Fifty Plus (50+) - Anyone drive a Honda Element (great bike car)

I'm considering the Honda Element as my next car. I know, I know -- it's odd looking. To me it's cute; to others it's well, let's just say not cute. But I think it would be a great vehicle to have, among other reasons, because the bike could just be tossed in back and I wouldn't have to fuss with a bike rack. I also have occasional need of a vehicle to haul odds and ends but don't want a pickup truck, and I'd like to start doing more tent camping.

Anyway -- anyone here drive an Element and care to comment on it?

PS: For those of you who think it's butt-ugly and feel compelled to point that out, save your breath. I couldn't care more (couldn't care less?) what kind of automotive fashion statement I'm making. Form follows function in my opinion! :)

Don't drive one but if I were going to buy a new car, the Honda Element would be it.

The Element is the only car that my wife and I have. We love it. It drives great. We can haul all the camping gear we will ever need in it. Hauling big stuff is a breeze. Groceries are a snap. We can easily put two bikes in it. Friends love the stadium seating. The dog loves to stand on the back seat and watch the world go by. And it gets decent gas mileage for the size.

Is it ugly? Yes. It is an ugly vehicle, in a really cool kind of way.

We couldn't be happier with it.

Interestingly, the much market researched Honda Element was designed specifically for the young sporty crowd - twenty-somethings, as also reflected in their current ads. But these folks are buying the Scion.

Guess who is buying the Honda Elements?

Yep. Folks like us!

So much for market research.

We looked at them, but we also own a Dodge Caravan in great condition, and decided that we would just keep it, instead of forking over $$$ for a new car.

Some negatives:

1. It only seats four folks.

2. I believe you would have to remove the front wheel (of the bike, that is) to get a bike in the back.

3. It is not big enough for my son's three wheeler.

4. I can carry four bikes, fully assembled, in my Caravan.

But, I think they are a great choice for many.

(And I think it is kind of cute)

Before you buy the "Ailment," look (and drive) the Scion xB. Better gas mileage, better reliability, same room, and (much) lower cost. Also, Honda prices their cars "bare." All options are dealer-installed. That means you're at the Honda dealer's mercy about how much an option actually costs. With Scion, there's a "no-haggle" price, and you can look on the internet and see EXACTLY what the car cost the dealer.

I don't like Honda's marketing. I don't like Honda's poor record on safety recalls (much higher than Toyota's and a VERY bad track record of seatbelt malfunctions). I don't like Honda's pricing strategy. I don't like the Honda dealers I've tried to deal with. I don't like the majority of Honda drivers that I see on the road (some of the least experienced, most aggressive, and worst behaved of any!). In short, I just don't like Honda!

Despite the fact that Honda cars are basically well designed and reliable, their shortcomings make them not a viable choice for me or mine. Just my two cents.

I have 40,000 miles on my Element and it is the vehicle of choice here. I have a big car and a pickup to pick from and the element wins. A misconception one should not clean out the inside with a leaf blower, it did a great job but got grit in the heater controls. They straightened out by themselves but altho tempting don't do it. 2 bicycles fit in incredibly easily with all needed gear. and yes the dogs do love it. mine is silver but the new ones come in red I want a red one :)

Better gas mileage, better reliability, same room, and (much) lower cost.

Reviews I read about the Scion xB state:

Underpowered for high speed western open space freeway driving (where the speed limit is 75-80 mph)

Underpowered for accelerating into traffic

only manual transmission available

True?

An alternative view: I have a Honda Civic, which is incredibly reliable, is great on gas and is a surprisingly good bike car. If you flip the back seat down and take the front wheel off, you can easily fit any road bike in the trunk. May not be your cup of tea, but I'm grateful to get between 35 and 40 MPG.

Well, I can likely top you all.

I have a Ford 1993 Escort - sort of a hatchback - my special bicycling car.

Easy to get a bike (gotta remove the front wheel) in with the rear seat folded down. In fact, my LBS mechanic, who also has one, said that he and a buddy got 4 mtn bikes in the back!

With 123,000 miles, pretty reliable. Everything works - A/C, everything.

I originally bought the car for my one-way 38 mile commute when I was teaching. I kept this car as a 3rd car because I can only get about $1,000 on the market for it, it saves my Caravan for trips, and it gets great mileage, and as a 3rd older car with no collision nor comprehensive, the insurance is really cheap.

