Are Honda Elements for Girls?

MacLeod

So Im in the market for a new ride and I keep talking about the Honda Element cause I think theyre cool as all get out. Hose out, rubber interior, seats remove so I can haul junk and they just beg for a stereo system! Anyways, the wife says theyre girly as hell and I might as well start wearing a dress if I buy one.

So whats the general consensus on these things. Can I retain my man credentials if I buy one of these things or would I have to change my name to Charlotte?

I doubt Ill actually buy one but I want to gather some evidence for proving to the wife Im right. :biggrin:

This is the one I was looking at.

Ron-P

My buddy had one so I'd say no. But, his lasted no more than 7 years and the thing fell apart on him, literally. Lots of interior parts breaking. He swore off Honda after that, and he just got rid of it about 6 months ago. I saw it, there not built to last.

gdb

Most of the males I see driving them are Dweebs who probably will never get close to female genitalia ever again after being born. Those cars don't look terribly "colision friendly" either.

cambir

Was in the same boat in 2003 when they first came out. I thought they were ugly as hell, but you don't have to look at it when you're driving it. :biggrin: Definitely the most useful, utilitarian vehicle I've ever known. Perfect for dogs and mountain bikes; performs very well in snow. Very few downsides IMO (mileage and minor interior inconveniences). Still driving my 2003. Besides regular basic maintenance (oil changes, etc), I've probably put less than $1500 (tires, windshield, serp belt) into it in 8 years / 75k miles.

If it requires changing your name, sign me up.

xj4094dg

It doesn't say "masculine" but its fine. Just stay away from the Ford Flex. Its the "Cool-Mom-Car".

Honda make great cars.

AsSiMiLaTeD

You can also hose out the inside of an FJ Cruiser and it's a more capable vehicle (in that it handles off road duty very well).

The look of the FJ has grown on me over the years, the Element not so much.

It's all personal preference though, drive whatever you want

tonyb

gdb wrote: »

Most of the males I see driving them are Dweebs who probably will never get close to female genitalia ever again after being born. :

Thats a good way of saying....yes.

Have to agree too.

Sherardp

+1 on the FJ Cruiser. Not so much a Honda fan.

BIZILL

i big dude like you emerging from that vehicle??? in a society where judgements run rampant, i had to choose option #4. not that i'd particularly say that to your face or anything.

nooshinjohn

Buy the Element and leave your man-card at home. Never admit to owning one, and remember that if you get pulled over while driving one, the guys here will find out and ridicule you without mercy.

Seriously though, if you are leaning towards one of these, check out the Subaru Forester or the Outback Sport. All-wheel drive, safety, reliability AND you get to keep the man-card.

F1nut

Keiko wrote: »

My friend owns an Element. Too boxey looking for my tastes. We own an 03 Tacoma p/u and an 04 Forester. Love the Subaru. Nice styling, fun to drive, very nimble and easy on gas. One of the safest SUVs on the road today.

Looks like it's leaking a lot of fluids. :biggrin:

polktiger

MacLeod wrote: »

Hose out, rubber interior, seats remove so I can haul junk and they just beg for a stereo system!

Sounds link you want a pick-up truck or a cargo van. If it so nasty that "hosing it out" is warranted, I would not want it in the passenger compartment of my vehicle. Also, I wouldn't spend any money for a stereo system that will in any way be installed in an area you intend to "hose out."

dorokusai

I think Shack owns an Element....

byfthalone

if you get one just remember to pick up a foo foo coffee from Starbucks every morning too

bobman1235

I know most people are just messing with you, but seriously, who cares what people say about the looks of your car?

Maybe I'm just projecting because I drive a little **** Subaru, but if it works for you, go with it. If all it takes is a car to push you from being a man to being a chick, the car is not the problem.

exalted512

Well, the good thing about getting one of those is you don't have to worry about having any more kids...since, you know, you'll have to give up your balls and everything.

-Cody

mrbiron

i drive a little **** subaru

wth!?!?

the wife says theyre girly as hell and I might as well start wearing a dress if I buy one.

After a comment like that, if i were you, which i clearly am not, i'd start looking at Internationals just to reclaim some of my manhood! Pass on it and get a real vehicle.

EndersShadow

Personally like the FJ & Toyota Highlander over the Element.

P.S. Cool to see a Polkie in Chat town. Hit up Taco Mac and the Chattanooga Cupcake Factory for me

cincycat13

Plus if you check post #14 of this thread you can see they will safely transport large speakers as long as you elevate over the wheel hump.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101691

Seriously tho, this is my brother n laws. Not my style but VERY practical as mentioned above. All wheel drive, the rear seat can hang or be removed, good gas milage. Good luck.

devani

Element will be discontinued due to lack of sales

the current model is at least 7-8 years old....

no it's not worth it

MacLeod

Well this sucks. Guess the wife was right. I posted this poll on another forum i frequent, one which is definitely not as PC and loveable as this one and got the same results. Fortunately, I didn't tell her I was posting these polls and since it proves her right, of course I won't tell her about it. :biggrin:

suprafantx

I never saw a real man drove the Element.

bobman1235

suprafantx wrote: »

I never saw a real man drove the Element.

I'll say it again : I never saw a real man judge his manhood by the kind of car he drives.

zingo

Hondas are awesome and we have a Pilot. The Element is not a girl car, just a neat little utility car.

txcoastal1

If you were single...nah

But who cares when your married

LessisNevermore

If you have to ask, you already know the answer.....:biggrin:

Jstas

This thread is pathetic.

BTW, I voted that you were a chick but not because of the Element. Just on principle alone.

Jstas

bobman1235 wrote: »

I'll say it again : I never saw a real man judge his manhood by the kind of car he drives.

Shut up you **** little ****! Nobody asked you!

shack

I own one....A versatile and well thought out vehicle. The only issue is the "suicide" rear doors in tight spaces. Hauled all sorts of stuff in it. Camped in in. We have 95,000 on our 2004 with NO issues whatsoever. I would buy another...but won't need to for several more years.

shawn474

I never liked the element; but i love hondas. I have a 98 accord still going strong with 175K miles. Woke up this morning to find out some punk threw rocks throough the window and 5 other neighbors as well. But all in all, the Honda has treated me right all the time.

I would vote for the FJ cruiser in a similar style

bikerboy

I just got back from 6 days of mtn bike riding in Oakridge, Or. and the Element was the most common vehicle seen hauling up to 4 bikes and riders. My friend has one and he loves it. I drive a wrx so I will say the Element is not a "drivers" car. Not nearly as fun to drive as the wrx. The Element gets poor fuel economy in the 4wd model-20mpg. If you want a better 4wd the forester is much better. Just my 2 cents.