The Honda Element, popular with dog owners and some types of businesses, will be discontinued after the 2011 model year, American Honda Motor Co. announced Friday.
Introduced in December 2002, the Element started a trend of box-on-wheels design reflected in Toyota's Scion xB and Mitsubishi's Outlander, among others.
"The Element proved that ultimate functionality can often come from thinking inside the box," John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda, said in a press release. "It made boxy vehicle designs cool."
Edmunds.com gave the short-but-tall utility vehicle generally positive reviews.
"Behind that cubist philosophy is a level of versatility that sets it apart from many other small wagons and compact SUVs," the editors wrote of the 2011 model.
The Element was the subject of several recalls: 2003/04, ignition switch mechanism; 2007/08, braking system and stability module; and 2010, transmission shift cable.
Honda said it has sold about 325,000 Elements, but customers are increasingly attracted to crossover SUVs.
Amanda, I too wanted to buy an Element but the dealer (Honda of Tysons) was absolutely rotten. Bought RAV4 instead.
No way the Element started a box on wheels trend. Jeep Cherokee, then the '08 Liberty and the Commander have been doing it (better) for years. In my view the other cars, which look like jelly beans or the newer crossover "turtles" are the ugly ones.
The "box on wheels" was started way back with the International "Scout" and the original Ford Bronco.
I agree with your comment ABr the newer crossover "turtles" are the ugly ones.
Let me try that again without my cat's assistance. I agree with the comment about the ugly crossover design. While I have never owned an Element, I have owned two CR-Vs. I hate the new design. Not distinctive. Looks like half dozen other cars. I'll probably by a RAV the next time around.
Honda, what are you thinking?
Yeah, "the turtles" I like that term for most of the ugly SUV's out right now. Those thing look like they have swollen glands or a metabolism problem or something. The Element always looked tight.
I got to drive my dad's for three weeks while my car was in the shop. It was AWESOME! I was not expecting that at all. It's really fun to drive and it comes with satellite radio. I looooved it!
I gave them a couple thoughts as the design fit my lifestyle...as its very much a functional machine...but...
Horrible gas mileage. I think it should be 30 mpg+
Sunroof in back? What the dog gets to enjoy the fresh air?
Horrible color combos and those plastic panels, yuck!
Garbage dash, typical asian garbage and the stick on the dash...
rode like a jeep...
other then that it had a chance!
yea, you right, they should get better gas mileage than that.
I forgot about the sunroof in the back thing. Yeah, sort of a dumb idea. Maybe so you can fold down the seats for beds and look at the stars?
The sun roof was positioned so you could stand your surf board up at a slant and let the top of it protrude out a bit. Cause the element is long enough to hold a treadmill, or a twin mattress, or a loveseat, but not a surf board.
You have to be kidding – my Honda Element rides far, far better than any Jeep. Try not to be so full of baloney, OK?
Box on wheels? Its called a Van. Love the Rear stadium seating though.
"It made boxy vehicle designs cool."
Uhhh...no...no it didn't. Everyone I know and I laughed at them every time we saw one on the road. Goodbye, Honda Failement.
"Everyone I know and I laughed at them every time we saw one on the road. Goodbye, Honda Failement."
No doubt while both of you were driving down the road in a Ford Festiva...loser.
I make a point of laughing at insecure people who have to look like everyone else. Talk about fail.
That stinks that they're putting the ax to this great reliable car. I guess Ford will get my business after 2011.
Good, one of the ugliest cars ever made. Hopefully they will go after Saab and Sion next, all of them.
One of the best cars I ever owned. You morons who dis it for it's looks – it weren't meant to be pretty. I were meant to do stuff. f150 is just a dull as dirt pick up, but it's a good vehicle. Soooo shaddup!
I have a 2007. It rocks. It is by far the most practical car I have ever owned.
It's one of those cars where you either 'get it' or you don't. And yes, with the fold down rear seats, you can use your imagination to interpret that.
Easily the best car I've ever owned. I have an '04 with about 112,000 miles and it's never given me a bit of trouble. Aside from tires and brakes, and changing the oil, I've never had to do anything to keep the car running perfectly. I'd say that I'm sad that they're discontinuing it, but I don't see any reason why I'd ever need another one. I plan on driving this one forever.
my neighbor has one and he is a d0uche. good riddance!
i have a funny feeling you're the D0uche
I love my Ellee....she's a great car, never had an issue. To those of you who think it's an ugly mobile, look in the mirror! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
Once they started painting the panels it looked just like any other SUV. I can see why people may not have bought them as much in later years.
I agree. Big mistake. It lost it's "edgy-ness".
It's about time...definitely a dudd