2006 Honda Element - One of the greatest utilitarian feats in automotive history
When shopping for a new used vehicle, I was looking for something that could handle my lifestyle. As an avid mountain biker, dog owner, car camper, and dirt road user, I landed upon the Honda Element. The greatest thing about the vehicle is the utility. The floors omit carpet for easy cleaning, the seats are water and stain resistant, which is great for my stinky body after a day of mountain biking. The seats fold completely flat to sleep on- using just two camp pads, the car essentially turns into a roomy double bed for two people and a small dog. The seats can be folded up out of the way to add storage (an incredible amount of storage), as well as be completely removed if so desired. I personally tend to keep one side down for the random extra passenger and still enough room to put a... (more)
When shopping for a new used vehicle, I was looking for something that could handle my lifestyle. As an avid mountain biker, dog owner, car camper, and dirt road user, I landed upon the Honda Element. The greatest thing about the vehicle is the utility. The floors omit carpet for easy cleaning, the seats are water and stain resistant, which is great for my stinky body after a day of mountain biking. The seats fold completely flat to sleep on- using just two camp pads, the car essentially turns into a roomy double bed for two people and a small dog. The seats can be folded up out of the way to add storage (an incredible amount of storage), as well as be completely removed if so desired. I personally tend to keep one side down for the random extra passenger and still enough room to put an entire bicycle inside without removing the wheels. The cabin is spacious and leaves me feeling claustrophobic in other vehicles. The stereo is really great, which helps for those long trips. A few caveats with the vehicle are the gas mileage isn't that best for such a wimpy drive train. The looks can be subjective- though I personally like it. Lastly, the ground clearance is way too low for exploring dirt roads or getting to trail heads in the mountains/desert.
One of my favorite trips about using my Honda Element was on a trip to Bend, Oregon, on a four-day weekend. We decided after a few days to drive down to Crater Lake. After Crater Lake we decided to drive down to Redwoods National Park in California. We slept in the car the entire time. I also had my bike inside the car when we were not sleeping in it. It was a long 15-hour drive back home, and... (more)
One of my favorite trips about using my Honda Element was on a trip to Bend, Oregon, on a four-day weekend. We decided after a few days to drive down to Crater Lake. After Crater Lake we decided to drive down to Redwoods National Park in California. We slept in the car the entire time. I also had my bike inside the car when we were not sleeping in it. It was a long 15-hour drive back home, and I wouldn't have wanted to be in any other car. The comfort and utility provided by this vehicle is perfect for road trips.
The amount of seating configuration is the best I've ever seen. The cabin is spacious and comfortable. The stock stereo is really good and has a stock auxiliary outlet.
The amount of seating configuration is the best I've ever seen. The cabin is spacious and comfortable. The stock stereo is really good and has a stock auxiliary outlet.
The acceleration from the 2.4l engine is not quite dangerous, but abysmally slow. The gas mileage is adequate, but could be a lot better for an engine that isn't powerful whatsoever. Lastly, the ground clearance for an outdoor lifestyle vehicle like this should be higher.
The acceleration from the 2.4l engine is not quite dangerous, but abysmally slow. The gas mileage is adequate, but could be a lot better for an engine that isn't powerful whatsoever. Lastly, the ground clearance for an outdoor lifestyle vehicle like this should be higher.
2006 Honda Element - I love my toaster!
This is a very well-built little SUV. I have had to do only routine maintenance, change the oil, filters, tires, etc. This little four-cylinder car gets 22 miles to the gallon which is good, since it's basically a rolling box. It's very utilitarian but does have XM Radio, which is nice on trips. I find it very comfortable to drive and easy to get in and out of.
This is a very well-built little SUV. I have had to do only routine maintenance, change the oil, filters, tires, etc. This little four-cylinder car gets 22 miles to the gallon which is good, since it's basically a rolling box. It's very utilitarian but does have XM Radio, which is nice on trips. I find it very comfortable to drive and easy to get in and out of.
Look for a car that fits your lifestyle. It's nice to have utility when you like the outdoors and not have to worry about tracking sand and dirt into the vehicle. But, it's also nice to have a few luxury features - like the CD player and satellite radio.
Look for a car that fits your lifestyle. It's nice to have utility when you like the outdoors and not have to worry about tracking sand and dirt into the vehicle. But, it's also nice to have a few luxury features - like the CD player and satellite radio.
I love my Honda Element for hauling dogs, boxes, and my Ikea purchases. The back seats fold up along the back windows leaving you with lots of floor space for hauling. Or you can even remove the seats! I especially like that I can fit a full-size dog crate in the back, since I do Big Dog Rescue. It's very easy to clean, as it has no carpet. You can even hose it out. It is a little difficult to get the drain plug out, as you have to remove the spare tire first. Then you can remove the plug. Putting it back in requires two people, one under the car and the other to put the plug into the spa... (more)
I love my Honda Element for hauling dogs, boxes, and my Ikea purchases. The back seats fold up along the back windows leaving you with lots of floor space for hauling. Or you can even remove the seats! I especially like that I can fit a full-size dog crate in the back, since I do Big Dog Rescue. It's very easy to clean, as it has no carpet. You can even hose it out. It is a little difficult to get the drain plug out, as you have to remove the spare tire first. Then you can remove the plug. Putting it back in requires two people, one under the car and the other to put the plug into the spare tire well. I usually borrow the neighbor kid for this.
My husband hates my car, he says riding in it with the short wheel base is torture. You definitely feel every bump, and if you go over a speed hump too fast, you are airborne! I do have to agree that the passenger seat could be more comfortable. It's a squeeze if you have long legs. The other thing that I don't like is that it's noisy on the road, since there is no carpet to muffle sounds. Also, riding in the back seat can be bumpy.
My husband hates my car, he says riding in it with the short wheel base is torture. You definitely feel every bump, and if you go over a speed hump too fast, you are airborne! I do have to agree that the passenger seat could be more comfortable. It's a squeeze if you have long legs. The other thing that I don't like is that it's noisy on the road, since there is no carpet to muffle sounds. Also, riding in the back seat can be bumpy.
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