Honda: Element news **Discontinued (page 3)**
12-03-2010, 10:42 AM
#81
The sizzle in the Steak
Could today be the day Honda puts the Element out of its misery for good?!?!?
Honda as a brand hasn’t enjoyed a particularly strong year following lower than expected sales from its CR-Z, but sales for the Element have been even worse.
In fact, sales for the Element have dropped so low the model moved fewer than a thousand units last month, and according to AutoGuide, Honda Motor Company plans to announce later Friday that the brand will be dropping the model completely.
The Element was first introduced as a 2003 model year vehicle, which managed to beat the automaker’s estimated first-year sales of 50,000 units by moving a respectable 67,478 SUVs. But despite its strong start, the Element has remained mostly unchanged ever since aside from unique trim levels – making the model less competitive each year.
Leftlane will be sure to update this story as new information from Honda becomes available
In fact, sales for the Element have dropped so low the model moved fewer than a thousand units last month, and according to AutoGuide, Honda Motor Company plans to announce later Friday that the brand will be dropping the model completely.
The Element was first introduced as a 2003 model year vehicle, which managed to beat the automaker’s estimated first-year sales of 50,000 units by moving a respectable 67,478 SUVs. But despite its strong start, the Element has remained mostly unchanged ever since aside from unique trim levels – making the model less competitive each year.
Leftlane will be sure to update this story as new information from Honda becomes available
12-03-2010, 11:44 AM
#82
Safety Car
The End
The 2011 Honda Element will be the final model year of production of the innovative and functional crossover utility vehicle, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. 1st introduced in concept form as the Honda Model X at the 2001 North American International Auto Show, the Element virtually created its own functional class and became an immediate favorite for small businesses, outdoor enthusiasts and pet owners. After a long life cycle, utility-seeking customers have more recently embraced other vehicles in the Honda lineup like the versatile and comfortable CR-V.
"The Element proved that ultimate functionality can often come from thinking inside the box," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "It made boxy vehicle designs cool, and Element owners continue to enjoy its unique styling and unmatched versatility."
Developed from the inside-out, the Honda Element entered new territory when it debuted during the 2003 model year by providing a multi-functional cargo area, innovative and versatile seating, a durable and dirt-friendly interior, energetic performance and outstanding value. Major upgrades were made through the years including more power and safety features in the 2007 model year. More recently, the Element embraced its long-held position as a pet-friendly vehicle by introducing the Dog Friendly Element accessory package in 2009.
More than 325,000 Elements have been sold in the United States since its introduction in December 2002.
12-03-2010, 12:30 PM
#85
The sizzle in the Steak
12-03-2010, 01:10 PM
#86
Race Director
12-03-2010, 03:18 PM
#89
Trolling Canuckistan
Say what you will about the Element one things for sure, it's very hard to find someone who owns one who doesn't love it. For some people, it's the perfect daily driver/utility vehicle. From a business stand point, I can see why they would discontinue it but I'm sure there will be many who miss it.
12-03-2010, 05:46 PM
#90
Suzuka Master
Say what you will about the Element one things for sure, it's very hard to find someone who owns one who doesn't love it. For some people, it's the perfect daily driver/utility vehicle. From a business stand point, I can see why they would discontinue it but I'm sure there will be many who miss it.
Perfect counterpart to the C2S. The Element is ideal for surfing in terms of space, interior that can be readily cleaned, waterproof seats, ability to negotiate sand, etc. It's remarkable how much space is available, especially with the easy movement and removal of the rear seats. I've moved fridges, couches, cabinets, tables. Fuel economy is superb and the stereo is better than Bose in my Porsche.
12-05-2010, 10:16 PM
#91
It's too bad that Honda didn't continue to make improvements to the Element.
For a box on wheels, while not exactly pretty, it was one of the better looking ones and could be modified to meet a no. of interests (the camper Element is pretty neat).
For a box on wheels, while not exactly pretty, it was one of the better looking ones and could be modified to meet a no. of interests (the camper Element is pretty neat).
12-06-2010, 06:14 AM
#92
AZ Community Team
A girl bought our old dinning room set showed up in a Element to take it home. Took two trips but I was pretty amazed to see something that small haul away a table, cabinet, hutch , and six chairs.
12-06-2010, 01:00 PM
#93
Suzuka Master
Yeah, Elements are all over the place here fulfilling a unique niche for the active sports lifestyle whether it be surfing, diving, hiking, biking, etc. I will prolly always keep the Element as a beater and something to drive when it rains.
05-08-2012, 11:28 AM
#94
Safety Car
Japan Real Time
A reader recently wrote to ask if there are new vehicles that are as dog-friendly as the Honda Element. In late 2010 Honda Motor Co. said it would stop building the Element at the end of the 2011 model year. Ever since, some dog lovers and outdoor enthusiasts have been in automotive mourning for the boxy compact SUV.
Many dog fans, especially those with larger breeds, say Honda and other car makers don’t truly understand their needs. They may be right. For people looking to replace their beloved Elements, Honda recommends the CR-V compact crossover. It seems to make sense, since the 2 vehicles have always been closely related. But all you have to do is open the CR-V’s rear hatch to realize why it just doesn’t stack up.
While the Element was a box on wheels, the CR-V is more shapely and fashion-conscious, with a tapered rear end and sleeker profile. As a result its interior doesn’t have the same dog-friendly quality. The Element’s hard-plastic and rubber-lined cargo bay was also more flexible and easier to clean and maintain. You could wash it with a hose in a pinch. The ceiling height and cube-like shape of the Element’s rear area also made it ideal for large dogs who could stand up comfortably and move around easily.
Honda said it has no plans to bring back the Element, but other drivers say the news isn’t all bad. A number of readers chimed with replacement candidates that have worked well for them, including the Scion xB, Kia Soul and Jeep Wrangler.
Larger SUVs will work, but the 1st letter writer wanted to find a reasonably compact and fuel efficient model with a footprint about the same size as the Element’s.
The answer may be in the used market. While the Element wasn’t’ a huge seller, it was on the market for a decade so there are many used examples out there. Other discontinued models like the Kia Rondo might also be worth a look.
05-09-2012, 07:13 PM
#95
Senior Moderator
Good riddance!
05-09-2012, 10:38 PM
#96
אני עומד עם ישראל
^ My wife wanted an Element to replace our Fit. One of the biggest reasons is our two huskies. We were going to jump on a Venza, instead we ended up with a Highlander. They served a purpose 
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