2008 Honda Element in Asheville, NC - $8,990

Restyled last year, the Honda Element has built on its spacious and versatile character by adding a more chiseled exterior appearance and a refreshed interior design with an expanded selection of available high-tech and functional features. Exterior styling changes to the front of the vehicle provide a more substantial and bolder look. Changes to the front fascia and side profile involve a new hood line that follows a continuously horizontal plane extending from the A-pillar to the front of the vehicle.

The new design replaces the downward slope that began mid-fender on the previous models and results in a more vertical front appearance. Steel front fenders replace the composite body panels on all models (the rear fenders retain composite construction). The new grille design provides a consistent appearance similar to other Honda truck models. The rear skylight, previously exclusive to Elements equipped with RealTime 4WD, has been discontinued.

Offered in LX, EX and SC trim levels, power for the Honda crossover is generated by a 2.4L i-VTEC® four-cylinder engine that is bolted to a five-speed automatic transmission. Real Time 4WD™ is an available option.

The Element's fully independent suspension uses a front MacPherson strut design and a rear compact double wishbone design for responsive handling and a comfortable ride. Chassis safety highlights include Vehicle Stability Assist (also known as Electronic Stability Control) and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Vehicle Stability Assist helps sense oversteer and understeer, and can adjust brake pressure at each wheel and/or reduce engine power to help restore the driver's intended course. Electronic Brake Distribution helps to balance braking forces depending on dynamic loading. Brake Assist helps apply full braking force in some emergency braking situations. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts the driver when tire pressure is significantly under-inflated.

Additional LX and EX standard features include power rack-and-pinion steering and front and rear stabilizer bars (30.0x4.5 mm tubular front / 21.0 mm solid rear). The Element SC adds 18-inch alloy wheels, P225/55R18 tires, exclusive spring and damper tuning (30 percent firmer), a lowered ride height (approximately 0.7 inches) and increased rear stabilizer bar size (25.0 mm, solid). Compared to Element LX and EX, the solid front stabilizer bar is 25 percent stiffer and the rear stabilizer bar is 30 percent stiffer. The steering rack also provides a 6 percent faster ratio (2.94:1 compared to 3.26:1).

Interior changes with the restyling include new, brighter color schemes with titanium-look side linings, new fabric patterns, and revised switchgear designs and meter graphics. A restyled low-profile center console is standard on the Element LX.

The Element EX adds a new convertible center console with a removable cooler/storage box while the Element SC retains its exclusive center console. For additional storage, the Element EX and SC are equipped with a modular three-compartment overhead console based on the Railport™ Vehicle Personalization System, expanding the vehicle's hidden storage versatility compared to the previous version. The new overhead console includes two large storage bins that can accommodate CD cases and similar items and a rear storage area for sunglasses.

Available new features on the Element EX and SC include the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System2 with Voice Activation and a rearview camera (automatic transmission-equipped vehicles only); USB digital media connectivity; and improved overhead console storage areas with modular compartments.

Dimensions & specifications

LX/EX

Wheelbase: 101.4; overall length: 169.9; width: 71.6; height: 70.4

SC

Wheelbase: 101.4; overall length: 170.4; width: 71.6; height: 69.5

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 2.4L four-cylinder – 166 hp at 5,800 rpm and 161 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm

Transmission: five-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 20 city/25 hwy. (FWD); 19 city /24 hwy. (AWD).

Cargo capacity: 74.6 cubic feet

Towing: 1,500 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags with roll-over sensor, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake distribution, traction control, vehicle stability assist, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitoring system, side-impact door beams, remote keyless entry, and engine immobilizer. EX adds navigation system and rearview camera.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper

Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2010 Honda Element crossover starts from $20,525 for the LX upto $24,320 for the SC. Destination charges add $710.