2009 Honda Element

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Exterior - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Element is more boxy than even many SUV fans are used to -- and most reviewers love the effect. To them, this Honda's square dimensions play up its abundant utility. Most Element trims feature a dark grey exterior trim and bumper, save the SC's one-color treatment.

• "Its profile is unlike anything else on American roads. From the front, the Element has a cheeky, chunky look accentuated by rectangular headlights and the unusual design of the bumper. The hood line is fairly low and leads to a steep windshield flowing into a gently curved roofline, while the rear tailgate is nearly vertical." -- New Car Test Drive
• "Easily recognizable at any distance, the Element's body panels and forward-opening rear doors are only some of its unique styling features." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Japanese animation meets two-box utility vehicle, Japanese animation wins. ... Not only is the Element unintimidating in its looks, it's almost whimsical. It produces smiles from on-lookers." -- The Auto Channel
• "Element SC features a different, blacked-out grille and painted bumpers and trim in place of the gray cladding on most other Element models. It also sits lower on a revised suspension and features projector-beam headlights." -- Cars.com
• "The SC goes exactly the opposite stylistic direction from what I love about the Element in the first place. Element is a triumph of function over form. If I were building my ultimate Element, I'd add even more functional aspects, not cover up the bones with paint." -- About.com