2008 Honda Element EX review from North America

So far, no problems.

I just bought an Element, after driving a Subaru for the last 10 years. I am positively impressed with the Element in terms of utility and cargo space (I have 4 dogs, travel to competitions with tons of equipment, bike, snowboard and camp).

I like the ride, it is comfortable and roomy. I like the huge windshield, it's like a widescreen tv! All of the controls are easy to read and easy to use.

The interior is attractive and well put together, while being easy to clean and maintain. I LOVE the rubber floors! I bought a $10 rug to keep the dogs from sliding all over the place and that I won't mind throwing out when it gets too gross. I love the bomb-proof interior and the funky, cool exterior.

I am less happy with the gas mileage (as compared to my Subaru) and the lack of zip. I live in the mountains and would like to have a little more power getting "up the hill" as we say here. If I had my druthers, it would have a little more oomph and I wouldn't need to downshift to drive up the mountain at a reasonable speed.

I've traveled in Europe quite a bit and always envied their cool, useful small van-type vehicles that are so prevalent there. I am really glad we have one here now.

Overall, the Element fits my lifestyle extremely well and I am very happy with it. My dogs like it too.