.

Reviews I read about the Scion xB state: Underpowered for high speed western open space freeway driving (where the speed limit is 75-80 mph) Underpowered for accelerating into traffic only manual transmission available True?

Yes, No, and No. My xB (with automatic transmission) is very quick to accelerate from a standing stop - if you want to go, it'll go. The trade off is highway passing power - if you want to pass at highway speeds, plan WAY ahead! The engine does get buzzy at anything above 70 mph, though. I understand the manual transmission model is a bit peppier - I'd have preferred that model, but my better half refuses to drive a manual - period.

You want 28 to 30 mpg? You got to live with the lack of high end.

Before you buy the "Ailment," look (and drive) the Scion xB. Better gas mileage, better reliability, same room, and (much) lower cost. Also, Honda prices their cars "bare." All options are dealer-installed. That means you're at the Honda dealer's mercy about how much an option actually costs. With Scion, there's a "no-haggle" price, and you can look on the internet and see EXACTLY what the car cost the dealer.

I don't like Honda's marketing. I don't like Honda's poor record on safety recalls (much higher than Toyota's and a VERY bad track record of seatbelt malfunctions). I don't like Honda's pricing strategy. I don't like the Honda dealers I've tried to deal with. I don't like the majority of Honda drivers that I see on the road (some of the least experienced, most aggressive, and worst behaved of any!). In short, I just don't like Honda!

Despite the fact that Honda cars are basically well designed and reliable, their shortcomings make them not a viable choice for me or mine. Just my two cents.

But how do you REALLY feel? :rolleyes:

I'd like to like the Scion, but I just can't. I just can't get used to the styling. I will readily admit the price is lower, however.

That said, I'd love any links about the record of safety recalls and seatbelt malfunctions. Hadn't heard any of that before. I do drive a Toyota right now and it's been berry berry good to me. But it's a sedan and I'd like something more versatile -- but I don't want a big old SUV or pick up truck.

As for Honda drivers -- I hadn't noticed any of that.

You want 28 to 30 mpg? You got to live with the lack of high end

My 1993 Escort gets that mileage or more, and has plenty of scoot at the high end (and the low end).

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/9918.shtml

Fuel Type Regular
*
MPG (city) 25

*
MPG (highway) 33

*
MPG (combined) 28

I looked at an Element as it has a lot of things I'm looking for.

I was amazed that the fuel mileage is so low. My minivan (that has two double beds and 200cuft of space in the back) gets the same mileage.

I also like Scion xB. It is a lot cheaper and it gets better mileage. It's not quite as big as the Element and it's not nearly as flexible.

Az

hey man, 50% physical and 90% mental makes 140% To me mixing cars and bicycles is like mixing two different sports. I don't think a bicycle on the back of my 1970 Roadrunner would look too hip. And i'm 100% sure of that.

As for Honda drivers -- I hadn't noticed any of that.

You must not live in a university town...

Well, dnvrFox, I'm not sure if you top me or not...but we're close. My bike transport car is a '91 VW Golf 2dr hatchback. 126,000 miles and runs and looks like new. Like your Escort, I can get at least a few bikes in the back (yeah, with wheels off) although I prefer putting them on the roof rack. The insurance situation is the same with me as it is with you. I keep bragging to my wife that my insurance is cheap, she says I'm cheap.
I recently took it to a Mtn bike fest on Cape Cod (200 miles from here) the farthest it's ever been from home, and with passengers, luggage in the back and two bikes on the roof, I still got 33mpg at 65-70 mph. I've never had to make a car payment on it, either. Gotta love those older cars! Here's to us...............
aj

I wouldn't mind a new Element though, I love 'em.........Good luck Gary.

But how do you REALLY feel? :rolleyes:

I'd like to like the Scion, but I just can't. I just can't get used to the styling. I will readily admit the price is lower, however.

That said, I'd love any links about the record of safety recalls and seatbelt malfunctions. Hadn't heard any of that before. I do drive a Toyota right now and it's been berry berry good to me. But it's a sedan and I'd like something more versatile -- but I don't want a big old SUV or pick up truck.

As for Honda drivers -- I hadn't noticed any of that.

