honda elements reliable?

I am tempted by the Honda Element. It seems like a good deal for good
vehicle, but is it reliable. I have heard about cracked windshields, trim
pieces that fall off and exterior plastic panels that scratch easily. Are
these just teething problems or something more?

 

I don't advise anyone to buy a Honda Element. It's poorly designed. It's
very high profile and and is not aerodynamic. If you go to fast around a
sharp turn--it would probably tip over. The Pilot and CR-V are far
superior SUVs in terms of safety and body design.

 

How long was your test drive?

 

The test drive was about 30 minutes. I have thought about seeing if I could
rent one for a weekend and taking it up north into Vermont, but I haven't
explored that possibility yet.

 

The Element is not intended to be a "SUV." It is a purely spartan utility
vehicle--no "sport" involved. If you want to take corners quickly buy an
S2000.

 

My company bought one about a month ago as a utility vehicle. It has been
perfectly reliable so far, as one could expect with any Honda but the
styling is just bizzarre. Not as bad/ugly as the Pontiac Aztec in my
opinion. I like the plastic floor lining, much easier to keep clean than
carpet and with the seats up you can really haul a lot of stuff. You can
load/unload very easily with the side door arrangement.

 

My brother in law claims all they're missing is a handle on top to be a true
lunchbox

=---

 

My only criticism of the Element has just been eased by Honda .. .
lack of side curtain airbags. It was announced on TV this a.m. (FOX, Oct.
24,
2003) that Honda is, from now on, installing all its safety equipment
(including expensive side air bags) in their all their NEW models, high to
low. This is a great boost to the longevity, hence reliability, of the
driver. Kudos Honda! No, I've not heard of any unreliability in any
Element. I dispute the Element's ugliness charge .. . "robust" looks are
what I would call Element.

 

Mini Hummvee Look Luv mine

 

Unfortunately, that's only in the US. Here in Canada, we are still without.
My 2003 Accord EX comes with side curtain airbags as standard in the US, but
are unavailable in Canada.

 

I hope Honda Canada adopts the U.S. baseline. Safety shouldn't be a
consideration in the purchase of any new car. It's also a time thing. My
'90 Integra is without a host of relevant safety items.