2007 Honda Element SC: First Drive
I’ll be honest: I’ve never been a fan of the Element. When it came out in 2003 I thought it was strange — it just didn’t look like any non-concept car I’d ever seen. I did think the water-resistant floor was a nice touch, though. Then a funny thing happened. Lots of cars started to get boxy like the Element.
Now Honda is offering a new Element model — the SC — for 2007, and has upgraded the standard Element LX and EX. Although, when I sat and listened to a corporate presentation about the SC, I wasn’t buying that anyone in their ideal demographic, making $70,000, would plunk down $22K for a Root Beer Metallic (that’s actually the name of one of the paint colors) box on wheels.
But the more I saw of the other vehicles the company had on hand in black and silver, the more I liked it. Then I got to take the Root Beer SC for a ride.
The first thing buyers should know is that the manual shifter is high up on the dash. When an automatic gear selector is in this spot it isn’t as big a deal, but when your right hand is constantly raised that high to shift, be prepared for a slight work out. Otherwise the SC’s lowered suspension, mated to a new 166-hp four-cylinder, is a nice improvement. This box on wheels now handles like a more aerodynamic box on wheels.
For me, though, it wasn’t the handling that finally turned me around. It was that darn Honda practicality, improved interior quality and an abundance of cubbies that swayed me to SC fandom. The interior is also dressed up with nice piano-black accents around the vents and metal-trimmed knobs for the A/C. The metal was a nifty copper inside the Root Beer SC, and an all-black SC was trimmed in titanium. The tribal pattern stitched into the seats and door panels was only acceptable in the all-black model. Otherwise it was a little too over-the-top for anyone old enough to vote.
After an entire day of testing all of Honda's vehicles, the Element SC was the lone surprise. I did find it a bit pricey, though, starting at $22,695. There's also no four-wheel-drive version offered like on the other two Element trim levels.
I can’t see myself ever buying one, but at least now I’ll understand people who do.
The Details:
Piano black air conditioning vent
Metal trimmed environmental controls
Tribal pattern
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'The first thing buyers should know is that the manual shifter is high up on the dash. When an automatic gear selector is in this spot it isn’t as big a deal, but when your right hand is constantly raised that high to shift, be prepared for a slight work out.'
when i was shopping for an element (i ended up with a 2005 EX), my main concern was that the postion of the shifter would be uncomfortable. i buy only manual-shift cars, and this would have been a deal-breaker if i didn't like it.
amazingly, it's really in a quite natural spot - very comfortable. liked it so much i bought one and hope to keep the box forever.
oh - did i mention i live in los angeles and commute on the 405 and 101 between venice and burbank every day? crazy, maybe, but never uncomfortable.
For that, you deserve a trophy. The 405 is an easy way to waste an entire afternoon -- let alone a morning commute five days a week.
nice car
It's a comfortable shifter location because it's closer to your right hand's steering wheel placement. Since it's closer to your hand's normal position (in situations where you're likely to want to shift gears), it should actually be LESS of a "workout" than a floor-mounted version. At any rate, I think only someone with a repetitive stress injury would find it taxing to lift one's hand to dashboard level.
it's not the lift as much as the stretch for me. Although this seating position is better than say the old Civic Si with a similar position for the shifter.
"oh - did i mention i live in los angeles and commute on the 405 and 101 between venice and burbank every day? crazy, maybe, but never uncomfortable."
they should give us both trophys for even driving on those crappy freeways.
nice car BTw
I have a 2005 LX Manual. I have to say that the shifter position is very very good. It certanly looks as though it would be uncomfortable, but that is not so. I much prefer it to the shifter position in my 92 GTi. When ever I got into the GTi I feel like I need monkey arms to drive it compared to the element.
do you have the paint code for the rootbeer metalic sc element
i wabnt one, cant afford one, anyone awant to give me some money
i purchased the 2007 element sc in silver grey, its a spunky little lunchbox, and a joy to drive. it handled very well in the snow this winter. i would like to have an option, as far as a four wheel drive version. but overall the element sc is a worthy investment.
The element has become a key element in my commute and I wont trade one unless it was to purchase another. Bread box looks aside its just too practicle to pass up. Hope you all are enjoying yours, and to the person who has no money the SC class Element should be an extra incentive to find a better job. ;-)
Hello. i search the Colorcode from this Car (Root Beer Metallic)? Can you help me????
