Mon 24 Mar 2008
The Honda Element is manufactured by Honda and is classified as a compact crossover SUV. It is currently being built in East Liberty, Ohio and was released in the United States in 2003 and is based on the popular 4X4 by Honda, the CR-V. The difference between the two is mainly the smaller and more compact design.
The Element is powered by Honda’s 2.4l k23A4 i-VTEC four-cylinder engine and produces 156 hp. This very engine can also be found inside the hood of the Accord and the before mentioned CR-V.
The car itself is available in either front-wheel drive or Honda’s patented “Real Time” four-wheel drive system that is a hydraulically actuated system operating only when the front wheel of the vehicle slips during hazardous conditions.
Before its production, the Element was introduced as a concept vehicle, known as Model X to the automotive industry.
Model X was introduced in 2001 and the main purpose behind its design was to achieve ideal functionality for people who had very active lifestyles. It tried to accommodate mainly the ones with an extreme lifestyle such as surfers and mountain bikers, allowing them to easily haul their gear wherever their adventure might take them. If we look back to 1998, we find that the Model X itself was first developed by a young group of R&D engineers who wanted a vehicle to use for their every day activities. To successfully accommodate their target audience, they conducted research studies via focus groups at colleges, beaches, and campsites.
The Element is a car that was meant to haul large and complicated loads. This is clearly evident from the textured urethane flooring that is both easy to clean and stain-resistant. Also, if we look at the rear seating, all of them recline, fold up, and can even be removed to make room for more storage space.
For it’s innovative style and design, the Element was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award in 2003 and won the MotorWeek’s 2003 “Driver’s Choice Award” for “Best Small Sport-Utility Vehicle”.
Starting at $18.980 for the 08’ model year, this 4X4 is built for fun in the sun and adventure all at an affordable price. If thrills and excitement are right up your alley and you are looking for a faithful companion, look no further than the Honda Element.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:38 am
Honda is really doing some great thing. It is becoming more favorite to all.
May 19th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Honda never fails to impress me, it can suffice the needs AND wants of its market. The genius minds of its people are exceptional. Just like Mazda which succeeded in the invention of commercial sports car engine. Mazda parts are built with superior level of sophistication and are uniquely engineered to meet the demands of meticulous riders. Its attempt to make a dynamic vehicle model that shall continue to exceed the expectation of drivers around the globe is really spectacular.
July 4th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Honda is really one of the leading auto manufacturers. With their new revolutionary hydrogen model cars they have joined the ranks of much car makes as BMW. I’m sure they will continue to impress us with new inovetive ideas.
July 11th, 2008 at 9:50 am
My wife has a 2006 pilot, and was in a pretty bad accident, all airbags were deployed, and the car was totaled, but it kept her safe. I was impressed with how well it stood up.
August 12th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
My daughter purchased a 2008 Honda Element about 3 months ago. She absolutely loves the car, and it lives up to its Honda name for being reliable, efficient, and economical. Overall she is extremely satisfied…that is until today.
Yesterday her car was parked in the driveway at her home in warm, sunny Florida. It was her day off from work, so she deemed it a fine time to pull some weeds from the flowerbed. She heard a noise, looked up and watched to her own dismay as the rear seat window and the fixed panel window literally imploded from the inside out. She walked over to the car to further investigate what was happening. The windows were falling out–there was no evidence of external forces such as a b-b gun or bird hitting the windows. She took many pictures of the car and its window crashing, and called the local Honda dealer.
Here is what is determined: the car is new and the seals are so good and tight that no air is able to escape (this from the Honda USA
corporate office). Because the windows were closed and the car locked and left in the sun, there was no place for the air to escape except through the glass. Apparently the windows should have been left open a bit for the air to escape (nevermind that we have had often violent thundershowers nearly every day, and no predictability of when the showers will happen–30 to 50% is our summertime pattern in central Florida). By not leaving the windows open to vent the car, this has created the spontaneous exploding windows.
To add insult to injury, the glass breakage is not covered by the Honda warranty for new cars. Again, the argument that this is similar to a tree falling on the car and then asking the warranty to pay for the damage. Somehow I don’t quite get that–a tree didn’t fall on the car. Heat trapped inside the car caused the window breakage.
After speaking with the dealer, the regional rep and the Honda national customer service, it is very much likely that my daughter and her insurance company ($500 deductible) will have to pay for the car’s damage. Honda suggested if we appealed to the corporate office we might get them to share in the cost.
What others might learn from our experience is
1. don’t close your car windows entirely (sorry, if it rains in and soaks the car or if someone breaks into the car because the window is down that will just be another risk you’ll have to absorb)
2. keep your car garaged when possible (sorry, we work for companies who don’t have garages on our day jobs. Florida gets real hot in the parking lot, so see #1)
3. Honda, who has a reputation for being a first class company, sees no problem with the car and this is strictly a consumer caused event. The liability is totally the owner’s to pay for and Honda has no responsibility.
4. Lower your deductible on your insurance.
The cost of glass replacement is $610 for the two pieces of glass and probably another $200 for installation.
5. Check around, this has never happened in the history of mankind. None of the dealers, their reps or corporate offices have seen this previously.
6. When you tell the truth and present the evidence, there is still a tendency to doubt your story. Apparently there are people who make this stuff up. They have time on their hands and money in their bank. Clearly that’s why they drive an Element.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Linda
WOW! Sounds like a manufacturing defect to me. Usually new cars have a pressure release in the cab, this keeps your ears from “popping” when you shut the door.
In the past I have read many news paper and consumer advocate article on the internet where they will get involved so that they can write up a story. This sounds like something that would catch their attention.
I would recommend researching a few of these on the internet and sending them what you posted here. Good chance you might get the interest of someone who will pester Honda in your behalf.