Honda Element roomy cabin gives everyone enough

With its versatile seating the 2011 Honda Element is certainly one of the crossover choices for consumers. The rear seating is removable for those who wish to turn it into a cargo area and roomy cabin gives everyone enough elbow room for the trip. There is also what is known as a Dog Friendly Package which is a plus for canine companions everywhere.

The Dog Friendly Package provides existing crates and accessories for the traveling four legged companion and is only available as an option. Despite this innovative feature, the 2011 Honda Element will be the final signature. Honda does not plan on releasing a 2012 Element or beyond. For those who like everything to be user friendly and like efficient use of space the Honda Element is one of the top picks for consideration.

As a crossover the Honda Element lacks in the seating arrangements many people expect for today. The four person seating is a rarity in the crossover and SUV race but for the element it seems to work. The swing out doors make getting everyone into the vehicle easier, regardless of whether it’s the kids or Fido. The rear seating is able to be moved completely from the vehicle or can be flipped up and out of the way in a pinch. This is a nice feature for carting home some of those unplanned purchases.

The Honda Element is a little slow on the acceleration due to the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine with 166 horsepower and 161 pounds of torque. The 5 speed automatic transmission is standard, as is front wheel drive. It is possible to upgrade to the all wheel drive model. It took a full 10 seconds to get going from a stand still to 60 miles per hour, which is certainly a far cry from the crossovers that can jump out of the starting gate. Fuel efficiency ranks at about 20 city miles to the gallon and about 25 highway miles to the gallon on the 2 wheel drive version. For the all wheel drive enthusiast the gas mileage drops to 19 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway.

Stability control and antilock disc brakes are standard on the 2011 Honda Element. The brake assist feature, active front head restraining system, and full length side curtain airbags have been standard equipment before and will remain so throughout the termination of production. The Honda Element was given 5 stars on the 2010 government crash test rating scale but it has not completed the more vigorous and demanding 2011 crash test as of yet.

Taking out the rear seats opens up the Honda Element for a large amount of cargo. The 75 cubic feet of cargo carrying potential wins over many other crossover owners. The theatre seating provides the passengers with additional comfort and thanks to the swing out doors, removal of the seating is much less difficult.

The Honda Element is a crossover that can be at home in an urban setting just as comfortably as it is at home in a rural setting. If you’ve ever considered one of these original and innovative vehicles then now would be the time to buy.