Picture Gallery: 2007 Honda Element SC
Day 1:
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Personally I thought it would flop, and it did in one respect — the demographic that Honda had targeted. Honda originally stated the buyers of Elements would be in their late 20s or early 30s. These buyers would be the adventurous type that loved to go camping, biking or hiking. As it turned out, 40-somethings bought them in droves for the funky styling, utility and small engine that returned good fuel economy.
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Now it is 2007 and the Element’s funkiness has worn off by now — so Honda has redesigned it. Out are the black plastic body panels (on EX and SC trim), replaced with body-coloured ones, and in is the SC, “Street Custom” version of the Element, for an even hipper urban look.
The headlights on the new Element are narrower and less boxy, giving the front a more aggressive and sporty appearance. The Element SC’s exterior styling exhibits a sophisticated performance attitude with exclusive features that include projector beam halogen headlights, custom front and rear painted bumpers, large alloy wheels, custom grill. A lowered stance is achieved by lowering the ride height and by using uniquely shaped painted side sills and slimmer roof moldings.
The SC is only available in 2WD and only the option available is an automatic transmission, which my tester is also equipped with — unfortunately.
And although I agree with my father that the old Element looked like a bread truck, I have to say this new SC version looks extremely handsome. The dark tinted rear glass, cleanly styled 18″ alloy wheels and new sharp looks give it more of an edgy feel. I Can’t wait to see how it drives.
2007 Honda Element SC
MSRP as tested: $32,605
For more information on Honda and the Element visit Honda Canada
Day 2:
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If you have the room to open them, the clamshell doors can be useful for egress and ingress into the vehicle, although having to open the front door to allow the rear passenger to exit has never been to my liking. Kudos to Honda, though, for moving the fronts seatbelts and attaching them to the seats themselves, allowing easier access for rear passengers.
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The main party trick of the Element are the rear seats, which flip-up, fold flat and fold up and to the side, or can be removed altogether; according to Honda they allow for 64-plus seating arrangements. Combine that with a tail-gate styled rear opening, and the Element is quite capable of fitting more cargo than it can carry weight-wise.
At the front of the vehicle you are greeted with a good amount of space for even the tallest of drivers. The driver’s seat has adjustments for fore and aft, recline and seat height. Unfortunately for me, this is the second week in a row with no adjustable lumbar support, something I expect from a vehicle in the $30,000+ range.
Parts of the interior are well done, while other bits seem to be a little on the cheap side. For example, the HVAC controls are large and easy to reach and use, while the radio controls on the steering wheel are badly placed. And although less of a mish-mash than the Outlander was for materials, Honda has inexplicably decided to use pleather for the centre console when everything else in the vehicle is covered with rubber and other fabrics.
Day 3:
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The Element isn’t particularly heavy, but thanks to the four-cylinder engine, it feels heavier than its 1,629kg (3,591 lbs) curb weight would suggest. Surprisingly, around corners the Element really holds its own. To the LX and EX the Element SC adds sport suspension tuning with a lowered ride height; these springs contribute to a stiffer ride, but certainly add the roll control required to keep things flatter around the corners.
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The Element’s seating position is fairly high; even with the adjustable driver’s seat at its lowest position, I feel I’m sitting too high for the vehicle’s stance — especially with the lowered ride height of the SC model and its semi-sporting intentions. The steering wheel is tilt-only, making it a little more difficult to find a comfortable driving position than if Honda had included telescopic steering.
The only thing the Element is really lacking to make it super fun and practical is a more powerful engine. As it is, it seems to zip around fairly nicely, but get on the power and it is disappointing. Honda already put the “SC” badge on the back; now if only they would stick a SuperCharger in the front.
Day 4:
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Over the week, I was able to average approximately 11.5L/100km. This was almost exclusively city driving; unfortunately, I did not get a chance to get the Element onto the highway for any length of time this week.
After being with this vehicle for a week, I can understand Honda’s strategy for the Element. It would be a great vehicle for a young single person, or even a young couple without kids. The cargo capacity is excellent; although the lack of a bench rear seat reduces seating space, this may not be an issue for a young couple that may travel alone for the most part.