Thanx
Sorry - the Excrement, at least the older one, drives miserably and is one of the most unpleasant cars you could ever find yourself in - especially as a passenger. Wouldn't recommend one to my worst enemy. Can't say a good thing about it other than you can hose out the back. And I love the 1980s era interior. Can't wait to see when Yawnda realizes we're in the 21st century.
I own a few vehicles, but my favorite is my 2004 Honda Element 2wd EX. This car is the ultimate. I have owned many SUV's mercedes, BMW's you name it. I drive this car exclusively because of the fun factor. As a Honda it is %110 reliable, gas efficient and still an eye turner to the public. I know lot's of people make fun of this box on wheels, but when they drive it they get it! Wake up America This is it> I will definitely buy the new SC version without even test driving it.
A loyal Element fan for nearly 4 years when it first came out. I have by the way 50k Flawless miles on the car and it drives better than new :)
I'm a loyal Honda owner - just traded the fifteen year old Accord which I purchased new. Hated to see it go because it never gave me a moment's trouble, but it was time and I opted for a Honda Element SC. I admit I'm non-traditional (am a 51 year old law student) so maybe the non-traditional appearance of the Element grabbed me more than most, but I bought it for its practicality. I have five small dogs that I like to take with me on trips. For safety I prefer to carry crates for each dog and that's not easy to accomplish in a sedan. With the Element, it's a breeze!
I haven't seen this discussed much, but I'd like to say that this car is excellent for folks like me who are hitting their prime with some arthritis and extra weight. I got very tired of hoisting myself out of the Accord which actually put my knees above my rear end when trying to exit the vehicle. No graceful way to do it... However with my new Element, the seating is just right to enter and exit the vehicle by simply sitting up a little and then sliding off the seat easily - no deep knee bends or panty displays. I don't think anyone wants to drive a car that is labeled "good for fat folks" but if it's a consideration for you, test drive the Element. It still drives like a Honda and has a good springy ride, but it's not cramped like the CRV and it's easy to enter/exit, unlike compact sedans or coupes.
Here is the thing about the Element...either you love it or you hate it. If you have a follow-the-hordes mentality, you will probably say you hate it and that's OK...my wife isn't especially nuts about it and we still manage to get along just fine. On the other hand, if you are tired of all the other cars that look just like one another, don't really care what your neighbors think and want one of the nicest driving vehicles (calling it a car is just wrong) you'll ever own…the Element SC is the way to go.
I just traded in my 2004 Element EX for a 2007 SC. I got a smokin' deal on it because the 08s are hitting the lot. I wasn't intending on buying a new car the day I first laid eyes on the SC but since I am rather impulsive and the car "totally rocks" according to my 13-year-old, I figured what the heck.
What I like about the Element SC is that it is a jazzed up version of the Element EX and suits my personality more...I bought the black one. It is not cluttered with gadgets and buttons and doesn't have heated seats. It doesn't have headlight wipers or any of the other goofy stuff some high-end car companies put in their cars. It is simple and harmonious which sums me up in two words. It is a pleasure to drive (it has plenty of zip) and very roomy. I don't ever feel cramped and neither will anyone that sits in the back seat. Plus, I can fold the seats up and put a 6-foot Christmas tree or my wife's kayak in the back. I actually bought a new lawn mower the other day and was able to put it in the back seat, on the floor without folding the seats up…the doors open to accommodate just about anything.
The best part of the Element SC is the sound system. In a word, it is awesome. And I think one of the reasons it sounds so good is the shape and size of the interior. It’s like driving around in your own private concert hall.
I think the Element SC is perfectly designed. The only thing I would like more of is gas mileage. I am averaging 23-24 mpg and would like to see it improved to 30+...maybe they'll come out with a hybrid version by the time I am ready to buy my next Element.
I just saw the root beer color today, and I really like it. I liked the Element since I first saw it in 2003. Used one to move my daughter into college (and she had A LOT of stuff) and it held it all.
I think I should have bought one when the first came out and were $16,000 or $18,000 as now they are about $22,000 or more.
I like Honda Element, though I don't have got it. By the way the Element was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2003.