Honda Element

The Honda Element is a crossover SUV manufactured by Honda and released in the United States in 2003, replacing the CR-V as Honda's entry-level SUV, and moving the CR-V to the middle-class segment of Honda's SUVs. The Element's underpinnings are a close relation to the Honda CR-V compact SUV (and hence also the Honda Civic, from which the CR-V and Element platforms are derived); the engine is a 156 hp 2.4 L 16-valve i-VTEC I4 which is shared with the 4-cylinder Honda Accord. The optional Real Time™ four wheel drive system runs as front wheel drive most of the time, but if loss of traction of either front wheel is detected, the rear wheel drive is automatically engaged. The Element is currently built in East Liberty, Ohio.

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 fold up (and are removable as well) to leave a large load space. The rear tailgate/window lift combination 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.

The Element was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2003.