@@stateofaudio185 Americans should be able to get any car or space craft available in the known universe all the time 24/7 Seven days a week 365 days a year. I'm just saying.
I don’t think Honda cares about entry level buyers like they used to. Spacious van-like transport for young people are definitely needed and would sell at the right price.
Honda are TRASH in the US. And becoming trash in general as they put CVTs in everything. Example: the jazz(Fit) hybrid is ~21k everywhere else in the world. Unavailable in the US so they can sell more shitty CRVs with CRTs. Screw honda. I'm gettin a prius or a tacoma. Maybe a used mazda 3. those are a good deal & their CVT is better like toyotas.
We recently bought my daughter a 2003 Element from a neighbor who had kept all service records and repairs on a spreadsheet. He had replaced nearly everything and had receipts totaling $9500. It is such a handy vehicle. We love it!
Okay so what did you buy it for?? $9500 is easy when paying someone wrench time. Suspension sucks on these but can’t beat that K24. Best Motor Honda ever made
I didn't see this mentioned, but I learned from a Element owner that a lot of people want the rear sun roof so that they can install the camper expansion on the roof. The remove the glass panel and climb up from there.
As an owner of a 2006 element EX-p, i couldnt agree more. Best vehicle ive ever owned as far as reliability and versatility. The k24 powertrain is solid although some things can be difficult to get to in that engine bay. Love the element and definitely hope they bring it back, but maybe with 5 seats this time instead of four.
Honda could have gave the Element the 200 HP K24A2 engine. 160 HP isn’t enough to pull its own weight. I tow a lot with my Element; and it’s a struggle getting it up to speed at times.
We are also the original owners of a 2006 Element EX-P AWD 4A which now has only 98,400 miles on it. Bulletproof drivetrain, very reliable transportation and WAY ahead of its time in the market. Honda should bring back the Element.
I’ve been thinking the same thing for a long time. Had one and really liked it, but the gas mileage and the lack of power was what made me eventually sell it. But i still miss it to this day! I think all the comments here are right on, hybrid with EV only mode and a pure EV option would be perfect. Love the rear seats, tailgate, and even the suicidal doors!
everything you say is so true about the Element. IF I could change just a few things gas mileage would be one and do something about the road noise.....I can remember how much fun it was to drive, but we could never hold a conversation in it. Today those two things would be easy fixes.
Owned a 2003 Element. One of my favorites. In terms of toughness, I was impressed. I took it through creeks, over sketchy mine roads and all over the western deserts. It died to save my wife in 2017. Replaced with a Lexus GX460, and I consider it a sister to the Element, a truck that'll get you there and get you back.
I purchased a new Element in 2004 and it's still going strong; the best automobile I've ever had. It's reliable, easy to drive, and versatile. My only suggestion is to make the back seats comfortable.
I built the Honda Element in 54 seconds at the Honda East Liberty Plant in Ohio. I was a supplier engineer for Nissan who built the dashboard in Lewisburg, TN. The rear end is the old tooling from the Subaru Brat! First years of production was 360 units a day dropping to 60 units a day. The Urban Element had copper accents on the dashboard and lowered appearance. Really great Honda factory to work in.
I always thought the Element was an interesting car ~~ pretty much the Honda version of the Scion XB or the Nissan Cube at the time. It would be really neat to revisit the Element and come out with a new one. I want them to bring back a couple of notable ones like the Prelude as well.
Honda beats the XB all day that car was built cheap and can’t tow or carry the payload of the E. The Cube is Nissan enough said on that. Pffft lame 😒 cube weird shaped glass
@@londonriggins5277 sorry you had a bad experience owning an xB. I had the original model and it was the best vehicle I have ever owned. Drove it for 298,208 miles with just routine maintenance, tires, brakes. It carried 5 people on monthly trips and when I went on hiking/camping trips, it handled all my stuff. And 40 miles per gallon can't be beat in my eyes. Plus, they are very different types of vehicles. The Element is so much bigger and heavier. I never considered it to be a competitor of the xB. xB was lightweight and so nimble and fun to drive. The Element was and felt like a much bigger car and wasn't what I would consider nimble or fun to drive. After test driving the Element I realized I didn't need something that big and the xB is exactly what I wanted. While I like the Honda Fit I'm driving now, comparing it to the xB is like night and day in terms of space utilization. My Fit is 15 inches longer than my xB but has so much less interior space. I could get several adult bikes in the back of the xB with the wheels on. No adult bike fits in the back of the Fit. xB was very impressive for roominess alone. That's why I got volunteered to drive on monthly trips to Albany. Other's had bigger cars, but none had the room and comfort of the xB.
