2008 Honda Element SC Detroit MI

November 18, 2009   By Brian Alexander, Content Editor



2008 Honda Element
DriverSide Overview
The automotive landscape is filled with all manner of vehicles. There are performance cars, utility vehicles and luxury cars just to name a few. But perhaps the most off-center are lifestyle vehicles – cars that are made to target incredibly specific demographics. The 2008 Honda Element is a lifestyle car if there ever was one, and from the get-go has been marketed as a new age utility for outdoorsy young people concerned with the size of their carbon footprint – sort of like a greener version of the Nissan Xterra. For the most part, the Element delivers the goods, too, providing a lot of utilitarian bang for the buck with its multitude of seating options and massive cargo space. Furthermore, a solid list of standard features, good fuel economy and legendary Honda reliability make this a utilitarian car that won’t run your bank account dry.








What's to Like
A mind-boggling 64 seating options give the Element interior versatility unlike anything else on the market, and water-resistant fabric contributes to the outdoor lifestyle appeal of this car. Available all-wheel drive is a useful option for those who need the car for winter driving.

What's Not to Like
The rearview mirror combines with the tinted rear window to create poor vision out the back, and due to a driver’s seat that doesn’t lower very far, the diving position can be awkward for taller drivers.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
From the driver’s seat, the Element feels massive with its high roofline and tall, thick A-pillars. The dash sits in front of the driver as a massive, flat expanse that ends at the large, nearly vertical windshield. Despite its somewhat unruly appearance, the Element is easily handled thanks to a light steering rack. The five-speed manual has a light, easy clutch and the 2.4-liter engine is happy to rev with either transmission, doing its best work above 4,500 rpm and easily providing enough power for freeway passing. In the SC, the lower and stiffer suspension can be relatively uncomfortable over worn and uneven city surfaces, though it does feel taught on smooth highways.

Engine and Drivetrain
The Element is powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which produces 166 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. It can be fitted with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, which drives the front-wheels in SC guise. Don’t be discouraged if you’re looking for all-wheel drive though – Honda sells both LX and EX models equipped with a four-wheel system.

Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
The Element SC comes with a lot of upgrades befitting of its young, hip demeanor, including a copper-colored instrument panel, “tattoo print” patterned seat fabric, 18-inch wheels and a 270-watt, seven-speaker sound system with MP3 co...

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