My wife and I initially balked at the XB styling, too, but then we test drove one. We were looking to replace our Echo, and this thing handled just like the Echo. I wanted a car we could put "stuff" in, and I have always disliked hatchback-like cars with rear doors that aren't as wide as the cargo compartment. It's a personal bias. Anyway, our xB is our favorite of all the cars we have ever owned. Great comfort, handles nice, carries big stuff (both our bikes inside), and every bit peppy enough for our kind of driving (PA Turnpike,etc.). The looks have grown on us.

hey man, 50% physical and 90% mental makes 140% To me mixing cars and bicycles is like mixing two different sports. I don't think a bicycle on the back of my 1970 Roadrunner would look too hip. And i'm 100% sure of that.

Ditto that! I drive a Mazda MX5 with no provisions for a bike, only makes me have to ride more.

Can't help with this one. I'm too devoted to my '91 Toyota Previa with 400,000+ miles-it's been a great, great bike mobile. Just roll the bikes in and out. With 3 college tuitions I just hope mine holds up another couple hundred thousand......

When we bought our new car last year we really wanted to be able to carry the bike's inside. Since we usually don't need more than 2 seats our thoughts were to put the extra seats in the storage unit and mount the thule rack components on a 2x8 and that would work. When company is visiting it's easy to put the seats back in.

We looked at the Element and the Rav-4. My husband liked the Element but I couldn't see myself driving it. Got a super deal on tha Rav (day after Christmas). The bikes fit inside as well as shoes, helmets, etc.

Being height challenged I love how easy it is for me to load and unload my bike. The last car was a Subura Outback and I couldn't go off by myself because I couldn't load & unload.

I took one of the back seats out of my 2003 EX 2WD Element and usually keep the other folded up out of the way. I can get all three of my bikes inside without taking off the front wheels. The all plastic interior means I don't have to worry about messing up the carpet. I haul bags of dirt, pine straws bales, lumber, dogs, etc.

We're going on a long trip so I've ordered a trailer hitch and a bike rack to fit it.

Gas mileage could be higher(previous car was Civic hatchback) but great acceleration and tons of room inside.

Bikes are bikes and cars are cars; ride/drive what you like.

What kind of mileage does an Element get? I have a 2001 Odyssey and I can stand two bicycles up with their front wheels between the second set of seats. A perfect fit and quite secure, but i can only get about 23-24mpg on the highway. Not good these days. In all other respects, the Odyssey is a great van.

The Element is EPA rated at 24 with an auto and 26 with a manual.

As I mentioned, my minivan has over 200 cuft inside compared with the Elements 75cuft. It also can seat 7. It can also tow 4500lbs and has a V6. It gets 24mpg.

I really liked the Element, but the fuel mileage is dismal for such a small car with a small motor.

Az

The Element is EPA rated at 24 with an auto and 26 with a manual.

As I mentioned, my minivan has over 200 cuft inside compared with the Elements 75cuft. It also can seat 7. It can also tow 4500lbs and has a V6. It gets 24mpg.

I really liked the Element, but the fuel mileage is dismal for such a small car with a small motor.

Az

What kind of minivan do you have?

It's the last vehicle I eliminated when I bought my last car--I would have gone for it, but I got a really good deal on a year-old Mazda. Not exactly what I wanted, but it was $10,000 cheaper and I had two kids in college... I like the Mazda a lot, but every time I have to take the bike apart to wedge it into the back, or mount the Yakima rack to haul it on top (dropping the highway mileage from 34 to about 26) I wince a little.

Before you buy the "Ailment," look (and drive) the Scion xB. Better gas mileage, better reliability, same room, and (much) lower cost. Also, Honda prices their cars "bare." All options are dealer-installed. That means you're at the Honda dealer's mercy about how much an option actually costs. With Scion, there's a "no-haggle" price, and you can look on the internet and see EXACTLY what the car cost the dealer.

I don't like Honda's marketing. I don't like Honda's poor record on safety recalls (much higher than Toyota's and a VERY bad track record of seatbelt malfunctions). I don't like Honda's pricing strategy. I don't like the Honda dealers I've tried to deal with. I don't like the majority of Honda drivers that I see on the road (some of the least experienced, most aggressive, and worst behaved of any!). In short, I just don't like Honda!

Despite the fact that Honda cars are basically well designed and reliable, their shortcomings make them not a viable choice for me or mine. Just my two cents.

I don't typically put my bike in a car, in fact, that's why I bike. But my Honda gets, dah, dah, dah, dah -- 70 miles per gallon! No other car comes close. And, for the record, I don't like _any_ car dealers.

