The Element Chronicles: Three Month Report
We've now had our 2003 Element for three months. That's it. But I tell you this is a great great car.
Our likes so far:
So far, so good.
Our likes so far:
- Comfortable. Yes, it has the whole utilitarian plain jane thing happening... but it doesn't forget that the little things have to matter. Seats are cushy and supportive. Cupholders are in the "right" places. The rear seats recline.
- Good controls. Only two niggles: the cruise control on/off switch is in nowhereville (down and to the left of the steering wheel) and the wipers don't have truly adjustable speed settings.
- Good ergonomics. Everything else is pretty much where one expects it to be. Controls are easy to figure out. Dash gauges are easy to read. Driving position is really good.
- Great space. It's just five inches longer than the Bug but has, uh, a much higher ceiling. This means that it holds a lot. It performed like a champ on a road trip, and we're (OK, I'm) looking forward to filling it up for our move Saturday.
- Feels tough. I can understand the appeal of a lot of SUVs now - the E, at least, feels like a tough little truck. This doesn't give me license to drive like a schmuck, nor does it give me license to drive on the beach. But the combination of solid Honda construction with the plastic panels (it's psychological) makes me think this truck can handle a lot more than a car. Don't need to pamper it, in other words. Though I will.
- Think/Don't Think About It. The one big thing we love about the car is that we don't have to think about it. With the Bug we were worried all the time. "Is that noise normal?" "What's that rattling?" "Why is it hard to start?" "Did we get screwed over?" "Aaah, my butt's nice and warm thanks to the seat heaters!" With the E, we don't have to think about it.
So far, so good.
Comments
It really is an amazingly great car! Versatile, roomy, fun, and so far quite dependable.