2003 Honda Element SLT Z-71 OFF ROAD PKG

Honda has really gone out on a limb with the Element. It is a very different looking vehicle aimed at young buyers who need a truck to haul their stuff but want the security of an enclosed cargo area and the performance of a car. The center opening doors allow easy loading of bulky objects and once inside there is plenty of room for them. The rear seats fold down easily and for greater space they can be hooked up to the side leaving an uninterrupted flat floor space. The Honda Element is basically a rebodied CR-V, so it is not surprising to find that it drives like one. Like the CR-V, the Element is built on the same platform as the Honda Civic. Because it is based on a car, the Honda Element rides much better and handles more predictably than sport-utilities that are based on trucks. The Honda Element is an attractive proposition for someone who wants a genuine utility vehicle that behaves like a car. There's no denying the utility of its versatile interior. And, in terms of driving dynamics, cars behave much better than trucks. Although archaic EPA rules say the Element is a truck, it's really a modern station wagon masquerading as a hip looking van. Looks are part of the attraction here. You'll either like the Element or hate it. We found it appeals to people of all ages.