Honda Element 2005: The Weekly Driver

Three years into its legacy, the Honda Element is still getting its share of unusual stares and snide comments. It's been called a toaster, a pumpkin and a box on wheels. And then there are those who don't like the vehicle.

But for those who've taken a closer look, the Element has distinguished itself. It's another in the ever-expanding series of innovative vehicles from Honda, and there may not be a better combination of value and versatility on the road today.

Introduced in 2003, the Element was primarily expected to appeal to younger buyers seeking the cargo space of a pick-up truck but in an enclosed space. The vehicle has done well in that demographic, but its popularity has spread across diverse user groups.

As soccer moms to competitive cyclists and garage sale junkies to sportsmen have discovered, the Element is an ideal utilitarian vehicle with a wide range of style and equipment options at an appealing price point. Its 2005 least inexpensive base model is $16,100, and its highest-priced offering with every available option is $21,350.

Described by one consumer guide as a "motorized gear tote for active lifestyle types," the Element is based on Honda's CR-V utility wagon. But it has plenty of its own style, not the least of which is its center-opening side doors. The back side doors won't open independently without first opening the front side doors. And when both doors are fully open, the interior space between the front and rear seat is cavernous. Add the myriad storage compartments throughout the vehicle, and the Element is easily defined. It's a "pack-rat's" dream.

The Element's various nicknames as a "box" derive from its tall stature. Combined with efficient front and back seat positions and its unique door configurations, the vehicle offers an incredible amount of interior space. The area behind the split rear bench seat is 25 cubic feet. And plenty of other manufacturer claims seem realistic - like room for a 10-foot surfboard or the capacity for two six-foot occupants to sleep comfortably with the rear hatch closed.

Spaciousness aside, the Element offers a unique drive. My weekly test vehicle was the All-Wheel Drive, automatic EX-model, the highest-priced of 16 available Element configurations.

For 2005, it includes antilock, four-wheel disc brakes, cruise control, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, map lights, visor mirrors, alloy wheels, manual rear sunroof, all-wheel drive, standard front side airbags and an impressive audio and electronic system. An MP3 media jack is also included and, for the first time, there's XM satellite radio.

Considering its body type, the Element has a mixed bag of performance characteristics. Its turning radius, for example, is remarkably short and the vehicle fits comfortably in compact-only parking spaces. Its steering and handling are adequate and its acceleration (the Element has a 2.4-liter, 160-horsepower, 16-valve engine) is better than the rather low grades it received from various consumer publications.

But the Element is far from quiet, particularly on the freeway, and rear passengers are in for a bumpy ride even when the vehicle encounters only slight bumps in the road.

The Element also has water-resistant upholstery and rubberlike floor coverings. One urban legend has owners hosing out the interior. I haven't tried that test, nor have I witnessed anyone else's self-service interior Element car wash.

But even without such experiments, the Element still gets plenty of attention. Passersby are curious and owners' glowing testimonials have overtly nullified detractors' opinions.

2005 Honda Element

Safety features - Driver and front passenger dual-stage front and side airbags; Antilock brakes

Fuel Mileage (estimates) - 21 (city), 24 (highway).

Warranty - Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.

Base price - $21,350.