For someone with children, the clamshell doors are a little bit of a pain, requiring the driver or front seat passenger to open their door prior to allowing children to exit. However, if you are extremely protective, or have kids that tend to jump from the car while it is moving — this could be a huge bonus.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2007 Honda Element SC
MSRP as tested: $32,605
For more information on Honda and the Element visit Honda Canada
to our site.
June 13, 2007, 08:19:35 am Have to give Honda credit - at least they're sticking to an original vehicle no other manufacturer else seems to have found any interest in following.
Maybe they should have made the Element their hybridarrific vehicle instead of the Accord - could have drive some sales to the Element.
Reminds me of the 'different' GMC Envoy with the rear door window that went down (like the station wagons in the 1970's) and the roof that folded up turning it into an SUV with pick-up pretentions.
I think that one's a gonner now.....
June 13, 2007, 11:42:16 am I too have always liked the lego styling of the original element. Styling wise this SC looks better IMO. But I sure hope the SC drives better than the original though. Because the original element was the worst driving experience I've had in a Honda. Plus it's a mistake for the rear seats to be capable of only carrying two passengers. That just isn't right for a vehicle that's suppose to be versatile.
The original with AWD for about $25k was pretty good. But at $32k with only FWD ... I'll take a fun to drive Fit over an Element SC for about half the price.
June 13, 2007, 12:14:37 pm
I've driven the original in both auto and manual, and the manual transformed the experience.
I'm surprised the SC isn't available with AWD, but I guess the price would be creeping high... above the FJ Cruiser. But still. Also, would prefer the rubber floor.
June 13, 2007, 12:26:11 pm
That always seems to be the case. When I test drove the element it was an auto because they had no manuals for test drive.
June 13, 2007, 12:41:22 pm It's funny that Honda completely missed their target demo, yet found a niche anyway and scored some good sales numbers. Their "active lifestyle" crowd target thinks the Element is laughable. That crowd has the following take on vehicles (generally speaking):
1. Subaru is King. Decent on gas is important, real AWD is required, off-road capbility is limited, but logging roads are easily handled by most Scoobs. Poorer 20-30's crowd own 90's Legacies, established 30-40's crowd have newer Foresters. 2000- Outbacks have very low front and rear overhangs, not very popular.
2. Toyota is the Off-Road Ruler. The older 4x4 four-cylinder Toyota pick up is the off-road God for ice/rock climbers and backcountry adventurers needing to get into difficult areas. Sips gas, indestructible, rusts and looks gross so no one steals it.
3. Honda Civic is the Prince, especially hatchback models. The older hatches are the fall back for the guys that couldn't find a good old 2.2L Scoob. They are good with snowies mounted and sip fuel. Two guys and lots of gear can be crammed into them and bikes/skis/whatever go on top.
4. Various older mid-sized SUV's including 4-Runners (four bangers are coveted) and Pathfinders. Sixes are hard on gas, but cheap to buy, simple to DIY fix, and durable.
5. Jeeps, the older the better, and Cherokees preferably for the interior room, though CJ's are a great find. All hard on gas, for die-hard off-roaders only.
June 13, 2007, 01:11:23 pm The Element SC with stick is a vehicle I would put near the top of my MPV-replacement list...if it sat 3 in the back. That 4-seat config is a major mistake.
June 14, 2007, 02:37:34 pm
1. Subaru is King. Decent on gas is important, real AWD is required, off-road capbility is limited, but logging roads are easily handled by most Scoobs. Poorer 20-30's crowd own 90's Legacies, established 30-40's crowd have newer Foresters. 2000- Outbacks have very low front and rear overhangs, not very popular.
2. Toyota is the Off-Road Ruler. The older 4x4 four-cylinder Toyota pick up is the off-road God for ice/rock climbers and backcountry adventurers needing to get into difficult areas. Sips gas, indestructible, rusts and looks gross so no one steals it.
