Anyone who has owned both the Element and the Element SC will agree that the Element SC handles better and has a far quieter engine than the Element. Though this car only gained 10 horsepower over the Honda Element, do not go out and start sprinting with other motorists on the road. A 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine with 166 horsepower powers the Element SC. An automatic transmission with five speeds now powers the engine instead of the base Element model’s four. You can reach 100 kph with this small power in about 9.6 seconds, so you won’t win any drag racing championships either. With an average of 19.7 l/100 km, it gets very good mileage for a moving brick with largely disregarded aerodynamics.
In This Article...
For a Honda Element, what does SC mean?
SC Trim, New Style. Variants of the Honda Element are available in LX, EX, and SC (for “Street Custom”) trim levels. While the SC only has front-wheel drive, the LX and EX both have front- and all-wheel drive.
What makes a Honda Element SC different?
From a distance, a cursory glance at the Element SC would lead one to believe that the only distinction between it and the original Honda Element is that the SC’s wheels appear to fill out the car more. The Element SC sits 0.9 inches lower than the Element and has a 0.7-inch lower ground clearance, which is also apparent. In fact, this improves the Element SC’s posture.
They modified the stock wheels to 18-inch 5-spoke ones to give the Element SC a more substantial appearance. Additionally, Honda updated the front and rear bumpers with a distinctive paint job, adding broader, sharper multi-element project-beam headlights, and finished the front design with a “aero grille. A trim piece along the roofline completed the updated appearance.
Honda added a full carpet to the interior of the Element, covering the entire floor from the back seats to the front. Additionally, they placed a center console in-between the seats and updated the seats with dark accent colors. Honda fitted in a 270 watt, 7-speaker radio and a ground-moving subwoofer that elevated the car to a moving concert venue in an obvious attempt to increase buzz surrounding the car.
When was the Honda Element SC manufactured?
The Honda Element, which was made from 2003 to 2011, is useful, quirky, and distinctive. Additionally, it uses space admirably well. Despite being eight inches shorter than a Civic, the Element’s boxy shape and large cabin give it enough inside space for four passengers who are six feet tall to ride in comfort. The Element boasts a roughly 56-inch-wide opening with all the doors open thanks to a pair of smaller, reverse-opening doors adjacent to the front doors and the absence of a “B pillar, making it simple to load up passengers or freight.
For a form that is squared off, the Element looks very cool. A surfboard and a beach lifeguard station were cited by Honda as design inspirations during the press introduction of the vehicle, with the latter’s influence seen in the curving roofline. They added that the Element catered to young, active people who enjoyed camping, owning dogs, skiing and snowboarding, and of course, surfing. The front and rear ends are thus made of unpainted plastic composite panels with the thought being that you wouldn’t have to be concerned about dents or scratches while enjoying the great outdoors.
However, many older people have also discovered the Element to be suitable for their lifestyles, which may or may not involve visits to antique shops, where the Element’s huge portals and height cabin can swallow up enormous things with ease. This is despite Honda’s persistent demographic angling. Naturally, the Element’s elemental all-around goodness also plays a role in its appeal to both young and old people.
The Element is a great used car purchase thanks to these characteristics and the reliable Honda engineering, with top-notch models selling for between $10,000 and $15,000. We’ll provide you all the information you need to locate and purchase the ideal one for you in this buyer’s guide.
Honda Element SC: Does it have AWD?
I tested the sport-tuned SC version of the Element, which Honda refers to as “Street Custom.” Front-wheel drive is the only standard configuration; all-wheel drive is an option for the LX and EX trim levels.
What is the Honda Element’s expected lifespan?
With proper maintenance and prudent driving, the Honda Element may endure between 250,000 and 300,000 miles, which is the equivalent of 1520 years of service.
Why were Honda Elements no longer produced?
The first Honda Element made its appearance in 2003, distinguished from previous Honda models by a peculiar boxy frame. In order to compete with pick-up trucks and larger SUVs, it was designed to draw a younger, more adventurous demographic.
