Honda Element
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The Honda Element is a crossover SUV manufactured by Honda and released in the United States and Japan in 2003, taking over from the CR-V as Honda's entry-level SUV. Although the Element is based on the CR-V, its dimensions are significantly different. The length is a foot shorter, the wheelbase has been trimmed 1.7 inches, the roofline is 7.8 in higher, the front track 1.7 in narrower, and the floor about an inch lower.
Powering the Element is Honda's K24A4 i-VTEC 2.4 L four-cylinder engine that also sees duty in the Accord and CR-V. For the Element's purposes, it produces 156 hp at 5500 rpm and 160 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm.
The Element rides on a highly modified CR-V chassis, and because it has no visible B-pillars, it sports reinforced joints, strengthened lower side sills, larger crossmembers, enlarged rocker panels, and five bulkheads per side.The Element is available with front-wheel drive or Honda's optional Real Time™ four-wheel drive system. This is a hydraulically-actuated system that operates only when front wheel slippage occurs. It was discontinued in Japan with the 2006 model. The Element is currently built in East Liberty, Ohio.
The Element was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2003.
Overview
The Element concept vehicle (Model X) was introduced in 2001. The Model X concept was conceived around achieving ideal functionality for a cross-country road trip, hauling surfboards, mountain bikes, snowboards or just about anything else as it combines some of the best features of a pickup truck and an SUV. The Model X was first conceived by a core group of young R&D engineers in 1998. They wanted to develop a vehicle that they could use for their activities and conducted informal on-site focus groups at colleges, beaches, campsites and in the mountains.The 4-seat Element is designed to carry large and possibly messy loads. The floor is made of textured urethane that is easy to clean; the fabric is tough and stain-resistant; the individual rear seats recline, fold up, and are completely removable to leave a large load space. The rear clamshell tailgate arrangement is large and the vehicle is tall, allowing large loads to be carried. The rear side suicide doors open backward, so there is no central pillar and this gives unobstructed access for side loading.
2003
- Original MSRP range: US$16,100-$20,850
- Colors available: Sunset Orange Pearl, Shoreline Mist Metallic, Satin Silver Metallic, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Galapagos Green Metallic, and Eternal Blue Pearl
- The 2003 Element was launched with two trim levels - DX and EX. A service bulletin was release regarding the windshield flange surface being uneven [link]. This bulletin along with the warranty obligated Honda of America to replace the windshield at no cost to the owner. Four-wheel drive models come with a large rear sunroof.
2004
- Original MSRP range: US$16,100-$20,300
- Colors available: Same as 2003
- The LX model was introduced with more standard features. Improvements were made to the front seats as well as the inclusion of an armrest for the passenger's side captain's chair.
2005
- Original MSRP range: US$17,450-$20,925
- Colors available: Same as 2004, plus Cargo Khaki and Rally Red
- The DX model was eliminated from the model lineup. Side airbags were an available option, and XM satellite radio and MP3 capabilities were added as standard features in the audio system for the EX model. The charcoal gray that was the standard plastic tone was darkened and a navy blue was offered with the Shoreline Mist Metallic and Cargo Khaki. Wheel covers on the LX were changed to mimic the styled alloy wheels.
2006
- Original MSRP range: US$17,750-$21,525
- Colors available: only Rallye Red and Nighthawk Black Pearl carry over with new colors Tango Red Pearl, Tangerine Metallic, Kiwi Metallic, Atomic Blue Metallic, and Alabaster Silver Metallic
- A fully painted version called the EX-P became available (an extra $500 compared to non-painted counterpart). It comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
Advertising
In the spring of 2006, a national advertisement campaign[link] featured freeway billboards directing drivers to tune into an AM station to listen to various Honda Element-themed commercials looped continuously. The commercial would then reveal a final piece to the clever advertising trifecta to a website[link] that featured video counterparts of the radio commericals. They could also be seen on television and would reveal the website also. The commercials featured candid conversations between the Element and various creatures, including a crab, rabbit, burro, platypus, and an opposum.
2007
The 2007 Element will receive a mild refresh. The Element will be the only SUV on the Honda Civic platform, with the CR-V switching to a new platform for 2007. A 10 hp increase to the engine is expected, along with a 5-speed automatic transmission, and an Integrated Seat Belt System on the front seats that allows rear seat occupants to exit the vehicle without the need for a front occupant to disconnect his or her seatbelt.A new "urban cruiser" trim level called the SC will be offered with a custom bumper, lower roofline and 21 in alloy wheels.
Video games
- In 2003, Honda had the Element featured in EA Sports BIG's SSX 3. It featured in game billboards with the Honda Element logo, as well as the signature car itself parked on the slope with its front and rear doors open to have the snow boarder dart through for extra points.
- In 2004, Element was featured for the first time in Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo series in Gran Turismo 4 as a 2003 model.
- In 2006, Honda and EA teamed up again to have the Element featured in The Sims spin-off, The Urbz.
External links
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