|
|
Honda Element
The Honda Element is
a crossover SUV manufactured by Honda and
released in the United States in 2003, replacing
the CR-V as Honda's entry-level SUV, and moving
the CR-V to the middle-class segment of Honda's
SUVs. The Element's underpinnings are a close
relation to the Honda CR-V compact SUV (and
hence also the Honda Civic, from which the
CR-V and Element platforms are derived); the
engine is a 156 hp 2.4 L 16-valve i-VTEC I4
which is shared with the 4-cylinder Honda
Accord. The optional Real Time™ four
wheel drive system runs as front wheel drive
most of the time, but if loss of traction
of either front wheel is detected, the rear
wheel drive is automatically engaged. The
Element is currently built in East Liberty,
Ohio.
The 4-seat Element is
designed to carry large and possibly messy
loads. The floor is made of textured urethane
that is easy to clean; the fabric is tough
and stain-resistant; the individual rear seats
fold up (and are removable as well) to leave
a large load space. The rear tailgate/window
lift combination is large and the vehicle
is tall, allowing large loads to be carried.
The rear side suicide doors open backward,
so there is no central pillar and this gives
unobstructed access for side loading. The
Element was nominated for the North American
Truck of the Year award for 2003.
|
|
|
