2006 Compact SUV : HONDA Element

The innovative light truck wound up on what Honda called the “fast track to production.” As a result, the youth-oriented Element was launched as a 2003 model. Honda said the Element combined the best traits of a pickup truck and a sport utility vehicle while retaining the most striking feature of the Model X concept: a pillar-less side-door configuration that yields cargo-loading flexibility.

Even though it was directly aimed at active young buyers, the Element has also appealed to quite a few older folks who appreciate its practical merits. Element has unique styling with center-opening side doors and uses some plastic body panels. Its rear-hinged back doors don’t open or close independently of the front doors. Element comes in LX and up-level EX models. All use CR-V’s 4-cyl engine with manual or automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. WD models include a tilt/removable glass “skylight” over the cargo bay.

Exclusive EX standard features include ABS, alloy wheels, and remote keyless entry. Functionality is considered one of the Element’s main attractions. Its handling is positive and quite precise. The firm suspension yields a smooth ride on good pavement, though the Element gets bouncy on rougher surfaces. More than 4 inches taller than the Honda CR-V, the Element looks very upright and tall. With its mainstay-less design and washable floor, this SUV offers substantial versatility and practicality, plus a distinctive appearance.