It would definitely need to be a hybrid with about 220HP, 5 seats. ...but keep the tailgate and removable seats as those are the best attributes. I've hauled 12ft 2x10s in this box.
How many? you only have 675 pound payload capacity, so assuming you are 150 pounds, that would leave you with 525 pouds total if you are alone and don't add anything extra. I have a 2016 Fit that also has configurable seat, large cargo volume, and 825 pound payload capacity. It can also carry four passengers with luggage and not exceed its payload.
@@jaimieconroy36 I know the payload capacity is a joke. I leave the back seats out , only used them once in 3 years. That adds 90lbs capacity 😂 This is my 2nd car , 2005 FWD EX Manual Transmission 70 000 miles. It's the " litest " Element ever sold..I have had over 1000lbs in it at 80mph down the I15 but you feel it and can see the gas guage move. My 2005 Corolla had 1050lb capacity 😂
166hp is plenty out of the E. I think 220 is overkill. I’d be happy with 205whp. Add some jump seats in the back to be a 6 seater! Old Nissan D21 jump seats would be the tits
I always felt when Honda discontinued the Element it was a huge mistake (just look at how Toyota did with the Scion). I test drove one back in the day & It was dope, fun to drive and all, but I bought an Odyssey instead cos I needed more “cargo” room. It would be really nice if they stuff more horsepower peaking out at maybe 225 hp, on top of some of the ideas you floated around too Kirk. I would buy one for sure as my daily. And oh my final wish is I hope someone at Honda is watching this and reading the comments too!
I bought a 2004 Element EX, new that year. And traded it in on a new 2011 Crosstour EXL 4WD, when the Element had 68K miles. I wonder sometimes why I did that. Not to take anything from the 2011 Honda. It is a great vehicle. And I'm still driving it. LOL But so was the Element. Even with all its quirkiness. Short in length, but tall and spacious. Lots of headroom. Was a terrific suburban runabout. Great for a trip to one of the box stores. Amazing what that little thing could swallow. Honda really does need to bring out a mid-2020's version.
I've had 2 Elements, the first was t-boned, and I replaced it with an orange EX. I loved the Elements, but because of the rear doors, it sucked for school runs. I've stopped doing school runs a few years ago when my daughter graduated from high school. I've tried to find another Element but either too many miles or too expensive. If Honda is reading this, bring the Element or the modern equivalent, and my wallet is open.
Great video as always Kirk, this would definitely also be a Rav competitor and bring some folks back to Honda from the Lexus/Toyota stable (me included! : ) I can still hear the country music booming from that subwoofer 😂 keep a good ground clearance, make the seats lighter/easier to remove, hybrid preferred but I’d want one even if just AWD ICE. And original orange 🍊 color 🔥😍
I’ve had a lot of vehicles, my 2004 Sunset Orange Pearl Element EX AWD is one of my all time favorites. My only mod was swapping out the stock tires for BFG KO’s. At the time, my two brothers-in-law had Elements as well. Honda screwed the pouch by not going with a Gen 2. The funny thing was they marketed toward young folks, but I got the most questions and praises from random strangers who were older folks. My only gripes were the lack of sound deadening, towing capacity, the windshield that cracked on a seemingly daily basis, and that it wasn’t designed to be a competitor with Jeep and the like. That not withstanding, still one of my all time faves. I retired it after 100K miles for a 2007 4Runner, which then lead me to a 2014 Land Cruiser. I love both of them, but wish I had kept the Element in the stable or at least could still get one….
