Questions for Elemet owners/enthusiasts

[vixkix69]

Hi.After looking at mustangs and pt cruisers,I have come to the Element.
I haven't had a test drive yet.Can you guys look over these questions and give me a little imput? I am already leaning towards the E.

• Is the blind spot a big deal?
• Does it really have an unlit dash?
• Is it true that it has an easily scratched interior? This is not a big deal to me as long as they are scratches, not rips.
• Does the wind shield “attract” rocks or get damaged a lot?
• Lots of road noise? I can handle road noise as I am used to trucks.
• Does the auto leave something to be desired in “power” ?
• Does the manual tranny make for peppier ride?
• Is the grill a big problem as far as repairs?
• The dx doesn't come with a/c? YIKES!!

I see that there may be a few inconveniences,but I also realize that Hondas are generally reliable. I think the Elements are kind of ugly yet adorable.

I have been looking towards the 03s and 04s, but the 06 has so many upgrades/improvements that they may be hard to resist.



Thanks,Guys(Ladies)!!

[Officer Redneck]

Originally Posted by vixkix69

Hi.After looking at mustangs and pt cruisers,I have come to the Element.
I haven't had a test drive yet.Can you guys look over these questions and give me a little imput? I am already leaning towards the E.

• Is the blind spot a big deal?
• Does it really have an unlit dash?
• Is it true that it has an easily scratched interior? This is not a big deal to me as long as they are scratches, not rips.
• Does the wind shield “attract” rocks or get damaged a lot?
• Lots of road noise? I can handle road noise as I am used to trucks.
• Does the auto leave something to be desired in “power” ?
• Does the manual tranny make for peppier ride?
• Is the grill a big problem as far as repairs?
• The dx doesn't come with a/c? YIKES!!

I see that there may be a few inconveniences,but I also realize that Hondas are generally reliable. I think the Elements are kind of ugly yet adorable.

I have been looking towards the 03s and 04s, but the 06 has so many upgrades/improvements that they may be hard to resist.



Thanks,Guys(Ladies)!!

The blind spot is a bother at first but you get used to it. It's not that bad.
The dash is lit like anything else and is easy to see in daylight with the cone shaped cover.
I haul rocks, lumber, and anything else I need to put in it and the plastic spare cover can get scratched but thats all i've noticed.
I haven't had any problems with my windshield and I live close to two different rock quarrys so theres lots of opertunity.
The road noise isn't as bad as you would think but it is louder than say an Explorer or a Blazer.
Anything you drive will be peppier with a manual but the auto does quit well. It will out run a 4.3 Blazer and a 4.0 Explorer off the line through the first hundred yards.
I haven't seen any problem with the grill and I hit an owl not too long ago with no damage.
I'd spring for the EX with the real time 4 wheel drive.
If you have any other questions, give me a holler.

[onestopmotors]

I was looking to get a Honda Element as well, and had the same questions as the original poster -- so thanks for your replies, Officer Redneck!