Honda Element Passes Triathlete Test
Our own resident triathlete — and lord of Cars.com’s Buying Guides — Bill Jackson is working on a story about how certain products help weekend warriors live with their vehicles. He took the new 2007 Honda Element SC along for the ride, and this is his reaction to the redesigned Element.
“I've always thought the Element would be perfect for my triathlon, camping and bike-racing adventures, but now that I actually got my hands on one, would it really measure up?
“I tested the Element with my most robust bike — a 58-cm cyclocross bike. To pass muster it had to swallow the bike without removing a wheel, and only one seat could be folded up. It also had to carry a bag of clothes and provide space — other than a seat — for me to sit and change shoes (instead of sitting on wet pavement or sweating on a seat).
“The Element swallowed the bike just fine, though I did have to turn the front wheel, taking up the rear passenger's legroom, so the hatch could close. The bag fit easily, and the wide, pillarless side-door opening was perfect for sitting in.
“One caveat: If you travel with two other people, gear and three bikes, you'll have to remove bike wheels to make them all fit. That's not difficult, but if you have reservations about removing the wheel, or have a lot of friends, it's something to consider.
“Final verdict: Fits me and my biggest bike, but I don't have many friends who race.”
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I would like to see how these modern day vehicles with next to no bodywork behind the rear wheels (overhang) would perform in a real world rear-end collision.With the exception of a flimsy plastic "bumper" there is nothing but rear wheel as first contact in a serious rear ender.I can only picture the bumper of the offending vehicle sneaking its way into the space formerly occupied by the rear seatback,and its passengers....
If police Crown Victorias are burning up when impacted even with their massive hind quarters,how would a Metro/Element/Scion A/B...etc survive?
Having never removed the "flimsy plastic 'bumper'" cover from an Element, I can only assume that Honda has a real steel bumper underneath like every other car these days that have those flimsy plastic bumpers...
I believe that the Element does have a foam energy absorber and a steel reinforcement bar behind the cosmetic cover. However, your point about the safety of these small SUVs is well-taken. Since they are classified as trucks they are not subject to the same safety requirements as passenger cars. The most glaring example of this, to me, is the 1996-2005 Toyota RAV4. Look at the rear end. Where's the bumper? That's right - other than the plastic end caps and the gate mounted spare tire, there is none! I am an insurance appraiser, and I have seen many times what happens when this vehicle gets rear-ended. The force is absorbed by the spare tire, liftgate, and rear floor instead of energy-absorbing foam and directing the energy around the occupants. I cannot speak to occupant safety, but I can speak to an increased repair cost of these vehicles vs. traditional station wagons or cars. In a moderate rear-end crash, what would otherwise be a $1000-$1500 replacement of the rear bumper becomes a $2000 and up repair of the spare tire and bracket, liftgate, cutting out and replacing the rear floor, exhaust, etc. I believe Toyota addressed this issue in the current-gen RAV4, as have most automakers in their SUV's...However, look at any older Expedition, Explorer, Tahoe/Suburban, or similar vehicle and see what is protecting that vehicle other than a steel bumper that is little more than a place to stand as you load your booty from the local Costco.
The comment about police Crown Victorias is completely irrelevant. The infamous crashes with the Crown Vics were very-high speed rear collisions. The gov't and automakers could never get a car produced that could withstand such an impact. It is similar to making a high rise building withstand the crash of large jet; it just isn't feasible.
As a mountain biker/dad I consider it the perfect vehicle for me. I opted for the LX vs SC since there's no carpeting & higher off road clearance. It's nice to be able to flip up only HALF of the rear seating so I can have my bike and my 2 year old in rear of the vehicle at the same time. (try that ford, chevy, jeep, rover) No sticky carpet from the 2 y.o. & no stains from the dirty bike. I recently even camped inside of it comfortably on a 10 day trip.
I have a lot of triathlete/bicycle riding friends who have this whip, and they love it! I've always had the 4x4 Jeep, but of course had to fold the back seat down, take the wheels off, and only take 1 other person. I like the off-road advantage of the Jeep, but I'm leaning towards trading it in for the Element. Off-roading??.. that's what my Mt. Bike is for anyways! I would love to hear from any other outdoor-ist who have this car. Thanks.
I bought an 08 element sc I love it. I work on my house constantly and like the extra room i can make by removing the rear seats. I found it easy to put a baby in a car seat in the car. The 18 inch rims and lowered stance handle cornering like a car instead of a truck. It is still breaking and the gasmilage has gone up from 19 mpg to 24 with my heavy footed driving. I would recomend this car to people who have grown out of the civic.
I did back into a concrete barrier my first month owning it . I cracked the rear bumper. it was easily replaced. Fairly inexpensive at under $500.00
I have owned an element since 2003. I have owned everything from suburbans to jeep wranglers and the element is the most versatile, functional, and well rounded car i have ever owned. I makes and awesome cross country vehicle and i dont think it gets enough credit for its snow and ice handling. I love taking my element in the deep snow. If anyone is looking for a functional car that you can appreciate for years check out the element.
have me your e.mail address to contact with you
ok what type of car did you have now
ok what type of car do you have?
This is the only snow-capable car we could put two long-travel mt bikes into without taking anything apart [wheels intrude between the front seats]. Actually, we can cram 3 mt bikes & 3 riders + bags/stuff inside if we take one front wheel off.
Hate the deterrent to riding of having to dismantle bikes to fit inside cars. Sick of the theft issues & reduction in mileage from roof racks & pickup trucks. Can't fathom why someone would buy an Element then put a roof rack on it like almost all do--get a Fit or Prius, instead.
Reasonably comfortable & quiet crossing the Great Basin--my idea of a true highway test--& good over Moab dirt roads with minor ledges.
The i-Pod socket is cool. XM radio is lame--100's of channels of the same crap you hate on FM, & you are paying to listen to the inevitable ads that are creeping in.
Gas mileage nothing to write home about [25-mpg]. Shame on Honda--our '89 Civic got 44mpg & did 100-mph on the autobahn. What's the problem?
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