2003 Honda Element reviews and buying
guide.
2003
Honda Element resources:
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.
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