We bought a new Element back in 2005.. Still to this day its one of the best SUVs we ever owned. The little SUV was practical and drove great. Long live Element Owners Club
I have 2008 EX with over 200k miles on it. Runs as good as the day i bought it. It is the best SNOW car I've ever driven. I've been in beastly snow storms with ice from Blackcomb B.C. to Big Sky in Montana. With good all season tires, I will make it through anything that any other car can't. It's light enough to not slide, but grippy enough with AWD that it will even go through powder (clearance notwithstanding). I've been thinking about keeping it as a "classic car" for the rest of my life. I think Honda should market it as a surfer/snowboarder/skiier/wind surfer/kiteboarder/hiker/dog owner car. They hit on a couple of these themes in ads, but bring the features to the car as well. Also the buyers ended up being middle aged, so give us the creature comforts. As you said, Kirk, we need 110v outlets. How about leather seats? I love the idea of an Si, Hybrid, or EV version. Avoid competing with the Kia Soul, which is the entry level box. Make it a "middle aged extreme sport enthusiast" car, same customers who are buying the Apple Watch Ultra. The Element has a reputation for being the "entry level van life" car. I've slept in mine several times. It's like a steel pup tent. How about solar panels for the top? I would also love a modular camping system so we can mix and match a bed platform with different cubicles for storage. I think the reason why Element sales went down, was that they were undercut pricewise by the Kia Soul and the Scion XB. The Soul continues with strong sales to this day, and they've had an Si and EV version of it! Honda should go for the middle of the market, like you said Kirk, to compete with the Bronco or other small SUVs. The "extreme sport" theming and flexibility options would resonate.
It needs to have a sun/moon window in the front of the cab. It could use roll down windows electric or roll down back seat windows. It also needs a covered catalytic converter cover so it can’t be stolen so easily.
This would be awesome if they brought back this car. It’s a really good options if you have a pet business or have quite a few dogs. It’s really easy for pups to get in and out of the car and I have seen these be turned into interesting camping rigs.
I have an 03 Elle, with the huge sunroof in the rear, and AWD. They are pretty perfect the way they are. The doors are amazing and easy to get carseats in and out with ease. Plus they creat an amazing cross draft. My only wish is for manuals to make a major comeback.
I had a 2004 EX AWD that I put over 240K miles on in 7 years before giving it to my niece, who was in high school at the time. She drove it for a few more years. That has been my favorite car I've ever owned because it was so practical for work and just fun when it needed to be. Went anywhere I needed it to go. I actually got decent mileage out of it on long road trips. Yes, the windshield was a rock magnet. I replaced mine at least 4 times. But otherwise it was basically just oil changes, and tires for most of that time. I'm also tall, so it was the most comfortable car I've owned, with plenty of headroom, shoulder room, etc, and nothing blocking my view out of the windshield like most cars. I could even sit very comfortably in the back seat when others were driving. My biggest complaint was probably wind noise on the highway. It was not a quiet vehicle. I have been waiting patiently for the day they make a new version.
This is still a fun little boxy car! Just saw one last night and thought it would have been fun if we could have purchased one, years ago, but they were hard to get used...I think because people loved them so much and didn't want to part with them!
Had a 2007 Element EX, traded it in for a CR-V, after 4 years, I wanted a new Element, to my demise, I was crushed to hear Honda discontinued the Element. Biggest mistake I made was trading in my '07. So, started a search for an Element, plenty of them out there, however, finding one in good condition was difficult. Saw a 2009 Element SC parked in a business park and decided to leave a note saying: "Would you consider selling your Element?" To my surprise, I got a respond from the owner stating that she was interested. I made a very good offer and the deal went through. The car was in excellent condition other than a few chips on the paint. I love my Element and would never consider selling or trading it in. I am a happy camper!!! I really love the SC trim, more luxurious and a bit quieter than the lower trims. I have 147K plus miles, a bit high for my taste but I know Hondas run for over 300K when properly maintained I have done quite a bit of traveling with my bikes, plenty of room for two bikes when rear seats removed. I am in the process of mildly restoring the Element, lots of fun and time consuming. If you can find one, buy it, they are a lot of fun and people get neck aches doing double takes. If you have any question, please contact me, I will be happy to get my brain picked! Victor Rodriguez Henderson, NV
Honda is now in a phase where all they are concerned about is how a new design can help the brand. The designers come up with cool concepts but all the cool ideas get shot down indiscriminately. Honda is no longer a brand that caters to the lower and middle classes. They want to sell up stream, and their design leads have their heads too far up their asses actually provide the people with what they really want.
