2007 Honda Element Exterior Review [ 2008 ]
Honda Element Exterior Review
Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)
According to just about every observer, the Element has one of the most unique, distinctive profiles on the road. "Easily recognizable at any distance, the Element's boxy greenhouse, two-tone body panels and forward-opening rear doors are only some of its unique styling features," according to Kelley Blue Book.
The Element's exterior styling draws many comparisons and even a few side jokes, but almost all of them are given in admiration. Car and Driver call it a "rolling breadbox", The New York Times says the base Element has "a look only nerds can love", and Cars.com observes that "youthful shoppers issued a big thumbs-up."
The side rear clamshell doors create a huge opening for loading cargo into the vehicle, but are "not always as convenient as one might think," says Edmunds. "To open them, the front doors must be opened first, leading to some annoyance for the front occupants as they must always open their doors in order to allow people in or out."
The Element's unique, utilitarian look is unusual, but seems to be a positive for most reviewers. "Not only is the Element unintimidating in its looks, it's almost whimsical," offers The Auto Channel. "It produces smiles from on-lookers."
One of the vehicle's most unusual features is the design of its doors -- the rear doors open backward, and there is no pillar separating the front and rear doors. This creates an opening larger than most minivan doors for loading and unloading the vehicle. But the rear doors cannot be opened unless the front doors are open, creating problems for many reviewers. "Dropping off kids curbside without a front passenger to open the door can be particularly irksome," complains Edmunds. MSN explains, "When the Element is snugly in a parking lot with cars close on each side, there's just no easy way to get to that wide double-door opening."
U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman cautions that "the Element is not a great family car. Its height made it hard for my 4-year-old son to climb into." Running boards are not available to help solve this problem. The rear hatch is split horizontally, with the top portion lifting and the bottom portion lowering like the tailgate of a pickup, which can make it more difficult to lift large items into the rear of the vehicle.
Exterior Trims
Honda Element LX
The dent-resistant plastic front and rear quarter panels, bumpers and exterior trim of the Element LX are dark grey plastic. The LX is otherwise undistinguishable from EX models.
Honda Element EX FWD
The front and rear quarter panels of the Element EX are painted body-color, though they remain constructed of dent and scratch-resistant plastic. The bumpers and exterior trim are dark grey plastic. The EX is otherwise indistinguishable from the LX model.
Honda Element SC
The Honda Element SC's exterior is entirely body-color, including bumpers and trim. It sits lower to the ground than other models and includes a standard spoiler and black-painted grille.