| Model year | 2003 |
| Make | Honda |
| Model | Element |
| Style | EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) |
| Base MSRP | $19,910 |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine type | Inline-four cylinder |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 2.4 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 160 @ 5,500 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 161 @ 4,500 |
| Transmission type | Four-speed automatic |
| Suspension, front | Control-link MacPherson strut, stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Compact double wishbone, stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Power rack-and-pinion |
| Tire brand | Goodyear |
| Tire model | Wrangler HP |
| Tire size, front | P215/70R16 |
| Tire size, rear | P215/70R16 |
| Brakes, front | Ventilated front discs/solid rear discs |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 6.0 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 9.7 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 14.5 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 17.25 @ 80.94 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 31.84 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 128.86 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 58.4 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 34.9 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 52 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 75 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 78 |
| Acceleration comments | The Element's ability to break its front tires loose surprised me, and the best times actually came by brake-torquring the engine to 2,000 rpm and then carefully modulating the throttle to control wheel spin. Like clockwork, the engine's upshifts occurred right at the 6,500 rpm mark and seemed perfectly timed for maximum acceleration. Unlike some Honda drivetrains, the "VTEC effect" wasn't noticeable in the Element, with engine noise and pull being fairly consistent from idle to redline. At zero-to-60 in just under 10 seconds, this car obviously isn't meant for drag racing, but with kids these days, especially Honda buyers, we still may see a Honda Element Turbo Kit from the aftermarket... |
| Braking rating | Average |
| Braking comments | Everything about the Element's brakes were just as you would expect -- no better, no worse. Stopping distances were about right for this class of vehicle, with each of the three runs being one-foot longer than the previous run (showing just a bit of fade). The ABS system produces typical vibration and noise, awhile the pedal itself has a fairly progressive feel that is easy to modulate. There was a slight pull to the let on our last two runs, but overall everythign was...well, just fine. |
| Handling rating | Average |
| Handling comments | True to its nature, the Element feels like a "dorm room on wheels" in the slalom. Actually, it just looks like a dorm room on wheels (both as a driver or an observer). In fact, the vehicle's large, square interior makes it seem unlikely to turn at all. Thankfully, standard issue Honda steering and suspension design come through in the end, and the Element aquits itself rather well -- fora box on wheels. The wide track removes any sense of instability, and positive steering feedback made it relatively easy to place between the cones. Quicker steering and more torque would have cut the times further, but we doubt Honda is interested in making the Element score better on our slalom tests. That's not really the vehicle's goal, now is it? — Karl Brauer |
| Elevation (ft.) | 85 |
| Temperature (°F) | 86 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | 8-9 |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | Auto 22/26 Manual / |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 15.9 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 3,439 |
| Length (in.) | 169.3 |
| Width (in.) | 71.5 |
| Height (in.) | 74 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 101.4 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 41 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 39.1 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 43.3 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 38 |
| Seating capacity | 4 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 25.1 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 75 |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | Not available |
| Free scheduled maintenance | Not available |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Not Available |
| Head airbags | Not Available |
| Antilock brakes | Standard |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Standard |
| Traction control | Not available |
| Stability control | Not available |
| Rollover protection | Not available |
| Emergency assistance system | Not available |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not Tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Average |
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