Have a 2008 with 320,000 miles. No engine or transmission problems, just routine maintenance. No oil usage between changes. Super dependable. Would love a new one.
It would make a lot of sense for Honda to bring back the Element as a hybrid all wheel drive vehicle. Seeing that they're working with GM in providing their Ultium electrified platform they could make the new Element off the Chevy Equinox.
Love that there is no fuzzy carpeting on floors and walls, like in other cars. Mud and dirt are easy to remove, allergens are easy to remove, bad smells are easy to remove, and if someone spills something, I can laugh it off as easily as I can wipe it down! Only wish the cieling was plastic, too, because somehow, there are footprints up there!
When I was looking at the element a few years back, I had come to the conclusion thats it has more utility at a slight loss in performance when compared to a crv. However, people can't see the utility on a spec sheet, so I'd guess it was often considered subpar. I think if honda would inject some element "dna" into their crv lineup, it would be a successful compromise. Don't know if its possible with their current body architecture to transplant all of the cool features like wide door openings and extremely flat folding seats, but maybe the durable flooring and other "outdoorsey" features on an awd version would fill that recreational segment.
@@michaelfoulkes9502 yes, this is exactly what I was thinking. It could fill the element void, and an awd version could probably compete with the subaru outback better too
I would LOVE to see a new element. I’d love to see it in AWD or even better 4WD. With a model that’s lifted a bit for mild overlanding. Like a “wilderness” or “TRD” version if you catch my drift
Yes keep the hope alive! I agree with Kirk on pretty much everything he wants for a new Element. I think it could go either larger or smaller and still work. After all, the xB was smaller. But keep the tall roof and upright windshield. That's a must.
- Ground clearance of 8.5 - 9 inches - The clamshell back door windows should be automatic that can go up and down and the doors can be opened by passenger alone - Big Rear side tinted windows can be open slightly for ventilation with retractable bug net - Tailgate needs an inside latch to open - Slim down the pillars (blindside) - Make it 2-3 inches longer and wider for tall people - 200+ HP with only AWD and optional hybrid - Heated seats and steering wheel - Sound system still has build-in amplifier - More rugged and aggressive exterior design - Catalytic converter is protective from thieves :)
A full Electric Element would make sense, or at least offer both a plug in hybrid and a a full electric. It would do well in Europe and other continents…
I see a lot of families opting to keep their Elements to do kid-hauling duty over bulky minivans and similarly small (but less practical) SUVs. The suicide doors, awd, usable interior space and smaller footprint is a good fit for many drivers. Bringing an update of this recipe of this would do well
Got my Element after being “sentenced” to crutches. Suicide doors mean I don’t have to walk around an open back door to get to them, and if my dog’s gone on a walkabout, I don’t have to get out to let him in. Love those doors!
I owned a 2010 Honda Element with 4WD, wish I never sold it to get a sucky Jeep Gladiator. I'm currently searching for another Element. If Honda makes a new one, I'm all in! Updated tech, keep the side doors, add swivel front seats as standard. This is the only vehicle I miss out of the 35 vehicles I've owned! Love the Element! It would compete with the new VW Bus, but be more functional. HONDA listen up! Do this!
