Honda Axes the Element
12-07-10, 06:45 AM
#1
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Honda Axes the Element
Honda they just stated though it didn't meet sales goals it would live on. Now its canceled. More talking out of their ***. Hopefully this is a trend of canceling all that ugly they sell 
Honda axes the Element
2009 Honda Element
Source: Honda
Read more: http://www.worldcarfans.com/11012062...#ixzz17RAM5usR
Honda axes the Element
2009 Honda Element
Ends a nine year production run
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By Michael Gauthier
December 6, 2010 9:00 am
Filed Under: Honda, Japanese, Production
Citing declining demand and a consumer preference for crossovers, Honda has announced plans to axe the Element after a nine year production run.
While the move isn't unexpected, it is interesting to note Honda won't offer a direct replacement for the Element. Instead, customers will be shifted to the CR-V which is more powerful and fuel efficient.
According to John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda, "The Element proved that ultimate functionality can often come from thinking inside the box. It made boxy vehicle designs cool, and Element owners continue to enjoy its unique styling and unmatched versatility."
If you're saddened by the news, rest assured, Honda still has some Elements available and they're priced from $20,825.
email print Share7
By Michael Gauthier
December 6, 2010 9:00 am
Filed Under: Honda, Japanese, Production
Citing declining demand and a consumer preference for crossovers, Honda has announced plans to axe the Element after a nine year production run.
While the move isn't unexpected, it is interesting to note Honda won't offer a direct replacement for the Element. Instead, customers will be shifted to the CR-V which is more powerful and fuel efficient.
According to John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda, "The Element proved that ultimate functionality can often come from thinking inside the box. It made boxy vehicle designs cool, and Element owners continue to enjoy its unique styling and unmatched versatility."
If you're saddened by the news, rest assured, Honda still has some Elements available and they're priced from $20,825.
Source: Honda
12-07-10, 08:09 AM
#5
my gf and i test drove all three (CR-V, element, pilot), and of all of them she felt that she would have chosen the latter two. the CR-V felt small for her, while the ample room in the element and the full sized suv feel of the pilot felt was just right for her. my personal opinion- with the element gone, there's not another boxy type utilty vehicle other than the scion xB, which i've seen far more on the road than the element since it came into the market.
12-07-10, 08:28 AM
#6
The initial Element was really ugly, but the S/C model was actually pretty decent.
We have to remember that the Element is old so it doesn't make sense for Honda to keep producing them. They came out 8 years ago as a 2003 model so by any manufacturer's standard, 7-8 years is a long lifespan.
We have to remember that the Element is old so it doesn't make sense for Honda to keep producing them. They came out 8 years ago as a 2003 model so by any manufacturer's standard, 7-8 years is a long lifespan.
12-07-10, 08:30 AM
#7
Out of Warranty
It started life as a cut-down, decontented CRV, aimed at the youth market, but it became - with a little less hair-shirt economy - a favorite low-cost suburban runabout. The problem was marketing as with increasing content and the elimination of those egregiously cheap rubber fenders, it began to tickle the low-end CRV's sticker price. The CRV is even more of a bargain than it once was, still at a fairly friendly price - and there just isn't room for an enhanced Element under it.
Although the Element was never as popular as it's older stablemate, it's being squeezed between the CRV from the top and the XB/Soul clones below. Without much manuvering room, it's logical that it has to go - probably in favor of something slightly smaller.
Although the Element was never as popular as it's older stablemate, it's being squeezed between the CRV from the top and the XB/Soul clones below. Without much manuvering room, it's logical that it has to go - probably in favor of something slightly smaller.
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12-07-10, 08:59 AM
#8
Lexus Fanatic
The Element may be awkward-looking, but it is an excellent, versatile, reliable, easy-to-clean daily-driver that, with the AWD option, can go through just about any kind of weather as well. One of my closest friends and his wife had had one for years...it was one of the early-production models. They still love it.
It is, of course, mechanically, essentially a CR-V with a different, roomier, more-versatile body-interior.
It is, of course, mechanically, essentially a CR-V with a different, roomier, more-versatile body-interior.
12-07-10, 09:03 AM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
I disagree that time-in-production is (or should be) that big a factor. Look how long, for example, the Civic and Accord have been in production......although, of course, they sell in much larger numbers than the Element.
