Honda has confirmed that the intriguing vehicle would not be produced after the 2011 model year, putting The Element at the end of its lifespan. For 2011, the sporty SC trim level and the option of a navigation system have been eliminated.
The Element has seen a few functional and aesthetic tweaks over the years, but mechanically, the vehicle hasn’t altered all that much. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 166 horsepower powers all Elements, which are currently only available with a five-speed automated transmission and front- or all-wheel drive.
Along with not being changed in nine model years, we believe the Element’s poor fuel efficiency was a contributing factor in its failure to make it to the second generation. Fuel efficiency for the Element in the 2003 model year ranged from 20/24 mpg for a front-wheel-drive model with a four-speed automatic to 18/22 mpg city/highway for an all-wheel-drive model with a five-speed manual transmission. The 2011 versions have mpg ratings of 19-20/24-25.
A Honda spokesman told us, “The Element was a terrific test bed for innovative features, and the car was ahead of its time. The Element’s sales of 12,960 units through the first 11 months of the year, down 3.4 percent from the same time in 2009, may be due to its higher price and greater size compared to comparable boxy cars like the Scion xB, Kia Soul, and Nissan Cube.
More than 300,000 Hondas have been sold since the Element was first unveiled eight years ago this month; we’re told that approximately 70% of those purchasers were not Honda employees.
Here is the statement from Honda:
The cutting-edge and useful crossover utility vehicle from American Honda Motor Co. will be produced till the 2011 Honda Element. Inc. today announced. At the 2001 North American International Auto Show, the Honda Model X concept car was replaced by the Element, which quickly established its own functional class and won over small businesses, outdoor lovers, and pet owners. After a lengthy life cycle, customers looking for utility have more recently adopted other models in the Honda portfolio, such as the adaptable and cozy CR-V.
The Element, according to John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda, “established that the best functionality frequently results from thinking outside the box.” “It popularized boxy vehicle designs, and Element owners still adore the vehicle’s distinctive look and unparalleled utility.”
The Honda Element, which was completely redesigned from the inside out, broke new ground when it made its debut in the 2003 model year by offering a multipurpose cargo compartment, cutting-edge and adaptable seating, a sturdy and dirt-friendly interior, a powerful performance, and an exceptional price. Major improvements were made throughout time, including the 2007 model year’s addition of increased power and safety features. More recently, the 2009 introduction of the Dog Friendly Element accessory package demonstrated the Element’s commitment to upholding its long-held reputation as a pet-friendly vehicle.
Since its launch in December 2002, Elements have sold more than 325,000 units in the US.
In This Article...
Why was the Honda Element withdrawn from production?
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 dependable is the Honda Element?
Honda Parts: Are They Reliable? The reliability rating for the Honda Element was excellent. The model received a reliability rating from RepairPal of 4.0 out of 5, placing it first among the 32 cars in its class.
What is a Honda Element’s typical lifespan?
The Honda Element is one of the most durable cars on the market. Some cars are built to last. In fact, before retiring an Element, you can normally anticipate getting between 250,000 and 300,000 kilometers out of it.
A respectable 15 to 20 years, given that the typical American travels 15,000 miles per year. But keep in mind that with regular maintenance, autos only last that long. If you want to get the most out of your Element, keep in mind these important maintenance tips:
- Rotate your tires: Over the course of their lives, tires and wheels deteriorate at various rates. By rotating them frequently, you can ensure that your wheels and tires remain in perfect condition for the duration of the life of your car, reducing the need for significant wheel repairs.
- In addition to making it more difficult for you to stop your automobile, worn-out brake pads might eventually harm your braking system. A simple method to be safe and keep your car in good condition is to change them frequently.
- Hoses and belts should be inspected because they are normally only rated for 60,000 miles. However, utilizing subpar belts can eventually result in engine harm. To avoid any serious engine block faults, replace them frequently.
- Replace air filters: Your engine air filter prevents dirt and other airborne particles from entering your engine. Maintaining clean filters is essential to preventing long-term clogging or engine damage.
These pointers ought to enable you to maintain your Element in prime condition for as long as feasible. The best method to ensure that your vehicle stays in excellent condition, however, is to spend money on a reliable auto insurance plan that will assist you in paying for the necessary repairs. Fortunately, the Jerry app can assist you in locating the lowest rates on the auto insurance coverage your Element requires.
Simply download the app, respond to a few questions, and Jerry will send you a list of customised quotations from more than 50 of the industry’s leading companies. When you locate a quote you like, Jerry may assist you in changing plans or even in terminating your current one. Users save $887 on average each year on vehicle insurance, and signing up simply takes a minute.
For a Honda Element, how many miles are too many?
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. This is based on the 15,000-mile yearly mileage average for Americans.
Honda Elements: Are there problems?
Although the Honda Element is a trustworthy car, it is not without problems. Here are a few examples:
- Frustrated with malfunctioning door locks Owners of elements reported that their door locks frequently break. It appears that the door lock tumblers were defective in this case. The 2003–2008 models have this problem quite frequently.
- Door locks aren’t the only issue with the Honda Element. The key won’t turn in the ignition. As it turned out, the key for the 2003 model year has problems, particularly the fact that it won’t turn while in the ignition. According to several reports, they had to hire a locksmith to get their keys to turn so they could leave and drive.
- Engine oil leaks: Because of malfunctioning oil pressure sensors, parts of the model years 2003–2011 experienced engine oil leaks. The check engine light will typically illuminate to identify this issue. By purchasing aftermarket oil pressure sensors, this can be quickly fixed.
- Unstable rear tailgate: Several Element owners have claimed that the light on the back of their vehicle randomly goes on. The studies state that a poorly adjusted rear tailgate was to blame. To correct the issue, service personnel had to reposition the afflicted elements’ tailgate.
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What are the Honda Element’s most frequent issues?
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.
Are there any transmission issues with Honda Elements?
You can drive at the speed you want thanks to your transmission, which transfers power from the engine to the wheels.
Given that the transmission must convert the exact quantity of power for the required speed,
Are repairs for Honda Elements expensive?
Cost. Compared to an average of $521 for compact SUVs and $652 for all vehicle types, the total yearly cost of repairs and maintenance for a Honda Element is $491.
Is there a timing belt on a Honda Element?
For robustness and long life, more recent models use timing belts consisting of polyurethane and Kevlar. Although they can last up to 100,000 miles, it’s always a good idea to change them before that. The valves, pistons, and other internal engine components can sustain significant damage in the event of a belt failure.
How fuel-efficient are Honda Elements?
Aimed at the outdoorsy enthusiast who enjoys being active, it boasts a roomy, adaptable interior with a plastic-covered floor that is simple to maintain.
The back seats can be removed or folded up against the sides to create a bed-like configuration when all four seats are folded back flat.
The front and rear-hinged rear doors open to a broad space that may accommodate loading and unloading cargo because there is no pillar between them.
Despite these distinctive qualities, it wasn’t as pleasant to live with as the CR-V overall.
The large roof pillars obstruct the view outside, and the rear-hinged rear doors might be a headache.
There are only four seats, the steering wheel is far away, and the vehicle’s usability is constrained by its small payload.
With all-wheel drive, you can anticipate 21 mpg overall and decent acceleration from the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
The Element performed poorly in the IIHS side-crash test without the optional side airbags.
With the introduction of standard curtain airbags in 2007, the IIHS side-crash test was upgraded to Good.
Antilock brakes were previously only available on the EX model; starting in 2007, ABS and stability control were made standard.