The Honda Element was introduced for the 2003 model year. This crossover SUV is what is described by Honda as a multi-functional and adaptable light-duty truck. It features a hard, flat floor like that of a pickup with side cargo doors and versatile seating and storage amenities to accommodate both passengers as well as cargo.

The Element is available in three trim levels; LX, EX (in 2WD and 4WD versions) and the all new SC trim. The EX has alloy wheels and steering wheel audio controls. It has a basic warranty of 60 months/ 60,000 miles.

For 2007 the Honda Element receives significant upgrades. Horsepower gets a 10 hp boost. It now has an available 5-speed AT as opposed to the previous model year’s 4-speed AT. It is also equipped with a coterie of safety gadgets including standard equipment such as side curtain airbags and stability control. Inconvenient door-mounted front seatbelts have been converted to integrated seat belts to simplify exit from the rear seat. The instrument panel has a snazzier design. An all new SC trim with distinctive interior and exterior characteristics is added to the line-up. It has a lowered ride height and a sport-tuned suspension.

The Element is equipped with a 2.4-liter inline 4 engine that serves up 166 horsepower (HP) and 161 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. It features an i-VTEC variable valve timing and lift technology and offers the choice of a 2WD or a 4WD. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, while a 5-speed automatic is optional.

It achieves an EPA estimated fuel economy of 21/25 mpg (city/highway) for the 5-speed manual and 22/27 mpg (city/highway) for the 5-speed automatic on the Element with the 2WD.

Mileage amounts to 21/24 mpg (city/highway) for the 5-speed manual and 21/26 mpg (city/highway) for the 5-speed automatic on the Element with the 4WD.

The Honda Element’s design is tailor made to provide heaps of cargo space and its boxy shape is proof of it. Its distinctive profile ensures that it stands out on the road. The low hood line moves on towards a windshield and then traces its path into a gently curved roofline. The rear tailgate is virtually vertical.

The front fascia now sports a two-bar grille and headlights that seem to be inspired by the Honda Ridgeline. EX models are geared up with redesigned 16" alloy wheels. The panels on the front and rear fenders, front fascia, and rocker panels are made from a scratch- and dent-resistant composite material.

Standard exterior features include; a fold-down tailgate, front dependent dual access panels, a compact spare tire, all-season tires, alloy wheels, an interior spare tire, a flip-up liftgate window, a power window lockout/override, a rear window wiper/washer, rear privacy glass, rear side vent windows, mirrors, front dual power windows, front and rear bumpers, and body color door handles.

The interiors are extremely practical and functional. The Element though wider than the CR-V seats only four as opposed to the CR-V’s five. Its front seat area has comfortable headroom. High seating in the rear offers passengers seated there heaps of room and a great view. There is heaps of stowage area too. The Element SC as opposed to the rest of its rugged siblings is slick and urbane. It is stylish with a sedan-like quality.

Standard interior features include; a removable rear glass sunroof with tilt, an interior air filter, rear heating ducts, air conditioning, front dual manually reclining bucket seats, theater style rear seating, rear dual reclining folding removable bucket seats, front and rear waterproof FXC cloth seats and more.

The Element’s handling is sure and precise. A firm suspension brings forth a hassle free ride in the city. The shift lever of the manual transmission is mounted on the console and is convenient to operate.

The Element might not be all glamour and glory, but when it comes to day-to-day functionality and commuting in the city, it is a great vehicle to own. Steering is responsive and a wide track gives it the right amount of balance to help out in a tight spot.

The Element scored five stars out of five (the absolute best) for frontal-impact protection in government crash tests. It was rated with five stars for front occupants and five stars for the rear in side-impact tests. It has standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes, and front side-impact airbags. Side curtain airbags and stability control are now standard gear.

Standard safety features include; front side airbags with a passenger-side occupant position detection system, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, side-impact door beams, lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH), vehicle stability assist with traction control, brake assist, electronic brake distribution, tire pressure monitoring system, 3-point seat belts at all seating positions, front 3-point seat belts with automatic tensioning system, and dual-stage, and dual-threshold front airbags (SRS).