After four years of ownership, I'm quite happy with my AWD Honda Element EX. Although some folks are put off by the Element's styling, that's what attracted me to the "E" in the first place. The last thing I wanted was another generic, ho-hum small SUV. It's not like I planned drive it to rob banks. After comparing it to the possible alternatives the Element had the best combination of features for my needs and was a terrific value.The four cylinder engine provides adequate (but not neck snapping) power with decent mileage (22-24 mpg) on regular gas. It has enough "oomph" to get you on the Interstate, but you won't win any drag races with the kid down the street and his Civic Si with the big-assed wing on the back. The five-speed stick shifts easily, but revs high...3000 rpm at 60 mph...which is not unusual of Hondas. The automatic doesn't rev quite as high at the same speed. I think the E is actually fun to drive. We got the AWD version for New England winters and it has performed well. You have to keep in mind that AWD helps you go, but it doesn't help you stop regardless of what you're driving. Some owners complain about the stock Goodyear Wrangler tires. They've been okay for my driving style, but they're due for replacement and I'll be looking for something else.The Element's ride is firm, but not jarring. The front seats are comfortable, and the back seats are slightly higher than the front. Some people like this, some don't. The interior holds up well to kids and dogs. It can be wiped out, but not hosed out as some claim. No velour and plush carpet to absorb the spilled grape soda or muddy paw prints. The back seats fold flat, and can be flipped up against the side of the Element or removed completely. The Element only seats four, a drawback to some. The clamshell doors take some getting used to and may be a nuisance if you have kids climbing in and out of the back all the time. On the other hand, you control their access. They just can't bolt out the back door when you pull in to Chuck-E-Cheese. You have to open one of the front doors first.It's not as quiet as a Buick or a Lexus, but is noticeably quieter than my Nissan Pickup truck. We've taken several long trips and been quite comfortable. The EX is nicely equipped with power windows, locks and mirrors, AC, a decent stereo, cruise control, etc., but if you want heated mirrors and leather seats this isn't the ride for you.Add the Element's unique appearance, reasonable price, real world performance and features to Honda's reputation for quality and reliability and you have an incredible value that's hard to beat. Another plus is that just about every consumer/car publication/web site gives the Element high ratings. I will have to confess that my Element hasn't been completely trouble free. I attribute that to owning the first year of a new model. The driver's door lock needs a new actuator. Also, the heater stopped working recently and the dealer recommended replacing the heater core at a cost of $1200! Fortunately I was able to clear the blockage with a blast of compressed air, so I'd write that one off as more of a dealer problem, than an Element problem. I've also discovered a fanatical owner's group with a wealth of information and developed some good friendships with other Element owners.
http://www.elementownersclub.comDunno much about the Dodge Nitro. It too has a different look, some unique features, comes with a V-6 (with poorer gas mileage) and probably seats five, but what would concern me most is that it's a Dodge. Chyrsler products have a dismal reliability record. Consumer Reports doesn't think much of the Nitro either. The Element is one of their recommended alternatives.
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Co...ge&model=Nitro
29 Dec 2007, 07:01 pm
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