The 2011 Honda Element represents the final model year for the original box-shaped crossover; decreasing sales mean there won’t be a 2012 Honda Element. The 2011 Element pares back its model lineup and no long offers a navigation system – signs of Honda’s lowering expectations for this aging and decreasingly popular compact crossover. Except for a mild model-year 2009 facelift, the 2011 Element is the same shipping-container-shaped wagon introduced as a 2003 model. It again comes in front- or all-wheel drive and starts in the low-$20,000s. For its size, Element has always been among the roomiest vehicles on the road. But it’s not among the most fuel-efficient in its class and is compromised by an odd side-door arrangement that in effect prevents back-seaters from getting in or out without cooperation from someone in front.
Honda has decided to cut its losses and not spend to develop and launch a second-generation version. Element introduced America to the high concept of a tiny motorized carton, breaking from the gate like a champ in 2003, recording 67,500 sales in its first model year. Demand declined steady each year since, and Element sales were on a 14,500-unit pace for calendar 2010. Partly, it’s because this is an aging novelty act. And rivals have fielded some tough competitors that pick up on Element’s cubist vibe without its problematical design touches, such as the French side doors. Bottom line, it’s clear the 2011 Element’s design appeals to a shrinking number of buyers. If you’re among them, a Honda dealer ought to reward you with a great deal.
INTERIORHonda Elements are a sport utility vehicle that come in three different brands. The LX, EX, and SC. All three brands have either a 2 wheel drive or a 4 wheel drive choice. They have price ranges from $20,000 to $24,000. The Honda Element EX can come with a Honda satellite linked navigation system with voice recognition. The Element comes with many different features that include wipe down utility floors, a center console with a removable cooler, dog friendly packages, and 64 different seating configurations. The engine has 166 horse power and are five speed automatics with 20 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway. People who buy the Honda Element can choose their own features that they want added to the vehicle, such as wheel locks, bike attachment, ski attachment, roof rack, tailgate spoiler, short roof box, tailgate cabana, chrome exhaust finisher, and many other features. People can also choose a security system, six disc in-dash CD changer, and a cassette player.
2011 Honda Element EX models comes equipped with a 270-watt 7-speaker (with subwoofer) AM/FM/CD sound system and an auxiliary audio input built into the dash for digital media and MP3 players.
Once the reinforced side cargo doors gets close on The 2011 Honda Element, vertical beams add to the reinforced frame. Leaving the new Element with seriously tough passenger compartment and with features such as dual-stage front airbags and 3-point seat belts this new Honda proves to be safe and secure. Side cargo doors with no B-pillar open from the center and allow for easy loading of bulky items. For sports gear including mountain bikes, snowboards, surfboards and other equipment, the rear seats flip to the side to create a vast cargo area.
EXTERIORThe 2011 Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV available in two trim levels: LX and EX.
The base LX comes with 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, keyless entry, a height-adjustable driver seat, folding and removable rear seats, a urethane utility floor and a four-speaker CD sound system.
The uplevel EX adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a center console with removable cooler/storage box, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a seven-speaker premium audio system with satellite radio and an auxiliary input jack.
The Dog Friendly dealer-installed accessory package adds a rear car kennel, a pet bed, a stowable ramp, dog-patterned seat covers, all-season floor mats, a spill-resistant water bowl, an electric fan and a bag dispenser.
ENGINEEvery 2011 Honda Element is motivated by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 166 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque transmitted through a standard five-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available on both the LX and EX trim levels.
With a portly curb weight of about 3,500 pounds, the Element isn't very lively. In Edmunds testing, an EX model took a leisurely 10 seconds to complete the 0-60-mph dash. It isn't especially economical either. EPA-estimated fuel economy is below average compared to other four-cylinder compact crossovers (a matter of weight and this vehicle's space-efficient yet boxy profile) at 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined for 2WD models. The AWD version of the Element offers slightly worse mpg at 19/24/21.
Safety
The Honda Element comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, active front head restraints, front side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
The 2011 Honda Element has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous crash-testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to 2011 tests) were a perfect five stars for frontal- and side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Element a highest-possible score of "Good" in its frontal-offset and side-impact collision tests.
SAFETYThe safety features for the Element are three point seat belts for all seating positions, front side airbags along with a passenger side occupant detection sensor, anti-lock braking system, brake assistance, and multiple threshold airbags for safety. The interior features are cruise control, tail gate locks, power door locks, power front windows with automatic up and down features, door pocket storage bins, heater ducts for the rear seats, and rear ventilation windows. The Elements are spacious vehicles that give a lot of freedom with cargo doors that open wide, a clam shell tailgate in the back, and with a 1500 pound towing capacity. The vehicle can also drive on rough terrain with ease with its sophisticated suspension system. The suspension system is a MacPherson strut system with an L shaped arm that is able to absorb the bumps and hills on a rough road.
reference:www.reviewcar.com,iguida.com,www.edmunds.com
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