Honda Car Forum

I'm thinking of getting this car for my 16th birthday and was wondering what it was like and if it drives pretty good, thanks!

I own an 05, all wheel drive, EX. I love it. It drives and rides and handles great! LOTS of room in it.Do NOT hose it out......Some say that you can, but it is NOT set up for that.

This is just me speaking - it drives like an SUV, somewhat underpowered, and the sight lines aren't all that great (lots of blindspots). It rolls a bit on turns and there's a disconnect with the road.Also have a 97 Landcruiser, 2005 Honda Pilot, and 2006 Toyota Highlander - the Element has the most disconnect (the 97 LC has the best 'feel').There aren't that many creature comforts since it's very utilitarian. You have to ask yourself 'how many times am I going to take a hose to the inside of this car?' We've had an element going on three years? and we have yet to do that.

Do this. Look under the vehicle (passenger side) and look at how exposed the gas tank is. I wouldnt buy a vehicle where the gas tank is the lowest part to the ground, even with the little "protective" strap.

Its classy i say but like the guy before me said... the gas tank is really exposed to debrie and rocks.

Since I own one, I'd go with a Saturn Vue instead. The Vue, in 5spd manual 4 cyl, costs less than the Element. Insurance in every state of the Union is going to be cheaper. It's larger and has 4 Real doors. The 4 cyl Vue gets better gas mileage and has it's maximum torque available over a wider range of the RPM band. It also offers an in dash MP3 player with some models. Like I said, I own a 2003 Vue with a 6 disc mp3 player I put in from a 2004 Ion (bought on ebay). There's plenty of room for an amp under the back seat, which I also have, and plenty of space for woofers and subwoofers.Maintenance on the Vue is super simple, and oil changes are a breeze. Heck the oil filter is on top of the engine instead of underneath! If you take care of one, it can take you through college. And besides, who wants to steal a Saturn? People steal Hondas every day!...What's that?...yeah I know..There goes another one.I could go on and on about the Vue in comparison to the Element. But don't take my word, review both vehicles at www.edmunds.com and make your own choice.

I would think most of your peers would think they are "uncool".they sure arent good looking, but i guess they are functional.

looks ok for your age - its not big, not sport, but just the practical car to bring you from point a to b... you cant go wrong with Honda anyway

It's a good car. Great reliability and fuel economy. Just remember to get the side airbags; crashtest ratings are poor without them.

Rollover and side impact are really bad during an accident hence the easy roll while taking turns and also very thin body overall. I would consider another car either from Honda or Toyota. Look at it in the long run. Will YOU be happy and safe? For a first car its not that bad if you don't drive too much and you drive safely, but we all know that first time drivers aren't so great at driving. So pick a car that suits you best and also be safe. Good luck!