2003 Honda Element reviews and buying guide.

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2003 Honda Element

Sort of like a traditional pickup and somewhat like a sport-utility vehicle, the Honda Element is an all-new model that applies an innovative approach to functionality. The Element aims to accommodate a bit of every demographic with a pickup's hard flat floor, an enclosed rear area like an SUV, fuel economy and handling performance like a car, available 4-wheel-drive and a price starting around $16,000.

The versatility of the new Element is unmatched. It has side doors to allow for easy loading of bulky items. The rear seats can flip to the side to create a vast cargo area for even more goods. As if that's not enough, the rear seats can also lay flat to form a bed with the front seats, or they can be removed entirely. For 2003, the Element is offered in two trim levels: EX and DX.

Under the Hood

The Element comes with a typically efficient motor. It has Hondas's 2.4-liter, i-VTEC, 4-cylinder engine with 160-horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual transmissions are available. Both provide good acceleration while maintaining fuel economy in the low to mid-twenties. For convenience, the Element's gear shifter for manual and automatic transmissions is located on the center of the instrument panel, right next to the steering wheel.

The Element uses a 4-wheel independent suspension system. It features a Toe Control Link MacPherson Strut suspension in the front and reactive compact double wishbone suspension in the rear. For safety, the 2003 Element has dual front airbags and front seatbelts with load limiters and buckle pre-tensioners. Side impact airbags are available on EX models.

Standard Features, Options Packages and Style

The versatility of the Element has already been expounded upon, and it is matched with a number of standard appointments to make the ride worry-free and relaxing. DX models have all the necessary standard features, while EX models up the level considerably, adding air conditioning, cruise control, power mirrors and a 270-watt 7-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system with a sub-woofer and an auxiliary audio input built into the dash for digital media/MP3 players.

On the outside, the Element has composite body panels around the fenders to resist minor dents and scratches. Moving into the next generation of vehicles, the 2003 Honda Element defies classification because it doesn't really fit into any of the established segments. In an automotive landscape that is often filled with copycat models and makes, the Element is certainly a welcome addition.

2003 Honda Element - Consumer Guide provides test drive reviews and vehicle quality ratings.