Fans noticed the interior’s complete customizability right away. Access to seats that can either be made into a bed or put against the sides for greater cargo room is made possible by the fold-out tailgate and the rear access doors.
The Honda Element eventually got more sporty modifications, like a better suspension and 18 wheels for off-roading. With the addition of a dog bed in the back and a fan plug to keep your adventurous pet cool, it also became more dog-friendly.
But there was one significant issue. The Honda Element was too pricey for its intended market of young adults (about 21). The fact that this SUV is ideal for moving, camping, and other activities was insufficient to persuade younger people to take out sizable loans for it.
So, regrettably, when the Honda Element was withdrawn in 2011, we believed we were saying goodbye to it forever.
How can I tell whether my Honda Element is an LX or an EX?
Wheels: LX features steel wheels, whereas EX has alloy wheels for the audio system. LX features four speakers for its radio. EX includes a CD player that can play mp3 CDs and six speakers plus one (the one being the subwoofer). Fenders: EX’s are painted in the car’s color (for newer models? ), whereas LX’s have composite black fenders.
Has the Honda Element SC got a roof?
The brand-new for 2007 SC model sports reduced suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, and unique exterior and interior aesthetic accents. All-wheel drive models have a detachable rear sunroof.
What distinguishes a Honda Element DX from an EX?
With the EX trim level ($20,510), many extras are included, including air conditioning, alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, power mirrors, a stereo, and other features.
Honda Elements: Are they popular?
Although the Honda Element was intended for young people, no one in their 20s ever purchased one to go camping, hiking, surfing, or riding. Its unremarkable design contributed to the fact that it wasn’t a big hit with the younger generation.
And following the product’s first year of manufacturing, research revealed that the majority of consumers were over 35, with a median age of 42. Older customers didn’t appear to mind the aesthetics and liked the usefulness.
For the first several years, the Honda Element sold well, selling more than 50,000 copies year until 2006. Honda chose not to continue producing the compact sport utility vehicle in 2010, after sales fell to roughly 11,000 units.
The compact SUV is presently in high demand on the used market due to its practicality, despite the fact that a new Element won’t be making its debut any time soon.
There are numerous other factors that contribute to the Honda Element’s continued popularity in the used automobile market. The Element was discontinued by Honda for a variety of reasons, though. Let’s look at each of the eight model years to see which Honda Element year is the most cost-effective for you.
What issues are there with Honda Elements?
Honda Element Typical Issues
- Leaking engine oil
- Breakdown of differential fluid.
- Rear tailgate instability
- defective door locks
- Paint problems.
- Seat Belt Wire Harness with a Defect.
- Unstable Gauge Needles
- Significant Vibration During Braking.
Are there any transmission issues with Honda Elements?
It’s well known that the Honda Element has transmission issues. In actuality, this is one of the most prevalent automotive problems. Many drivers have stated that transmission failure forced them to tow their Elements.
The 2007 Honda Element has received the most reports of transmission issues.
How does the Honda Element perform in the snow?
Surprisingly, the Element handles snow well. Its weight and form aid in maintaining the vehicle’s stability. This car’s front-wheel drive and traction control both help it avoid wheelspinning in slick situations. Use of the Element during the winter is secure and dependable.
What drives the Honda Element AWD?
A rear differential is added after a front-wheel-drive vehicle is built. Your Honda uses a multi-plate clutch mechanism to engage the rear differential when it detects that it is losing traction. The car is now driven by both the front and rear wheels, making it all-wheel drive. The Intelligent Control System, though, is another story. What’s the deal with that? When traction is less than ideal, a conventional all-wheel-drive system engages the back wheels mechanically. Real Time AWD’s Intelligent Control System is smooth and practically instantaneous in contrast to other AWD systems, which frequently have a significant lag before they go into action. When necessary, an electric motor on the transmission quickly and flawlessly engages the back wheels. You most likely won’t even realize anything has happened because it is so seamless. Real Time AWD is disengaged almost as rapidly, requiring less effort to move your Honda. Your Honda is more effective than other cars with mechanical AWD since it has Real Time AWD.