Honda Element 2004: The Weekly Driver Review

Considering the conservative, best-selling Accord, Honda stretched its manufacturing boundaries substantially with the Element.

Since its debut in 2003, the vehicle has frequently been described with two succinct comments: "It's ugly" and "It's a box with four wheels."

There's no disputing the Element has among the most conspicuous appearances on the road. But good looks (or lack of good looks) are subjective. More important, Honda doesn't make a car without a plan.

The Element was introduced as an urban utilitarian vehicle with hopes it would appeal to younger drivers seeking pickup truck cargo space in an enclosed area. The vehicle has attracted a young crowd to some degree, but the average age of buyers to date is 43, according to J.D. Power & Associates.

Regardless, Element owners are largely those who've sought a vehicle with easy access to cargo areas for sporting equipment groceries, luggage and work supplies.

In the first extended trek in my weekly test drive, I drove the four-wheel drive EX model