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{{Short description|Compact crossover SUV by Honda, 2003–2011}}{{Use American English|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Honda Element
| image = Honda Element logo.jpg 
| manufacturer = [[Honda]]
| production = December 2002 – April 2011
| model_years = 2003–2011
| assembly = United States: [[East Liberty, Ohio]] ([[East Liberty Auto Plant|ELAP]])
| designer = Eric Schumaker, Bernie Lee (exterior)<br>Jose Wyszogrod (interior)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Graphic1 |url=http://www.ramblerdan.com/e/files/schumaker.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autonews.com/article/20030818/SUB/308180713/future-products-2003-thinking-inside-the-box/|title=FUTURE PRODUCTS 2003: Thinking inside the box |publisher=Autonews.com |access-date=2003-08-18}}</ref>
| class = [[Crossover SUV|Compact crossover SUV]]
| body_style = 5-door [[SUV]]
| layout = {{unbulleted list
  | [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, front-wheel-drive]]
  | [[Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, four-wheel-drive]]
  }}
| related = {{unbulleted list
  | [[Honda CR-V]]
  }}
| engine = {{unbulleted list
  | 2.4&nbsp;L ''[[Honda K engine#K24A|K24A4]]'' [[Inline-four engine|I4]] (2003–2006)
  | 2.4&nbsp;L ''[[Honda K engine#K24A|K24A8]]'' I4 (2007-2011)
  }}
| transmission = {{unbulleted list
  | 5-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]] (2003-2010)
  | 4-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] (2003-2006)
  | 5-speed automatic (2007-2011)
  }}
| wheelbase = {{convert|101.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}
| length = {{unbulleted list
  | {{convert|169.3|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} (2003–2008)
  | {{convert|169.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} (2009–2011)
  }}
| width = {{convert|72.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} (2003–2008)
| height = {{unbulleted list
  | {{convert|70.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}
  | {{convert|69.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} (SC)
  }}
| weight = {{convert|3330 - 3641|lb|kg|abbr=on|order=flip}} <ref>{{Cite web |title=Vehicle Specifications &#124; 2003 Honda Element &#124; Honda Owners Site |url=https://owners.honda.com/vehicles/information/2003/Element/specs#mid%5EYH1823PW |website=owners.honda.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vehicle Specifications &#124; 2011 Honda Element &#124; Honda Owners Site |url=https://owners.honda.com/vehicles/information/2011/Element/specs#mid%5EYH2H7BEW |website=owners.honda.com}}</ref>
| successor = [[Honda Passport#Third generation (RU; 2019)|Honda Passport (third generation)]]
| aka = YH1/2
}}

The '''Honda Element''' is a [[crossover SUV|compact crossover SUV]] manufactured by [[Honda]]  and marketed in North America over a single generation for model years 2003–2011 &mdash; and noted for its boxy exterior styling with bi-parting side doors and its boxy, flexible interior layout.

Manufactured in [[East Liberty, Ohio]],<ref>{{cite news |title=The Columbus Dispatch |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/business/2010/12/03/honda-pulls-plug-on-ohio/24139212007/ |access-date=18 July 2024 |date=3 December 2010}}</ref> the Element used a modified second generation [[Honda CR-V|CR-V]] [[automobile platform|platform]] with [[Front-wheel drive|front-wheel]] or a system marketed as “real time 4-wheel drive” that sends some torque to the rear wheels if the front wheels lose traction.

In late 2010, shortly before its discontinuation, production had totaled approximately 325,000.<ref name="autoblog" />

== Overview ==
[[File:HondaElement.jpg|200px|thumb|left|2003- 2005 Honda Element (pre-facelift) ]]
[[File: Honda Element rear 20080320.jpg|thumb|left| 2005 Honda Element (pre-facelift) Europe]]

The Element followed a concept called ''Model X'' which was developed in 1998 and debuted at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Model X was designed as an activity-oriented vehicle combining features of a [[pickup truck]] and a [[sport utility vehicle]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-01-03 |title=Honda to build Model X Concept |url=http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z2859/Honda-Model-X-(Element).aspx |access-date=2010-08-22 |publisher=Conceptcarz}}</ref> and its styling was inspired by a lifeguard station, its roofline arched to evoke the curve of a surfboard.
<ref name="ref5">{{Cite web |last=Gary S. Vasilash |date=December 18, 2018 |title=Continental, Element & B-pillars |url=https://www.adandp.media/blog/post/continental-element-b-pillars |publisher=Automotive Design & Production}}</ref> 

Noted for its four bi-parting side doors that open to provide a clear aperature of 55.5 inches,<ref name="ref5" /> the structure of the Element eliminates the [[B-pillar|B-pillars]] by reinforcing and enlarging the side sills, floor and roof cross members, and providing five bulkheads per side. Each rear side door has a reinforced vertical beam; when the door is closed, the beam connects to the body side sill via a hook and catch system, effectively creating a B-pillar. The rear-hinged rear side doors can open only when the forward doors are already open.<ref name="ref5" /> 

