Honda Element

When Honda originally launched the Element in 2003, I was the first one to respond with raucous laughter and a slew of styling related snips that I hadn't used since the ill-fated introduction of the Pontiac Aztec two years earlier. But when I had the opportunity to get closer to the vehicle and examine its not so subtle intricacies, I realized that this little uber-utility vehicle was just an evolution of the current SUV, except with more features than the Cinemaplex and a boxy style that reminded me of a Mercedes G-Wagon - but with a sticker price for those of us who didn't quite go to Choat.

As for the basics, the Element shares its platform and drivetrain with the CR-V's, a 160 hp 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine mated to a 5 speed automatic transmission. Putting these ponies on the pavement is an on-demand four-wheel-drive system that I have found effective in Honda's other mini-utilities. Honda's published acceleration figure of 12.1 seconds 0-60 seems a little conservative as the Element felt as eager as a particular first year at the Bain meet and greet.

Let's talk some more about styling: The Element was conceived and executed outside the mainstream. Honda product gurus were given free reign to design a vehicle that would appeal to everyone from athletes to AXO's by focusing on key core values like flexibility, simplicity, and durability.

They nailed it like a Posada home run with what seems like endless possibilities for four passengers and a party ball (Honda claims 64 seating variations). The rear seats can be folded up and hung along the sides of the rear windows or removed entirely. The flat load floor allows its owners a whole new slew of backseat options including enough space for a full size air-mattress (read on to see how clever this really is). The simple, elegant dash design is high on utility and there's a pair of outlets on the dash, one for plug-ins and the other for an Ipod.

All the usual Honda attention to control placement is not lacking in the Element. The interior and stash space is everywhere for your end of internship run from Humbolt to home. I was a little taken aback at the comparatively rear location of the optional sunroof, until I realized the subtle genius when paired with the completely reclinable rear seats ... deadly effective.

The 60/40 side cargo doors open like an extended-cab pickup truck, with the smaller rear "suicide" door hinged at the rear. Rear cargo access is awesome via a clamshell arrangement with a large lift-gate and a smaller tailgate that extends the cavernous opening enough to fit almost anything that you might need to haul - maybe even a Ducati Monster (ladies, it's an Italian motorcycle) that needed to get to Schenectady for the summer.

In the end, the marketplace not the marketer decides who will drive what. It's tough to argue with results. Honda was able to move just over 50,000 units a year in 2004 and although sales are off a little in 2005, that's likely more a result of new competition in the cube-SUV marketplace with Toyota's introduction of the Scion Xb.

Overall, this little hauler was well conceived and crafted. So if you're looking for a little mule that can do just about anything except drag race for pinks on a Saturday night, at just over $20,000, the Element may be just the ride you're looking for.