2007 Honda Element

Daring to be Different

Honda's fresh take on the SUV is unconventional yet pleasantly utilitarian.

The Honda Element is a funky, fun little SUV that defies convention and is as practical as it is quirky. Its versatility will appeal to active, outdoorsy types who cart bulky sporting gear and go camping, as well as young parents looking for a practical and safe vehicle. Though all-wheel drive is optional, it’s not intended for rough terrain, but is rather a versatile road-tripper and around-town companion.

It has its idiosyncrasies — like an unconventional side-door design and odd seating positions up front — which take a while to adjust to. But we found it to be pleasant and practical, whether in town or on the open road, with Honda’s usual polished controls and stable ride capped by proven reliability and safety.

Honda designed its fresh take on the SUV to appeal primarily to males 25 years old and younger with “active” lifestyles. But since its launch in 2003, the Element has been bought by a different crowd: The median age of Element owners during its initial marketing push was a surprising 42 years old, and 38 percent are bought by women.

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Though the product planners may have missed the mark, the Element didn’t: Honda sold 67,478 units against a first-year production estimate of 50,000. And even without a major redesign, sales are still holding — down only 1 percent through August, according to CNW Marketing Research.

Evidently, the Element’s functionality strikes a cord with Baby Boomers and young families who like the idea of an interior that can be configured in various ways and cleaned out with a leaf blower or hose. And let’s not underestimate the appeal of the style statement it makes.

Editor's note: Driving impressions are from a 2006 model, which is virtually identical to the 2007.