2007 Honda Element Los Angeles

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Even with the new SC model, the 2007 Honda Element is a utility first vehicle. It's designed to maximize space and people/cargo hauling options in a fairly small package, with driving characteristics similar to a small sedan and optional all-wheel-drive for a measure of security. It offers easy access for people or cargo, and the wash-an-wear interior on the LX and EX models is great for camping and dogs. In total, it's a good vehicular appliance, and the new SC model adds a notch more attitude. Safety features include curtain-style head protection airbags for front and rear passengers with rollover sensors, as well as Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist anti-skid electronics and a tire pressure monitoring system. That's in addition to side-impact airbags for front-seat passengers for torso protection and the mandated dual front airbags with dual-stage deployment.

Powering the 2007 Honda Element

All '07 Elements come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a choice of five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. All come standard with front-wheel drive, but the LX and EX models are available with all-wheel drive. The Honda Element's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine gets a 10-hp boost for 2007, raising the output to 166 hp, thanks to improvements in Honda's i-VTEC variable valve

timing system. The optional automatic transmission is bumped from four speeds to five, which improves engine response and should deliver a slight increase in real-world fuel economy. The Element is a front-wheel-drive vehicle with a fairly powerful engine, so there is a touch of torque steer: a tugging of the steering wheel under hard acceleration. It's not the least bit troublesome, but in most locales we would choose Honda's Real Time 4-Wheel Drive.

'07 Element Design

The new, 2007 Honda Element SC model features a monochromatic paint scheme and fully painted exterior panels. It's also lowered by nearly an inch compared to other Element models, and finished with aggressive 18-inch spoke wheels and projector beam headlamps. The SC is available in exclusive Root Beer Metallic paint, and it takes utilitarian chic in a new direction. From the front, the Element has a cheeky, chunky look accentuated by rectangular headlights and the unusual design of the bumper. The hood line is fairly low and leads to a steep windshield flowing into a gently curved roofline, while the rear tailgate is nearly vertical. The tailgate is split horizontally. The top half lifts like a hatch, while the bottom half drops like a tailgate. Honda suggests the lower half can be used as a

seating surface for parties. That's a fine idea, but the tailgate has its drawbacks. It effectively raises the liftover height for cargo in the rear, and it requires a little more leaning to heft larger objects into the back. That said, there remains an impressive amount of cargo space in the Element. With the easily removed rear seats taken out, it offers 74.6 cubit feet of storage space.

Inside the 2007 Honda Element

Inside, the Honda Element is all about space, or maximizing usable space in a vehicle with a relatively small footprint. Its interior is designed to handle all combinations of people and stuff, from four full grown adults to two adults and mountain bikes or a couple of long boards. The front seats provide acres of headroom, and there's no center tunnel down the middle to get in the way. All 2007 Honda Element models come with a redesigned instrument cluster, steering wheel and radio controls. All Elements are now fitted with front seat belts that are integrated into the seat assembly, rather than attached to the roof and floor. This design makes it a bit easier for rear seat passengers to step in and out. All the seats, including the driver's, can be folded back to make a large double bed. When parked, the Element can be set up to serve as a giant locker for outdoor gear, a truly great feature. Storage areas abound. The backs of the front seats have large storage pockets. The seats on the driver's side of EX models also have bungee cords on the back to secure larger objects and keep them from sliding around. Cup holders can be found on the backs of folded seats. A cargo organizer and cargo nets are offered as accessories.

Element Lineup 2007

The LX come with air conditioning with micron filtration, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, cruise control, an adjustable steering column and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo. This is the only Element that still sports the unique gray vinyl fenders and lower body cladding. For 2007, the LX comes standard with remote keyless entry.

The EX add aluminum wheels, a passenger-side armrest and a 270-watt, seven speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with subwoofer, XM Satellite Radio hardware and redundant controls on the steering wheel. EX models have fenders and cladding painted to match the rest of the body.

The SC is equipped comparably with the Element EX model, including the upgrade 270-watt stereo.

Conclusions

Launched as a 2003 model, the Honda Element was originally aimed at young adventurers who need to haul wet or messy gear within the security of an enclosed cargo area. Its durable, quick-clean interior was a big part of its charm, rather than a strippo-model drawback. Low step-in height made loading mountain bikes or surfboards or big dogs easy, and vinyl flooring made it extra dog-friendly. In the end other folks saw the benefits of roomy box that was easy to park, and the Element is driven by a wide variety of consumers. For the latest updates on this model, visit the official Honda Element website!

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com