2005 Honda Element Test Drive and Review

On the Road

Taking the Element on the Road

I felt at home driving the Element. Power delivery is smooth and efficient. You’re not going to win many stoplight showdowns with the 160 hp/161 lb-ft of torque from its inline four cylinder engine, but you’ll have no trouble merging onto the freeway. All the horses are working. With the five-speed manual transmission, the clutch is light and easy to manage. The truck-like positioning of the shift knob, sprouting from the middle of the center dash console, is easy to adapt to. It falls easily to hand, and the smooth action of the transmission makes manual operation a breeze, devoid of annoying notchiness or rubbery feel. The Element handles predictably and well, rides smoothly and has a sharp turning radius. It’s easy to park, has great visibility in all directions, and is quieter than its looks give you any reason to expect. In high wind or on the open road, you will encounter significant buffeting, as the aerodynamics of the Element are only slightly better than your average cardboard box. This is a car for everyday driving, not cross-country highway trips. As a grocery-hauler and errand runabout, it’s hard to beat. With the rear seats folded up and away, the open space begs to be filled with flea market finds and piles of junk.