Jim

What kind of minivan do you have?

2001 VW. It's pretty rare, here's a pic:

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/118/118920/folders/70407/453119topup.JPG


Az

PS: For those of you who think it's butt-ugly...
Yeah..I'm one of those guys who thinks it is butt ugly..along with the Toyota Scion. BUT... at the same time I took a hard look at it and see the utility of both. Huge interior room, small footprint, relatively good gas mileage (compared to my truck..hey, I have to pull my boat with something). Yeah I could see why people would buy one. If I was a teenager I'd be all over it. That much room!

Just my two cents.

So..Someone gives you a penny for your thoughts and you throw in your two cents...who gets the change??? :D

I'm considering the Honda Element as my next car.

The Element is getting lots of positive press. It's becoming a favorite among art dealers and others who need to carry large objects.

To get the best deal:
1. go to www.edmonds.com to scope out prices.
2. go to the largest Honda dealer you can find(for color/option selection) and test drive the car. But don't buy yet.
3. go back to the dealer late on the last day of the month to buy the car. After dinner is best. Armed with cost info, you have leveled the playing field, you know what the dealer paid for the car. Edmonds or other internet sources should be able to tell you if any incentives are available. They should also let you know what the dealer holdback is, usually (1 to 3%). Let the dealer make some money.
4. if you are going to finance the car know your credit score www.myfico.com and what rates are available for your score. Honda will usually give primary financing for anyone 650 or better.
5. If you're trading a car forget Kelly blue book. Dealers use an online service like Manheim or Galves. These services give dealers the prices cars have sold for recently at auction. Usually these prices are nowhere near Kelly's numbers. They are less than Kelly. Regardless of how you structure the deal in the end the dealer will not pay you more than what they can get at auction. The best way to get the real dollar number is to ask the dealer whar service they use. Then ask the dealer to show you the auction results for your make and model or the Galves book.

I buy 2 or 3 cars every year. These steps work. The idea is to have the same information as the dealer. This allows you to make an informed decesion.

something no one has mentioned is how much fun the element is to drive. Admittedly not the greatest millage but it is not a small motor ? 160 hp :) incredibly fun. My first car was a 34 hp VW bus that was fun in a diferent sort of way.
Really peppy performance, advanced sort of drive -front wheel drive untill its needed then they all work. Indestructable interior.
The sort of car thet when you meet another one they flash lights and wave.
My wife backed into a small chev and did $2,800 damage to the chev the element $250 a taillight and a plastic skin pannel -a bodyshop was not needed, a mechanic can replace the plastic bits . huge savings :)
As I age getting in and out of vehicles becomes a factor , the huge doors and great clearances make it incredibly easy

can not figure out for the life of me why Element ad campaigns were steered toward "biking" crowd. You have to take apart bike to even fit in there. What are you going to stick in that little box anyway? My '04 Explorer fits both my wifes and my mountain bike in the rear without any disassembly. IMO you can do better than those foreign imports that are way to pricey when you can buy a Chevy Trailblazer of Ford Explorer for less than $25 G's. I agree 100% with Rabidcyclist about the looks.

I just bought an Honda CRV. I've had it 2 weeks. I bought it for my bike (650c wheels) but my partners IF with 700c wheels fits in it perfectly, standing up, without taking off the front wheel.

Consumer Reports gave the CRV a very good review. I also looked at the RAV4 but it didn't seem as spacious inside.

Kathi

I have a 2001 Astro mini van and a 1994 z28 camaro, both good vehicles.

Another good cycle/go anywhere/comfy utilitarian is my Subaru Forester. I use a roof rack to keep grease off the carpet. Hill holder is very useful for us manual shifters. A great little car and worth a look for the mini SUV crowd. Must say, the all wheel drive has saved my skin a few times. I also hike, and what a great mountain driver...ice to corrugated fire roads. Most of us here seem to drive utilitarian cars.

Glassman, my son has a 97 Camaro SS. Whenever I drive it I have to floor it ... which then scares the middle aged **** out of myself. I come home smiling.

Another good cycle/go anywhere/comfy utilitarian is my Subaru Forester. I use a roof rack to keep grease off the carpet. Hill holder is very useful for us manual shifters. A great little car and worth a look for the mini SUV crowd. Must say, the all wheel drive has saved my skin a few times. I also hike, and what a great mountain driver...ice to corrugated fire roads. Most of us here seem to drive utilitarian cars.

