2005 Honda Element | Review | Buying Guide
Now in its third season, the Honda Element doesn’t shock as many people as it once did. Still, the compact sport utility vehicle continues to raise some eyebrows as it effortlessly rolls down the road with its unique design and form.
One of the obvious results of the Element’s boxy design is increased cargo and people-carrying ability. Though a compact, the interior of the Element feels much more like a midsize. This versatility is further aided by a number of novel features aimed at increasing the carrying capacity.
For 2005, Honda focuses on the top-line EX trim. It is given more interior amenities and newly standard safety features, as well as a fresh exterior that now has a tailpipe finisher, plus two additional color choices (blue & black) for composite body panels.
Under the Hood
The Honda Element is based on the CR-V, but it’s bigger and heavier. However, they do share the same 2.4-liter dual-overhead cam inline 4-cylinder engine. Power ratings for this year are 160 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 161 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm.
There are two transmissions offered: 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic. Though the fuel ratings of the 2005 Element won’t come anywhere near the numbers of the Civic Hybrid, they are still very respectable.
Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are both offered on 2005 Element models. The AWD system doesn’t include low-range gearing, but AWD models do get a tilt/removable glass "skylight" over the cargo bay.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The Element has an upper liftgate and a drop-down tailgate. It also has rear-hinged back side doors that are shorter than the front doors and don't open or close independently of them. The Element seats four on front bucket seats and a split rear bench. The rear seat's 30-lb sections swing up to the side or remove to expand cargo space.
Honda doesn’t reserve all of the 2005 improvements for the top-line EX trim. Midlevel LX models benefit from an expanded standard features list that includes cruise control, power mirrors and new wheel covers.
However, the biggest leap is undoubtedly held by the EX. In addition to the aforementioned exterior upgrades, the EX’s interior now includes front side airbags, MP3 and Windows Media Audio playback capability and XM Satellite Radio.
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