The production Element debuted at the 2002 New York International Auto Show<ref name="March2002">{{Cite web |title=2002 New York International Auto Show in New York - Evolution of the Automobile |url=https://mpt.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/760009-evolution-of-the-automobile/2002-new-york-international-auto-show-in-new-york-evolution-of-the-automobile/#.Wc_6kWiPLqY |website=PBS LearningMedia |access-date=2017-09-30 |archive-date=2017-10-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001032630/https://mpt.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/760009-evolution-of-the-automobile/2002-new-york-international-auto-show-in-new-york-evolution-of-the-automobile/#.Wc_6kWiPLqY |url-status=dead }}</ref>  with an interior featuring [[Thermoplastic olefin|TPO]]-coated textured urethane flooring; stain-resistant fabric; individually reclining and removable rear seats that stow. 

The [[Straight-4|four-cylinder]] [[VTEC#i-VTEC|i-VTEC]] [[Honda K engine#K24|2.4&nbsp;Litre K Engine]] produced {{convert|166|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 5800&nbsp;rpm and {{convert|162|lb·ft|N·m|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 4000&nbsp;rpm for 2007-2011 model years and {{convert|160|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 5500 rpm and {{convert|160|lb·ft|N·m|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 4500 rpm in 2003-2006 model years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vehicle Specifications {{!}} 2007 Honda Element {{!}} Honda Owners Site |url=https://owners.honda.com/vehicles/information/2007/Element/specs |access-date=2020-12-21 |website=owners.honda.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vehicle Specifications {{!}} 2006 Honda Element {{!}} Honda Owners Site |url=https://owners.honda.com/vehicles/information/2006/Element/specs#mid%5EYH1866EW |access-date=2020-12-21 |website=owners.honda.com}}</ref>  Drive is either [[front-wheel drive]] or optionally, all wheel drive &mdash; via a hydraulically actuated on demand system that engages with front wheel slippage, marketed as "Real Time 4WD". The Element has a towing capacity of 680&nbsp;kg, or 1500&nbsp;lbs, and a gross weight of 4450 lbs (2018 kg).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Honda Element Curb Weight by Years and Trims |url=https://autotk.com/weight/honda/element/ |website=autotk.com }}{{Dead link|date=September 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref>

In 2007, the Element won the Dogcars.com "Dog Car of the Year" award because of its "versatile cargo space, easy-clean flooring, crate-friendly rear design and optional 4 wheel drive."<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 December 2010 |title=Honda Element Wins First-ever DogCar of the Year Award |url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/dogs_cars/SUVS_trucks/prweb575800.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012142610/http://www.prweb.com/releases/dogs_cars/SUVS_trucks/prweb575800.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 12, 2008 |access-date=4 December 2010 |publisher=PRWeb}}</ref> and in 2010 it won the "Small SUV" category as a "Top Safety Pick" in the [[Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]] Annual Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TOP SAFETY PICKs 2010 |url=http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx |access-date=4 December 2010 |publisher=Insurance Institute for Highway Safety |archive-date=31 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071231170543/http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>

With projected first year sales of 50,000,<ref name="Honda020327">{{Cite press release |title=Honda Adds New "Element" To Lineup |date=2002-03-27 |publisher=Honda Motor |url=http://world.honda.com/news/2002/c020327_2.html |access-date=2010-08-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715220548/http://world.honda.com/news/2002/c020327_2.html |archive-date=2011-07-15}}</ref> the Element sold 67,478 units in 2003 in the US.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nate Martinez |date=2009-12-14 |title=Honda to build Second-Generation Element |url=http://wot.motortrend.com/6617400/auto-news/honda-to-build-second-generation-element-despite-weak-sales-good-or-bad-move/index.html |access-date=2010-08-22 |publisher=Motor Trend}}</ref> In 2010, just over 14,000 were sold.<ref name="autoblog">{{Cite web |date=3 December 2010 |title=Honda announces end of Element production |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/03/honda-announces-end-of-element-production/ |access-date=4 December 2010 |publisher=Autoblog}}</ref> According to a 2003 survey, 67% of buyers were over 35, 38% were women, and the median age was 42.<ref>{{cite web |title=Honda Element to end production after the 2011 model year - Dec. 10, 2010 |url=https://money.cnn.com/2010/12/10/autos/honda_element_rip.fortune/index.htm |website=archive.fortune.com |access-date=28 June 2020}}</ref>

== Model year changes ==
[[File:Honda Element EX -- 10-30-2009.jpg|thumb|right|200px|2007-2008 Honda Element EX]]
[[File:2007-Honda-Element.jpg|200px|thumb|right|2007–2008 Honda Element ]]
[[File:2007-Honda-Element-SC.jpg|200px|thumb|right|2007–2008 Honda Element SC]]
[[File:2009 Honda Element SC--DC.jpg|thumb|right|2009-2010 Honda Element SC]]
[[File:09 Honda Element.jpg|thumb|right|2009–2011 Honda Element]]
'''2003:'''  The 2003 Element was launched with two trim levels — DX and EX. All-wheel drive models came with a large rear moonroof. All trim levels came with a 160 hp 2.4L K24A4 4-cylinder engine shared with the 7th generation North American Honda Accord. Production and sales began in December 2002.  Side airbags became an option later in the model year on the EX models.