I own a 2007 Element Ex and I love it! I've had problems with it overheating so I changed the water pump and had the radiator cleaned last year. So far so good. I still want to change the radiator too. I love taking my pitbull on walks on my Honda but she doesn't fit on the front seat so she keeps going back and forth from the back seats so I'd like to be able to get more accesories: for dogs, for camping, for big families, etc. Also... I'd like to see at least roll down windows on the back seats area.
My mom had a 2003 Element until 2018. She still misses that thing and said it was the best car she's ever had. If Honda came out with a brand new Element I would spend every penny I have to get her one.
A new element with a bit more power would be really cool! I had a 2007 model in the sunset orange and put 110k on it, then passed it onto my daughter who put on another 50k miles. A small v6 would fit in the engine bay, just fine.
I think they need to make the hybrid as well also don’t give up the suicide doors. It’s needs to have a larger towing capacity and maybe even stow n go seats for easier and quick storage.
Must haves for a new element: Same footprint as the old one, I love its small yet spacious size. Improved gas mileage; 30+ would be nice. AWD is a must. Has to have a tailgate. Rollable rear windows and electric rear moon roof. Better center console/armrest. Removable/foldable rear seats like the originals. And that’s about it
Mine has 362,000 miles with only brakes and other minor things done to it .,..my dream, a hybrid Element ...would buy it tomorrow. The ease of taking out the back seats is one of the best things about this car. Why don't more cars offer this? There are dozens of fyi videos about taking seats- with difficulty- on other SUVs
Would buy a new element, hybrid or electric, same size if they released one. Currently have a Honda Fit. Best small car I’ve ever had. Love the magic seats. Unfortunately, the current European Fit/Jazz hybrid is no longer made for the US market. Mistake!!! There are those of us who don’t want a bigger suv, third rows or we’d have one. But the element is a perfect all purpose car. That’s why people have them or buy them used. And there are lots of them here in Oregon and Ca. The desire is there and I think a well developed new Element with the same features, awd, current tech would do well. I also agree that American Honda is missing the market trend by not having a entry level car like the Fit or Element in this market.
Bought my first one in 2005, Sunset Orange Pearl EX. Drove it back and forth to work for 6 years. It was a great vehicle. When I learned of the E’s demise in 2011, traded it for a 2011 Citrus Fire Metallic EX as a daily driver. Retired now, still have the E and do not drive it in the winter salt. My only hope is that Honda brings it back for another run before my 2011 or I die, and doesn’t screw up it’s funkiness in the process. And pleeeze, the 1.5 L turbo is too small for the E…😎
My favorite vehicle I ever owned was a tan 2003 Element. Camped in it, hauled kayaks, and just an all around fun drive. Would definitely get one again especially if it was an EV!!
I’m driving the last new car I bought, a ‘04 EX with 263,000 miles. I would buy another in a heartbeat as long as it was as reliable as what I’m driving. Love the hybrid idea, especially if it came with a little bump in HP. I love the utility of the Element.
I have a 2008 Element with 183k. I take very good care of her as I could not run my laundromat business without her. I wish Honda would reconsider bringing the Element back. Can't see myself driving anything else. This is my second one.
My FWD, manual Element was my favorite car ever. My biggest regret was ever selling it (moved out of country). I would buy a new one in a heartbeat - as long as the price wasn’t tooo insane,- as most tend to be nowadays.
I’m at 230,000 miles on my 2006 EXP manual with an Ursa Minor Ecamper. Honestly if Honda made a hybrid Element with premium stereo, I’d buy it right now and gave another Ecamper pop top installed.
While we're at it, as a father of 4, I'd also like a new ASTRO van, subaru Baja, and a full size honda truck. My needs won't suit everyone but these would all suit my families needs. But I'd love to see honda put out a new element.
I had a 2006 Element EXP. AWD. It got about the same millage as my 2008 Caddy due to the AWD. It was what it was , plenty of room, overly soft seats. Great visabily.
We’ve had 3 Elements. Absolutely loved them. We traded up to a Ford Flex. Loved the Flex too. If Honda (or whoever) updates this concept, I'll be waiting in line with my checkbook wide open.
Every time an Element comes into my auto repair shop for repair there are always several people who see it and they ask if it is for sale. There is still a demand for this vehicle.