12-07-10, 09:10 AM
#10
Lexus Champion
The Element may be awkward-looking, but it is an excellent, versatile, reliable, easy-to-clean daily-driver that, with the AWD option, can go through just about any kind of weather as well. One of my closest friends and his wife had had one for years...it was one of the early-production models. They still love it.
It is, of course, mechanically, essentially a CR-V with a different, roomier, more-versatile body-interior.
It is, of course, mechanically, essentially a CR-V with a different, roomier, more-versatile body-interior.
While the looks of the Element are not it's strong suit, there are very few vehicles that have the versitility of one. We have a couple of friends that have them and if you're one of those very active, outdoorsy types, that they originally marketed towards, this is a brilliant vehicle.
Filthy dog after a day of hiking? Mud caked mountain bikes? Landscaping the back yard? No problem...spray out the back and you're good to go again.
12-07-10, 09:32 AM
#12
Lexus Fanatic
I actually like the Element and don't consider it to be ugly (at least in later versions with matching panels/paint). The Element is popular in CA for the many reasons mentioned above, good for active outdoorsy lifestyles.
It's not the age of the Element that's the problem for Honda, it's the fact that it is previous gen-based, and probably expensive to produce considering the low sales volume.
The correct solution is a new version based on current and better CRV (which came out in model year 2007). I think it would generate better volume than old Element. IMO the CRV would be an excellent basis for a new Element. I consider the current CRV to be the best small 4-banger SUV in the US market and that's why it's the top selling SUV.
It's not the age of the Element that's the problem for Honda, it's the fact that it is previous gen-based, and probably expensive to produce considering the low sales volume.
The correct solution is a new version based on current and better CRV (which came out in model year 2007). I think it would generate better volume than old Element. IMO the CRV would be an excellent basis for a new Element. I consider the current CRV to be the best small 4-banger SUV in the US market and that's why it's the top selling SUV.
12-07-10, 09:44 AM
#13
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Good riddance.
That said, Honda could have redesigned it into a more appealing box shaped vehicle. However, based on Honda's recent trend, they'd manage to make an uglier one.
There's still a number of choices, although maybe not as rugged and versatile including Scion xB & Nissan Cube, however smaller and lower to the ground. Other than that, you're left with conventional crossover's or a regular SUV.
That said, Honda could have redesigned it into a more appealing box shaped vehicle. However, based on Honda's recent trend, they'd manage to make an uglier one.
There's still a number of choices, although maybe not as rugged and versatile including Scion xB & Nissan Cube, however smaller and lower to the ground. Other than that, you're left with conventional crossover's or a regular SUV.
12-07-10, 09:49 AM
#14
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by CDNROCKIES
filthy dog after a day of hiking? Mud caked mountain bikes? Landscaping the back yard? No problem...spray out the back and you're good to go again.
12-07-10, 09:59 AM
#15
+1
While the looks of the Element are not it's strong suit, there are very few vehicles that have the versitility of one. We have a couple of friends that have them and if you're one of those very active, outdoorsy types, that they originally marketed towards, this is a brilliant vehicle.
Filthy dog after a day of hiking? Mud caked mountain bikes? Landscaping the back yard? No problem...spray out the back and you're good to go again.
While the looks of the Element are not it's strong suit, there are very few vehicles that have the versitility of one. We have a couple of friends that have them and if you're one of those very active, outdoorsy types, that they originally marketed towards, this is a brilliant vehicle.
Filthy dog after a day of hiking? Mud caked mountain bikes? Landscaping the back yard? No problem...spray out the back and you're good to go again.
I actually like the Element and don't consider it to be ugly (at least in later versions with matching panels/paint). The Element is popular in CA for the many reasons mentioned above, good for active outdoorsy lifestyles.
The correct solution is a new version based on current and better CRV (which came out in model year 2007). I think it would generate better volume than old Element. IMO the CRV would be an excellent basis for a new Element. I consider the current CRV to be the best small 4-banger SUV in the US market and that's why it's the top selling SUV.
The correct solution is a new version based on current and better CRV (which came out in model year 2007). I think it would generate better volume than old Element. IMO the CRV would be an excellent basis for a new Element. I consider the current CRV to be the best small 4-banger SUV in the US market and that's why it's the top selling SUV.
Out of the honda cars, I like the element, inside and out.
It is the perfect cuv for the outdoorsy types-I love the seat configurations and versatility
Pricewise, it's more expensive than the xB and we saw a fullllly decked out that was in the high $28k
