2006 Honda Element EX-P 2WD review from North America

Airbag sensor had to be reset.

As a Honda fan I have been very disappointed. I liked the car when I first drove it. My Grand Voyager was getting old and I was looking for something smaller, reliable, and more economical, yet still versatile and practical.

Negatives:

1. Gas mileage: 18-19 is the best I have gotten. This is what my much bigger and more practical Grand Voyager got up until about 80K miles, and far below the advertised estimates.

2. Very narrow car for carrying stuff. My golf clubs cannot lay flat in the back. This narrow cargo bay severly limits the practicality as a utility vehicle.

3. Bouncy ride due to the short wheel base and tight suspension.

4. Visibility - seems really good at fist, high upright position with lots of glass, but very thick pillars can hide cars from sight. Must be ultra careful in changing lanes, pulling into traffic, and approaching intersections.

5. No place to put stuff - used to my Grand Voyager's ample pockets and stowage bins. The Honda has some trays built into the front dash, but anything set there is going to go flying everytime you take a corner a little too fast. Why can't Honda have an underseat or in floor stowage bin like my Voyager?

6. Rear seats don't fold forward. To expand stowage space without removing seats, the only option is to set seats flat (seatbacks reclined all the way back). I know that someday, I'm going to set something on them that will rip or puncture the upholstry.

Positives:

1. Great maneuverability and handling. Tightest turning radius I have ever owned, a snap to park in a tight spot.

2. Excellent fit and finish - typical Honda quality.

3. Rear seats easy to remove and replace - once you get the hang of it.