The Honda Element EX received a grade of "poor" on the side impact
test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

"DRIVER ... major torso injuries would be likely ... Serious neck
injury also would be possible."

Here is the URL:

http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle%5Fr...side/s0308.htm

The IIHS Report notes that the tests were conducted *without* the
optional side-impact air bags:

"NOTE: The Element tested was not equipped with the optional side
airbags. When side airbags are optional, the Institute tests
vehicles without this option. If a manufacturer offering optional
side airbags requests the Institute to conduct an additional test
of a vehicle with this option and agrees to reimburse the cost of
the vehicle, a second test is conducted. Honda did not request
such a test."

Why did Honda not request that the test be conducted again WITH
the air bags? It makes me wonder whether the side airbags are
really effective in protecting the driver. A company that promotes
an image of its cars as being among the safest on the road ought
to take steps to improve the vehicle's safety, or demonstrate that
it IS safe when the airbags are installed.

Wanting to buy an Element, but waiting....

Tim