Overview:
This week I tested the 2004 Honda Element 5-door 2-WD EX. Ugly would be a good description for many, but when you compare it to the Mercedes Benz G-Class and especially the Toyota Scion xb, it turns out to be the best of the three. What I can’t understand is what possessed the Japanese and German automakers. The G-Class is awful and not to be outdone Toyota built a hearse and inscribed Scion xb on the grave stone.
Square defines a four-sided figure, but in the mid 20th century it was slang for a person that was “out of it” or simple “not with it” and today, square is a “Nerd”. Old saying, “If the shoe fits, wear it”. These SUV’s are definitely square. Now, don’t misunderstand me I don’t cotton to overly rounded corners like the 1958 Chevrolet Impala, for example. How about the 1950’s vintage Buick Roadmaster.
Thank heaven most of today’s cars are middle ground and are decent styling for most peoples taste. So the only explanation for the above mentioned “boxes” that are being passed off as automobiles is that Toyota and Honda and Mercedes are trying to swing the pendulum to the extreme to shock our senses. Janet Jackson took a page out of their book of marketing but with the oldest of designs.
In the final analysis you have to consider a car purchasing decision is also an investment decision. What you buy, one day will have to be sold. Are you sure you want to buy into such a risky investment?
Handling & Performance:
Well, if you like to feel the road, brace yourself, you’ll feel every pebble but no real need for a kidney belt.
Styling:
My first impression in the Element was that I was slipping into a child of the H2 and Jeep Wrangler. Although I don’t care for the boxiness, it isn’t as bad as the Toyota Scion XB that looks even more like a Hearse than an SUV. And then they had to put puke green on it. Why not put some tan splotches and make it look like camouflage?
Fit and Finish:
Rugged and basic which is obviously by design. If people like it like that they are sure to change it.
Conveniences:
Urethane utility floor that is made to look like metal for easy cleaning. Suicide doors that make accessibility entry and exit especially easy. Great for young and old and handicapped wheel chair users.
Cost:
Super competitive, but when you’re that ugly, you have to try harder, know what I mean?
Consumer Recommendation:
Well this Element was supposedly built for the young but the demographics tell another story. The age range of consumers is 42-45 years old. That is likely because it is: Inexpensive, easy to care for, easy entry and exit and finally it is a Honda that is known for quality.
The Competition:
Honda Element $16-21,000, Subaru Forester $21-27,000, Mazda Tribute $19-25,000, Hyundai Santa Fe $18-25,000, Jeep Liberty $18-25,000, Saturn VUE $17-24,000, Kia Sorento $19-25,000, Mitsubishi Outlander $18-22,000, Nissan Xterra $15-28,000, Ford Escape $19-26,000.
Good News:
Wide open access, functional and you’ll stand out in a crowd but perhaps people won’t ask you to drive- burn their gas.
Bad News:
Radical design could be a risky investment, and you’ll stand out in a crowd like Janet Jackson – naked and potentially embarrassed. People won’t invite you to drive.
Standard Equipment:
2.4 liter 4-cylinder 160 hp engine, 4-speed auto trans, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, front and rear stabilizer bars, power steering, dual air bags, child anchor system, immobilizer anti theft system, audio system with 7 speakers, air conditioning, Urethane coated utility floor, removable flip up rear seat, power windows, rear vent windows, power locks, cruise control, adjustable steering column, power mirrors and rear window wiper washer.
Gas Stats:
22 City and 26 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $19,450.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