Glassman, my son has a 97 Camaro SS. Whenever I drive it I have to floor it ... which then scares the middle aged **** out of myself. I come home smiling.

Oh yeah, I know that feeling. When I first bought it I used to have to get on it but now I just cruise when I drive it knowing I have power if I need to use it. I like to use if when I bike cause I can push the rear seat forward and just put the bike in. I know you have fun with the 97 Camaro SS :D
I am never too old to have fun!

can not figure out for the life of me why Element ad campaigns were steered toward "biking" crowd. You have to take apart bike to even fit in there. What are you going to stick in that little box anyway? My '04 Explorer fits both my wifes and my mountain bike in the rear without any disassembly. IMO you can do better than those foreign imports that are way to pricey when you can buy a Chevy Trailblazer of Ford Explorer for less than $25 G's. I agree 100% with Rabidcyclist about the looks.

Unfortunately this doesn't hold true for my 04 Grand Cherokee. There isn't enough clearance from deck to roof for the bikes to fit. Laying the bikes down I can fit one bike in the rear if I put the rear seat down. My bikes ride on a Thule bumper hitch rack or Yakima roof rack.
Mini vans, like Chyrsler's Voyager and Dodge Caravan seem to me to be the most practical bike friendly vehicles. Unassembled bikes can be put in the rear without compromising all the rear seating. Best impractical vehicle for bicyclist, Chevy Suburban, a pickup truck with a roof. Great vehicle!

There are tons of cars you can toss a bike into without a rack. No need to go all fugly. Scion xB, Scion tC, Mazda 3 5-door, Acura RSX, Ford Focus 3- and 5-door, Chevy HHR, Chrysler PT, various Subaru wagon/HB models, Volvo V50, VW Golf or GTI, or pretty much any sedan with a fold-down rear seat will accommodate a bicycle. I looked at all of these and ended up buying a used RSX to replace my 11-year-old Honda Accord (148,000 miles).

Hi,

I own a 2003 Element EX. My Cannondale fits in fine. I leave the left seat out and right rear seat folded up on it's side and just use a bungy cord to hold the bike in place next to it. There is a pair of hooks built in to accomodate the bungy.

I have 45000 on it. No problems at all with it. No return trips to the dealer. And compared to Concord, Tourus, and S10 I've owned in the past the mileage is fine by me.

It also hauls skis, camping gear, gardening supplies, pool parts, pet supplies, and with the tail gate down some 12 ft 2X's.

The dogs slipped around on the plastic floor so I bought some cheap rugs from Target, and when they get grungy I throw them out and replace them.

When I do the scout merit badge, I carry 4 bikes on a hitch mounted bike rack, and two bikes inside. the scouts ride with another parent. You can also add a roof rack.

There are also two storage bins in back, which contain extra bike parts, gloves, rain gear, etc.

I've found it to be a perfect bike transport machine.

Gene

Greetings,

My 2004 "E" has just over 50,000 mile on it. I had to repair a sticking right rear brake caliper but other than that, it has been a great machine. It is a great bike and German Shepherd hauler. The OEM Goodyear tires suck but I have replaced mine with a set of TOYO Ultra 800 radials that are to date wearing much better are are much quieter too.

I have been averaging 24.5 mpg since I bought it and I drive it pretty fast. Where she really drinks gas is at speeds above 70mph. The worst I have gotten is 22.5 and the best was 27.5.

It is very easy to clean. Mine is AWD and it works great up here in Buffalo NY.

This is a very good car that is very versatile and functional.

A friend of mine has a Scion XB and it is also very roomy. Not quite as wide inside and a bit lower. It gets great gas mileage and he really enjoys it but he lives where they get little snow, so the ground clearance is no issue for him.

Tom......

Getting ready to go on a trip and pick up the mother-in-law so I bought a Hidden Hitch w/1.25" receiver and an XPort 2-bike rack from Performance. Took me 10 min. to install the hitch; another 5 min. to add the rack. Less than $300 total.

My wife and I used to just roll the bikes in the back. Putting bikes on top would be tough for us and gas mileage suffers, too. Hitch rack is cheaper, faster to stow and remove the bikes. Plus, Elements can tow up to 1500 lb. so if necessary I can rent a U-haul trailer to haul stuff home. I did get a couple of cable locks to secure the bikes.