Basically, the Element is Honda's answer to the Chrysler PT Cruiser. It is the 1st reaction from another car maker.

But Honda tried to something different. And the design is great. It doesn't look like anything else on the road. Some say it looks like a small military vehicle. I do not agree. I think it looks like a blown up version of a toy military truck. It almost doesn't look like a real thing.

It is sad that GM's Bob Lutz recently chose to compare the Element to the Pontiac Aztek. In his mind, the Element is uglier, and sells only because it is badged a Honda.

Well, for once, Honda quality means a lot, to a lot of people. Quite the opposite with Pontiac. When you put out crap for 30 years, it takes a while to regain customer confidence. Honda never had that problem.

And to be so blind as to think the Element is uglier than the Aztek doesn't look good for GM's future. Their arrogance and dismissal of the competition is still alive and well...

Enough ranting, and let's get in. I have to say I like the design. It makes sense, and the proportions are perfect. Every line has a reason for being there.

Once you start the car, the first thing you notice is how quiet the engine is. It is the same engine used in the base Accord and the CRV. As long as you drive in a very relaxed manner, it is great. But when you try to push it, to pass, or get out of a turn, there isn't much power available. And the engine then gets pretty noisy. You hear a lot of noise, but not much is happening. It's a little frustrating. And it would be really bad with a full car going up hill. After all, it is designed to carry loads of stuff.

The interior design is about as modern and cool as the exterior. But unlike the outside, the inside looks and feels pretty cheap. The cheapest of any Honda.

It is well put together, but the plastics look very, well, plasticky. And the steering wheel is one of the worst. Really something I didn't expect from a Honda.

The most amazing thing about the Element, is how roomy it is. Look at the leg room between the front and the rear seat!! This is better than a Town Car!

But these seats cannot be removed, like in the PT Cruiser. They have to be folded against the rear side of the car. A very clunky arrangement.

For me, one of the worse thing about that car is, that it doesn't offer a sunroof. Instead, Honda offers (only on the EX 4WD) a old fashion removable glass panel that spreads behind the rear seats. Who's the genius who thought of that?!

It is totally useless, unless you carry surfboards, and it doesn't have a shade. So in the summer, if you seat in the back, your neck will fry after just a few minutes. And when you remove the panel, you have to store it somewhere. It's like driving a 1975 Ford Fiesta all over again...

Here's a picture of that weird rear seat set up. Even folded on the side, it still uses up a lot of room. And it is not the greatest thing for rear visibility either.

Another not-so-good-idea is the glove compartment. It always opens on your knees. You have to move the seat back to be able to open it. And what's with that open tray over it. What would you use it for? What kind of items can you leave fully exposed in a parked car?

I have to say I was a bit disappointed with the Element. It felt a little weird to drive. The windshield is set very far from the driver. The top of it as well. And the pillars around it are very thick. You never feel connected with the car. It feels like you are driving room, or a video game. It just feels like you are "moving forward", not driving.

But it has lots of room, is much bigger than it seems, it is pretty inexpensive, and it does look pretty cool. It feels very stable to drive, not like an SUV, the ride is pretty firm, but smooth. And after all, it IS a Honda. So you are also buying peace of mind. A thought for the top guys at GM...

For more info on the element, why don't you go HERE.