2006 Honda Element Y-Package 4WD Road Test

I cannot help myself from mentioning the brilliant seating system, which allows the rear seats to flip up on the sides and leave a big and flat load floor. The urethane floor covering is pretty slippery when your shoes are

2006 Honda Element Y-Package 4WD (Photo: Mathieu Germain, Auto123.com)

wet. However, it's much easier to clean than any floor covered in fabric. This allows you to carry all sorts of objects around, even if they're dirty. I would even say that it gives this vehicle incomparable versatility, but... there is a catch. Its four-seat configuration irritates me a bit. I know that most of the time, I'm not driving around at full capacity. On the other hand, I like to tie the baby seat down in the middle seat, since I feel as though my daughter is safer there in the event of a lateral collision.

Security

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) awarded the Element 5 stars in frontal and side-impact crash tests. Curiously, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it the highest mark (Good) for frontal impacts and a 'Poor' mark for side-impact and rear collisions. If we rely on these last tests, the Element is way behind the leader in its category safety-wise, being Subaru's Forester.

Conclusion

2006 Honda Element Y-Package 4WD (Photo: Mathieu Germain, Auto123.com)

Whether we find it beautiful or ugly (there doesn't seem to be mixed feelings on this car), one thing is certain: the Element offers an interesting alternative for those who are looking for a vehicle suitable for outdoor activities while being distinctive. My advice: if you decide to get yourself a Honda Element, choose the manual transmission. Oh, and before I forget, choose a more noticeable colour; since you're getting an original-looking vehicle, you might as well go all the way.

Drive safely.


Pros
Originality
Undeniable practicality

Cons
Needs more pep (automatic)
Only 4 seats