'''2004:'''  A mid-range LX trim level between the DX and the premium EX trim levels.  Keyless entry was made standard on EX models.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vehicle Specifications {{!}} 2004 Honda Element {{!}} Honda Owners Site |url=https://owners.honda.com/vehicles/information/2004/Element/specs |access-date=2020-12-21 |website=owners.honda.com}}</ref> 

'''2005:'''  The LX model featured revised front seats with a passenger seat armrest. The DX model was eliminated. [[XM satellite radio]] and [[MP3]] capabilities were added as standard features in the audio system for the EX model. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard. The charcoal gray plastic tone was darkened and a navy blue was offered with the Satin Silver Metallic paint. Hub Caps on the LX were changed to cover the entire wheel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vehicle Specifications {{!}} 2005 Honda Element {{!}} Honda Owners Site |url=https://owners.honda.com/vehicles/information/2005/Element/specs |access-date=2020-12-21 |website=owners.honda.com}}</ref>
Fuel economy was officially {{convert|19|mpgus|L/100km|1}} City, {{convert|23|mpgus|L/100km|1}} Highway, and {{convert|20|mpgus|L/100km|1}} Combined.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gas Mileage of 2005 Honda Element 4WD |url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/FEG/noframes/21542.shtml |access-date=2010-12-04 |publisher=Fueleconomy.gov}}</ref>

'''2006:'''  
A fully painted version called the EX-P became available for an extra US$500. It came with a 5-speed [[manual transmission]] or an optional 4-speed [[automatic transmission]].

'''2007:'''  
The 2007 Element received a mild refresh, which included 6&nbsp;[[horsepower|hp]] increase to 166&nbsp;hp, along with a 5-speed automatic transmission replacing the 4-speed automatic transmission. The front seat belts shoulder mounting location was relocated to the front seat backs rather than the rear doors &mdash; allowing rear-seat occupants to exit the vehicle without a front occupant having to unbuckle. Side airbags became standard, as did [[electronic stability control]]. The plastic latticework grille was replaced by silver-colored slats. A new trim level called the SC was offered with a different front bumper and grille, lowered suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels, projector [[Headlamp|headlamps]], "tribal print" seat fabric, center console, and carpeted floors in the seating areas. Unlike the other trim packages, the SC had a non-removable center console and was unavailable with all-wheel drive.

'''2008:'''  The only changes from the 2007 Element were the addition of the color Royal Blue Pearl for the SC trim and the mounting location of the rear-view mirror (from the windshield to the roof).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Honda Element 2008 SC SUV Colors |url=http://www.automotive.com/2008/101/honda/element/sc-sport-utility/2091/photos/colors.html |access-date=2010-12-04 |publisher=Automotive.com |archive-date=2011-07-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707191938/http://www.automotive.com/2008/101/honda/element/sc-sport-utility/2091/photos/colors.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

'''2009:'''  New color combinations for the dashboard became available.<ref name="DOG" /> For 2009, the Honda Element received an optional navigation system, outside temperature display and minor exterior revisions. The hood and grille were redesigned, the front fenders became made from all metal rather than painted composite material,<ref name="DOG"/> and the wheel arches were squared off.<ref name="DOG">[http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-honda-ramps-up-attention-for-dog-friendly-element-conc/ New York: Honda Ramps Up Attention for Dog-Friendly Element Concept], April 8, 2009.</ref> The rear moonroof was no longer available for 2009-2011. 2009 was the last year of availability for the 5-speed manual transmission. It was available on AWD EX and FWD SC trims.

'''2010:'''  For 2010, Honda Element offered LX, EX, EX with Navigation, and SC trim levels. Only the EX-4WD trim was available with a 5-speed manual transmission. 2010 is also the last year for Canadian models. 