I still have my Honda Element 2004. I boughIt’s it in 2004. It’s been a really good car. It has 170,000 miles on it, I think I could drive it until 300,000. I would like it to come back so I can trade mine in on it. I would like to see these changes. a little bit longer so I can fit a full bed in it without pushing the seats forward. I’d like to be able to open the back from inside. Sliding doors like a regular van might be nice so it’s easier to get out of in the morning after sleeping in it.
This vehicle really did miss its target audience and only sold 335 000 in its whole production run. I still believe the 4 seats really limited its market to American families..along with the suicide doors. I purchased mine 18 years ago and it was quickly delegated to vehicle #2 in the house.
I had 3 elements over here in New brunswick Canada and the suspension broke same place on all 3 not fixable. Finally recall csme this year for Canada. Too late.
I have owned 2 Elements - A 2003 that I traded after 417K miles and a 2005 that I still drive today with over 447K miles. You almost said "hot hatch" but you know it would be a "Hot Box"... LOL...
07 sc 208k miles. I'm having a hard time finding my next car. Awd with 4wd, hybrid, panoramic roof, increase towing capacity, extended for 3 rows, sliding rear doors, led headlights, rear power outlet, handle for opening the rear tailgate from inside, rotating front seats. Camping mode for low engine use ac and power.
Would love to see the Element come back. Sucks that Honda stopped making the Fit and now is pushing the HRV. They should have really kept the CRV smaller and moved the Passport as the mid-sized "off-roader" SUV, keeping the Pilot the large. Element would be a great first-car or low budget purchaser. Mods will come from 3rd party for sure.
I want a new Honda element! With the black bumper and wheel protectors! Maybe try some round lights. Everybody I know that has one is waiting for a new Element. Their great vechicles. I love mine.
Just found this but last December I just brought an '05 for my second car to move things. My Audi has become my second car lol, I move everything in this and really have the back seats down. Love the vision of the video.
I've owned 5 elements... This car was made for me. I lived in it. Is traveled to 45 States. I had a shower and a fridge and a bed and a sofa. I could throw kayaks on the roof. I had a solar panel. Is 12 V exhilary power
4/4 hybrid Element is an interesting idea. Electric rear axle combined with a 1.2 liter, 3 cylinder pure ICE powering the front axle. Vehicle measuring less than 4 meters in length and 3 row seating. Element dreams from India 😉.
They are still making Elements in Japan! If Honda would bring The Honda Element back to the USA they would be great sellers. Hybrids all wheel drive 50 miles per gal, I'd purchase one now if pricing was right and still hold on to my 2005 toaster. I love the Honda Element & have talked to several others that say they wish Honda would bring the Element back! What can consumers do to see that this happens?
I loved my Honda Element I drove all through college. I replaced it when it had around 180k miles and was still running strong. Only missed some modern technology. Awesome car though for that time in my life.
I owned the 2004 and 2007. Best vehicle I have owned and would buy a new one right away. The design was perfect. New ones would just need to keep the rear seat versatility. Im ok with 2 rear seats. As long as they are removable and connect to the front to make the bed. A new one would need at least 2000 pound towing capacity for small campers. Hondas 2023 lineup of crv, passport and pilot are all the same. Just size difference. And the odyssey is ugly with terrible glare from the dash on the windshield.
The only economical way to make a niche car like this is to base it on the CRV, just like the original. As my Element enters its dotage, I'm considering the CRV hybrid as the closest thing.
Instead of discontinuing them, the smart move would have been to rebrand them to the mid-size work van market (Ford Transit, Ram Promaster, etc.), and of course put the darn sunroof where it belongs (middle of the vehicle was always idiotic).
Honda should make it body on frame, with an optional v6 and turbo i4, optional regular 4 doors and traditional suicid* rear doors, to compete with the wrangler, and I bet you with hondas reliability, and practicality, it will dethrone the wrangler, bronco, maybe even the FJ, then use the same platform for the new ridgeline, it just makes sense!
