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2004 Honda Element EX Minivan
Sometimes the thinking is best inside the box
Car Review of the 2004 Honda Element EX Minivan
Base MSRP Range: $16,100 - $21,350
Base Invoice Range: $14,900 - $19,725
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MSRP As Tested: Not Available
Versions: DX, LX, EX
Vehicle Category: Compact Sport-Utility Vehicle/Truck
Engine Location: Front Engine
Drive Wheels: Standard Front Wheel Drive, Optional All Wheel Drive
Engine As Tested 2.4-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, I-4 cylinder, 160-horsepower at 5,500rpm and 161 lb-ft torque at 4,500 rpm.
Transmission As Tested: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual .
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 4-speed manual, 2WD - 21/26, 4-speed automatic, 2WD - 21/26, 5-speed manual, 4WD - 21/24, 5-speed automatic, 4WD - 21/24
Standard Safety Features: Antilock Braking System, Driver and front passenger air bags, chld safety locks, power 4-Wheel Disc Brakes.
Competition: Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Subaru Forester, .
Review
There are some cars that, from the moment you see them, you know whether you like them or not. There’s no middle ground; they are either appealing or not. However, once in a blue moon a vehicle comes along that shatters all preconceived opinions.
It doesn’t happen overnight, but rather, it wears on you like an old, tattered sweater: On the outside, it’s not that attractive, but once you try it on it fits so perfectly and comfortably that you reach for it again and again.
And, that’s exactly what happened when the 2004 Honda Element rolled into our parking lot. At first glance, the Element was like geometry-on-wheels ' a perfect box. It was as if the design engineers tossed everything they knew about aerodynamics out the window, and instead used the Holsum Bread truck as a model for this utilitarian vehicle. It was square; it had few amenities and felt very, um … plastic inside. We were not that enthused about the thought of driving our Element around for an entire week.
Oh, How Wrong We Were
The Element was actually created and is priced to attract the attention of the youthful Generation Y. Positioned as a lead-in car for Honda (i.e., a “first car” for high school and college coeds) its purpose is to instill brand loyalty in these consumers. The thinking is that after graduation and upon making a real salary, these drivers will progress up the Honda chain of vehicles: First the Element, then the Pilot, until they finally enter the luxury Acura class. It’s all part of a grand scheme.
But, who says that Generation Y should have all the fun? Though the Element offers bare bones amenities (read: keyless entry isn’t standard), has a relatively small engine and a ground clearance that’s equal to most sedans, it’s one of the most versatile, surprising vehicles we have driven in a long time.