'''2011:'''  For 2011, the option of a navigation system and the sporty SC trim level were dropped. The Royal Blue Pearl color was also eliminated. Honda discontinued the Element after this year and it was not replaced until The Honda Passport relaunched in 2018 for the 2019 model year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/no-more-element-honda-says-2011-will-be-last-model-year-for-the-boxy-vehicle-9925/|title=No More Element: Honda Says 2011 Will Be Last Model Year for the Boxy Vehicle|date=December 4, 2010|website=MotorTrend}}</ref>

== Advertising and marketing ==

=== Gil the Crab ===
Honda employed an "Element and Friends" ad campaign, using one of its characters, the [[crab]], given the name Gil.<ref>[http://www.adweek.com/aw/iq_interactive/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003053786 Honda Creates Web Buzz for Ad Character], Aug 28, 2006, ''[[Ad Week]]''.</ref> Including ads with his "I Pinch!" catch phrase, Gil had a [[myspace]] page<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myspace.com/crab |title=Gil "The Crab" - 28 - Male - MALIBU, US |publisher=MySpace.com |access-date=2010-12-04}}</ref> to chronicle Gil's trouble with the law. In order to tap into [[Social network service|social networking sites]], which began to  play larger roles in ad campaigns in the mid-2000s, Gil was to maintain a [[blog]], promote an [[internet petition|online petition]] to save his job,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.savethecrab.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031210093047/http://www.savethecrab.com/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2003-12-10|title=Save the Crab}}</ref> and endorse Gil paraphernalia through a [[website]]. This led up to the launch of the new [[Television advertisement|commercial]] dubbed Element TV, which premiered 28 September 2006, and rolled out with the new Honda Element SC which went on sale that same day.{{CN|date=July 2015}}

=== Element and Friends - version 2.0 ===
In the late 2006, the defunct [https://web.archive.org/web/20080828161538/http://elementandfriends.com/ Element and Friends] website, was re-launched with the introduction of the new Element SC trim. The previous version had the driving game using the Element EX-P (was simply called the EX) in a desert, snow topped mountains, forests, and a beach. They renamed that area "above ground". A new second option from the main page allows you to select the Element SC to go "underground" in an urbanesque environment featuring a drive-in, central park with a basketball court, a seedy mainstreet, and project housing. The six new SC friends include a rat, mole, hamster, pigeon, roach, and a dog. The drive-in serves as the venue to view the TV spots that feature only the rat, mole, pigeon, and hamster. The format remains the same with new mini-games, but both maps included a tunnel to venture above or below the surface, through the mountain and building respectively. Changes to the above ground include the removal of the previous TV spots from the website and a link on the beach to Gil's Myspace page.

RPA,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpa.com |title=RPA |publisher=RPA |access-date=2010-12-04}}</ref> the company which created the Element and friends website, won the "Best in Show"<ref>[http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20060929005661&newsLang=en Press Release:  RPA Celebrates Three MIXX Awards Wins and Two Creative Media Awards], September 29, 2006.</ref> from MIXX Awards for the [[microsite]]. They revealed that visitors average 15 minutes on the site. The TV campaign was created by Adam Lowrey and Chuck Blackwell, and the digital and social campaign was created by Luis Ramirez and J. Barbush. The microsite was built in Flash and created by David Howard and Chris Pierantozzi.

=== Dog-friendly Concept ===
After the Element won the Dogcars.com's "Dog Car of the Year" award in 2007, Honda presented a dog-friendly package at the 2009 New York Auto Show<ref name="DOG"/> &mdash; with a pet restraint system, extendable cargo area load-in ramp, 12V DC rear ventilation fan, second-row seat covers with a simple beige dog-outline pattern design to match the bed cover fabric, all-season rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/there-was-honda-element-option-package-designed-dogs-262362|title=Autotrader - page unavailable|website=www.autotrader.com}}</ref> a fan, and "Dog Friendly" exterior pawprint emblems.  A spill-resistant water bowl, also included, could be placed into a nook in the corner of the pet bed.<ref name="DOG"/>

The second row pet restraint system was a small net crate suitable for cats or small dogs, which could be belted into place. It strapped directly to the lower portion of the seat and the captive animal could not see out the windows, unlike the pet "booster seats" sold by pet-supply vendors specifically designed to allow small dogs to see through the windows and sniff the incoming airflow. The pet bed is a thick cushion for the whole of the rear cargo area. The cargo area pet restraint system consists of netting on the sides and the top of the dog bed, as well as a zip-up fourth side to be secured after the dog is loaded.

The package was dealer-installed and retailed for $1,000.<ref>[http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2009/11/honda_to_aims_version_of_its_e.html] Honda's dog-friendly Element is aimed at pets -- and their owners</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Portal|Cars|Japan}}
{{Commons category}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120227055112/http://automobiles.honda.com/certified-used/element/2011/ Honda Element official webpage]
{{Honda}}{{Honda vehicles timeline (North America)}}{{Honda road light truck/SUV timeline, international markets, 1993–present}}{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Honda vehicles|Element]]
[[Category:Compact sport utility vehicles]]
[[Category:All-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:2010s cars]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 2003]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 2011]]