how do you like it?

 

I am planing to get a Elelment in a few months and i am going to get the EX model cause of it has more feature then the SC , but i like the style of the Sc allot. The Ex you can get AWD and you their is a removable sunroof.

Does anybody like the standered better or the auto better ??

 

its true, if you want AWD you need an EX, but if you do not need AWD, then you are trading off a few things as I mentioned above. In case you were not aware, the removeable sunroof is positioned above the REAR SEAT passengers, not the drivers area...so for me, that was a non issue. I would say test drive both, but 99.9% chance if you are looking for an AWD EX, you are only going to find an automatic. It took a lot to find a manual SC, in comparison every dealer had almost every color in stock in auto. I prefer manual, and thats what I got.