2006 Honda Element LX 4wd

I have owned the 2006 Honda Element LX 4wd for approx 2 1/2 years and driven 40k miles. Overall, I am very happy with the vehicle and glad I made the purchase. The Element has been very handy and very versatile, which is what you would expect based on its features.

Since I purchased the car new, I have had to change the oil, engine and cabin air filters, front and rear wipers, and right headlamp bulb. Currently I have a gurgling noise from the engine of the coolant system, which I will need to get drained and refilled before routine maintenance requires. The only other issue I’ve had to deal with is due to the “suicide” doors. The doors would creak over bumps and uneven surfaces, but this was due to the dealer not greasing the doors upon purchase. After switching dealerships and performing the service, the problem is gone. I have had good luck with the wear of the tires and they still have plenty of tread on them. I will need replace them all before winter 2009. The tires are meant to give low rolling resistance and are not great in snow, but the 4wd has always kicked in perfectly when needed. The overall fit and finish of the car is quite good and sturdy, but expect to have your side doors dinged fairly easily.

The Element has approx 156 hp with a 4 speed automatic transmission. The car also weighs approx 3400 pounds and the 4wd adds weight, but is not full-time. The car is pretty slow in acceleration, but can get out of it's own way it you give it a good amount of gas. Also, the car doesn't get good gas mileage. I have gotten approx 360 miles per gallon (15.9 gallon tank) on all highway driving going around 70 mph, but with in-town/mixed driving expect 220-240 mile range. Sitting in the car is about on par with other SUVs in terms of height, but visibility is poor to the front and rear sides due to the pillars being wide and in the way. There is also considerable wind noise on the highway due to the shape of the vehicle. The Element is not very long and a lot of the interior space is due to the height. The Element will fit very nicely in any parking spot and is not like driving a big SUV. The car handles well, but due to its center of gravity doesn't feel like a car. The car can brake well, but the weight limit is approx 600 pounds (not a misprint), so it is much slower with passengers and stops longer as well. All the floors are a rubber-type material, which makes it easier to clean, and the rear seats can lay flat and be folded to the sides for a very large storage space. Lastly, the car is no frills. A CD player and 4 speakers with ok sound accompany lots of cup holders and storage space in the front and rear. Legroom in the rear is great, but passengers sitting in the back will have to wait for the people in the front to open the door to get out.

Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and would purchase another Element after driving this one into the ground.