3. Honda Civic is the Prince, especially hatchback models. The older hatches are the fall back for the guys that couldn't find a good old 2.2L Scoob. They are good with snowies mounted and sip fuel. Two guys and lots of gear can be crammed into them and bikes/skis/whatever go on top.
4. Various older mid-sized SUV's including 4-Runners (four bangers are coveted) and Pathfinders. Sixes are hard on gas, but cheap to buy, simple to DIY fix, and durable.
5. Jeeps, the older the better, and Cherokees preferably for the interior room, though CJ's are a great find. All hard on gas, for die-hard off-roaders only.
Very nicely summarized, you've captured it perfectly. Not only that but I kind of sense the same applies to the US NW as well. If I'm right it makes me wonder what the marketing types in Honda were thinking. Then again who knows, maybe once they're 10 years old they'll make it into their target demographic after all.
June 14, 2007, 03:09:16 pm I'm getting the "FEELINGS..Ooooh whooo feeling" that the New Element "Xcs$"..is off the "CHART"....it does wot the Fit does at nearly TWICE THE PRICE.............WDF!!??
June 15, 2007, 01:30:21 pm The "Lego-style" as you call it is my favourite. I have looked for a while for a decent price on a used model, but the damn things have ridiculous resale prices and are just a little too pricey new for a second vehicle.
I think I like it so much because it reminds me of the Thing.
Prufrock - my brother had a 1974 VW Thing...Orange with green racing stripes that actually SAID "The Thing" It was so ugly it was cool..had an under dash AM/FM radio, drain holes in the floor, windshield could be folded down on the hood, windows popped out, black vinyl seats (daggum hot in the summer with the top down!), removeable doors, the Beele engine, you were lucky to see 100 km/h with a taliwind. We would put 8 in it, 2 in front, 3 in the back seat, 3 sitting way out back and hanging onto the roll bar...
Damn I miss that car..
June 15, 2007, 02:06:37 pm U can always play with yer Other THING
June 15, 2007, 06:18:54 pm Why is it that mega blocks never get any recognition
Element 'lego' commerical
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8WszTv6jUE
June 16, 2007, 01:16:24 am
105 kg heavier than a 4x4 5 speed Tribute and saddled with an automatic. Ya, the 5 speed would breath some life back in to it.
June 16, 2007, 11:15:46 pm I had an Element, Changed to a Mazda5 b'cos of the sliding door for the convenience of the new born baby. Until today, i still miss my Element !! The Element SC is not worth the extra coin tho IMHO.The original cladding is the best !!
June 17, 2007, 08:06:04 am The rear suicide doors are not very user friendly if there is rear seat passengers. Great openings for loading and unloading stuff.
I brought home a big screen TV, a dishwasher, 21" folding ladder, small office furnishings in an Element.
June 17, 2007, 03:49:57 pm
June 18, 2007, 09:06:55 am
LOL! Hahaha
June 18, 2007, 03:39:37 pm didn't majority of today's car have child lock on the rear door?
June 18, 2007, 03:44:21 pm
Those are useful with children and very much fun with adults.
June 18, 2007, 08:10:00 pm
You won't have kids for long if they tend to do that often...
June 18, 2007, 08:27:01 pm I jumped from a moving car as a child. It may have brained my damage.
/Remember kids, tuck and roll!!!
June 18, 2007, 10:56:42 pm
June 18, 2007, 11:49:02 pm
June 19, 2007, 12:57:28 pm My brother had one of these (2004?), he dumped it because a friend had little pinhole rust spots all over his. Sure enough my brother looked at his and the same problem. He was not impressed, loved the vehicle for the funcionality it offered: two dogs, mtn. bikes, decent gas mileage. He dumpd it and bought a Mazda3. His other, older car happens to be an Impreza. My brother sort of was the target demographic...just 15 years older.
June 19, 2007, 07:47:43 pm Well done boys! Great news!
June 19, 2007, 08:33:12 pm Element? Which one? Buttuglyium?