Its unmistakable box shape rivaled that of the Scion XB and the Nissan Cube, another pair of cuboids on wheels. Furthermore, the rear-hinged back doors can open only if the respective front ones are opened first.The Honda Element was one among a couple of rolling toasters that hit the road in the mid to late 2000s. In fact the Element isn't a great choice for those who plan to regularly carry backseat passengers the cabin feels rather narrow and the seats are hard, while entry and exit are a bit challenging. While most other vehicles of the Element's size have five seats, the Honda seats just four, and the two backseats are quite small. Yet some might be surprised to see that the emphasis in the Element's packaging is on cargo and versatility, not back seats and passenger space. And with its suicide-door (front-hinged front door and rear-hinged back door) setup, high roof and low cargo floor, it's seriously spacious. The 2011 Honda Element has a box-on-wheels design that imbues it with a lot more interior space than models that take up more parking space. However it lost a little of its Rubbermaid charm when the much-loved rubber-like front and rear bumper treatment was replaced with body-color bumpers. The Element received a number of minor yet noteworthy changes for model-year 2009, including new infotainment systems inside and a number of exterior changes including a new grille, hood, and headlights that seemed to make the appearance a little crisper than before. Even for those who don't think the Element is attractive, it's hard to argue with the beauty of its stark functionality. The 2011 Honda Element has a look that borrows elements from rough-and-ready off-roaders and traditional full-size vans-along with smaller delivery trucks-but the end product is something stylistically unique. Top crash-test ratings and a good set of safety equipment complete the Element's "get 'er done, safely" mindset. The 2011 Element comes with a rather basic set, though options like premium sound and a nav system can be had, along with a Dog Friendly Element package. The EX comes with a new convertible center console with a removable cooler/storage box. EX models get an overhead console with two compartments: one of them large enough for PDAs, the other good for sunglasses. Throughout the model line, the interior includes a collection of nooks and crannies good for gear and all sorts of smaller items. Furthermore, the rear-hinged back doors can open only if the respective front ones are opened first. But what's surprising is that the 2011 Element doesn't drive like a truck its car-based underpinnings shine through, with responsive handling and decent stability. And the Element gets better fuel economy if you simply stick with front-wheel drive, and it does just fine that way we'd recommend all-wheel drive only for those who get heavy snowfall. Performance is good in the city with the five-speed automatic, but it feels a little winded on the highway. The 2011 Element has modest technical specs: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 166 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and running gear that's evolved in part from the Civic and CR-V parts bin. Utility is strongly represented up front, even, with a tray-like shelf built right into the instrument panel. There are lots of hard plastics, and even the cargo floor is covered with a rubberized, easy-wipe surface, so there's no pretending it's snooty or luxurious. Inside, the Element is best described as no-nonsense. With a look that takes after that of old-style sport-utility vehicles-even channeling cues from traditional vans-combined with a certain cargo sophistication and city-savvy maneuverability, the Element is one of the best bets for those who like the utility of SUVs but prefer the safety, handling, and fuel efficiency of cars. The tall, boxy 2011 Honda Element is no rugged off-roader, but it sure looks like one.
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