I almost bought one of these things yesterday, but kind of glad I didn't.

I test drove one of the purple'isch looking 2008 SCs.
Some of the things that ultimately turned me off it and I HOPE they revise in the 2009:

- crappy seats (worse than my EM1 seats IMO)

- weird arm rest placement (maybe it's just me)

- suspension just felt like the spring rates were way too high for it

- road/engine noise at highway speed was pretty bad

- the wind buffeting from the slight 10mph crosswind we had yesterday at 60 mph on the highway was pretty bad. I understand that it's a shoebox on wheels, but MAN.

- The engine had a little get up and go but just wasn't enough. The car seemed very underpowered.

- Lack of a cover for the skylight. This has got to suck in desert states.

- Blind spots the size of Texas

So have any of you guys heard anything about the next version of this car? If they (Honda) were to fix some of these small annoyances I believe they would have a much bigger following. Maybe I was just expecting too much when I went to drive the thing and should have "settled".

 

Got a rumor for you guys. Went to the Honda dealer today wth a buddy of mine to go pick up his new Ridgeline.
Anyway, one of the salesmen was trying to convince me that I NEEDED a new car (saw my POS 94 EX I guess)
I politely told him about my experience during my last test drive and he mentioned that the lack of power SHOULD be resolved with the 09s. Supposedly (according to this guy) the 09s will have a stronger engine than the current lineup.

Now, if they can fix the gas mileage and all my other gripes about this thing, I'll be lining up to grab an 09.

Take this with a grain of salt though. I know I am.

 

I have an '04 Element EX stick that I love. Did you drive an automatic version? Although my stick isn't going to make any landspeed records, they are known to be a bit quicker than the automatics, and are plenty quick enough for such a vehicle.

I am not too sure about the '09 as not much has been said about them, but I wouldn't expect much, if anything at all engine wise. Maybe the new Accord EX engine, and possibly a diesel in '10 or '11. Check out the new JDM Honda SUV, the crossroad if I recall correctly, I wouldn't be surprised if it is brought here as the new Element.

In regards to gas mileage I definitely have no complaints. I don't know what you are expecting in an SUV but I have been getting ~25mpg in mixed city and highway driving even with my AWD, and people who have added a sixth gear to the tranny have recorded ~30mpg! I am very pleased with this, as my previous car, an '04 Si, I would barely get 30mpg, and would regularly get 26-27 with my heavy right foot!

With your other problems I would tend to agree. Although the SC is lower and stiffer than my EX, I would still say that the ride is kinda harsh at times especially with my new 18s. They do make a shade for the sunroof and coming from a '94 EX I cannot believe you are complaining about rode noise, although it can be kinda' annoying, especially with any of the windows or sunroof open!!

 

Wife's got an 07 SC with the 5 spd. automatic. Gas mileage isn't anything to write home about, and it won't hold a steady gear on the interstate. Seems like it's constantly shifting.