Honda Element

The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV based on a modified CR-V platform, manufactured in East Liberty, Ohio and marketed in the United States since 2003.

Overview

The Element followed a concept vehicle called Model X, introduced in 2001. The Model X functionality was conceived with a cross-country road trip in mind, combining some features of a pickup truck and a sport utility vehicle. The Model X was first conceived by a core group of young R&D engineers in 1998.[citation needed] 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.[citation needed]

The 4-seat Element is optimized to carry large 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 removable. The rear clamshell tailgate arrangement is large and the vehicle is tall, allowing large loads.

The rear side doors are not suicide doors, despite that they open backwards; Honda refers to the rear doors as rear access panels. The design forgoes B-pillars to create unobstructed access for side loading. In return, the chassis features reinforced joints, strengthened lower side sills, larger cross members, enlarged rocker panels, and five bulkheads per side.

Powering the Element is Honda's 2.4Liter K Engine, an i-VTEC four-cylinder engine producing 166hp (124kW) at 5500rpm and 160ft·lbf (217N·m) of torque at 4500rpm.

The Element is available with front-wheel drive or Honda's optional "Real Time" four-wheel drive system — a hydraulically-actuated system that operates only when front wheel slippage occurs. Four wheel drive was discontinued in Japan with the 2006 model.

2003

• 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.
• Four-wheel drive models come with a large rear sunroof.
• Windshields:
  • A service bulletin was release regarding the windshield flange surface being uneven. [1] This bulletin along with the warranty obligated Honda of America to replace the windshield at no cost to the owner.
  • The class action Daniels, et al. v. American Honda Motor Co. reached final settlement November 16, 2006. It provides for warranty replacement of windshields in 2003 and 2004 model Honda Element for 6 years or 60,000miles.[2]