Element Load Capacity

Questions for Element owners. Consumer Reports shows that the Element has a
Max Load of 675lbs, which is really low. Has anyone had a problem with
this? Hell, even a Mini has Max load of 850lbs. I'm just considering three
people plus gear and this thing is over loaded. Given it's relative
interior size, shouldn't it be able to carry more?

T

 

Is the CRV the same issue? Maybe the CRV is lighter so the load limit is
higher.

I asked the Honda salesperson about the Element load limit on Saturday and
they didn't know about this ... so they said.

There are lots of 2003 Elements in western Washington sitting on car lots.
You would think I could get a good price on one, but Honda doesn't seem to
deal or offer rebates or other dealer incentives.

- Steve

 

They all know about it; they're just avoiding it, because it's a little
ridiculous.

I mean, come on--4 decent sized guys make the Element over its load
limit, and that's without any luggage. Something's wrong with that.

It's in the Element owner's manual, so ask to see that.

 

Are you sure you are not looking at the kg figure instead of pounds???

 

Positive.

 

Wow.

www.consumerreports.org/loadratings

 

Yep, this is the reason that I am taking the Element off my short list of
next vehicle to purchase. It's a shame that Honda made this engineering
faux pas, I really liked the car but at 6'3" and 250lbs, I make up more than
1/3 that it can handle. Not good.

T

 

Just guessing, but I wonder if it is because of the absence of B pillars? I
know the frame of the suicide doors is supposed to latch into place and
serve as a B pillar when under way, but that still can't be as strong as a
proper cage with A B and C pillars.

 

Just called Honda HQ and asked this question. Indeed this is the load
capacity for it. Don't put 5 brothers in it, it will croak.
don't buy this joke until Honda puts more vitamins into its engine.

 

No, just talked to Honda CS help line and the car is a wimp. Designed
for singles to carry the golf clubs or surfboards, nothing else, or the
car will choke under load. Is this the biggest joke ever heard or what.
This explains why Honda link for CS doesn't work.

 

Yes, you are right. I'm 6'3" and not overweight. Me and my wife plus the
animal my wife calls it "Tiny" (it's a dog) make it close to the max.
capacity of this car. I shouldn't call it a car, it's a joke! I'd like
to get the e-mail of the idiot at Honda who approved this "vehicle" to
be released on the market and give him a piece of my mind.

 

Wouldn't have been more prudent to do a little homework first?

 

I called Honda HQ today and they confirmed the load capacity. I asked to
speak with the idiot who designed such a huge car able to carry only 4
persons. They declined.

 

In my worst nightmares I wouldn't imagine that such a huge car will
carry so little!
Hell, if the animal will have any puppies, it will be them or the
toolbox. Or risk overloading the tranny.

 

It isn't overloading the tranny.

It's more likely the lawyers. Wait until you get three guys in that
vehicle, and get into a wreck, and the car doesn't perform so well and
you try to sue Honda. Their lawyers will be all over that, claiming
that you overloaded it.

You could counterstrike, saying that their load limit was unreasonable.
Good luck.

 

Yeah, I guess you are right. I probably would have never noticed it myself
looking at the size of the thing.

 

Hi,
Reminds me of a model of motor home they built a few years ago. It had
many sub basement compartments but the overall vehilce weight was at
near max. Math showed they could only fill the compartments with goose
feather pillows. Safety hazard for uninformed!
Tony

 

Makes me wonder under what directive the design engineers work under. I
know, make it look cool but completely useless.....

 

Hi,
Engineers are always under bean counters(sales kind).
Don't blame engineers. (I am one but not in automotive side)
Tony

 

I used to be one as well. I have been demoted to manager.....