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Dogs, Drivers, and the Honda Element

June 9, 2019 by admin 4 Comments

The Honda Element is a vehicle that defies easy categorization. One part utility vehicle, another part car, the Element is a multipurpose vehicle prized by pet owners for its available dog-friendly components. This four-passenger model had a nine-year model run, with production ending in 2011.


The Honda Element was an unusual people mover with excellent cargo utility.

Honda Element Overview

Two iterations of the Honda Model X were shown to consumers at auto shows before Honda committed to build what became the Element beginning in 2003. The boxy people-mover featured rear-hinged, rear doors, an absent center pillar, and a flat floor, a layout that allowed owners to carry a variety of gear ranging from camping equipment to skis to snowboards.

Based on the platform underpinning the Honda CR-V sport utility vehicle, the Honda Element measures seven inches shorter than the Civic sedan and is just over 70 inches tall. The Honda Element has 103.6 cubic feet of passenger volume and up to 74.6 cubic feet of storage volume with the rear passenger seat removed. It also features a 1,500-pound tow rating. Check with your used car dealer for available stock.

Models and Trim Levels

Front-wheel drive is standard with the Honda Element; all-wheel drive is available. Early on, the Element was sold in LX and EX trim levels, reflecting basic and fully equipped packages, respectively. Later, a mid-level LX model was inserted followed by a sporty SC edition.

Throughout its model run, the Honda Element was powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired initially with a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. Beginning in 2007 the automatic transmission was expanded to five gears and, later, was the only transmission choice in the Element’s final year of production. The Element’s initial 160-horsepower rating was increased to 166 in 2007.


A pillarless entryway makes access and egress easy with the Honda Element.

Key features offered with the Honda Element include power side mirrors, remote entry, climate control, power windows, power door locks, an adjustable steering column, a four-speaker audio system, and a rear window wiper.

Available options included alloy wheels, a navigation system, an upgraded audio system, and satellite radio.

For the Dogs

The versatility of the Honda Element attracted dog owners to this vehicle in significant numbers. Pet owners cited the vehicle’s large, flat floor in the rear compartment as one reason for buying an Element as well as for its roomy interior. In 2007 the Honda Element received the Dog Car of the Year award.

Beginning in 2010, Honda offered a $995 pet package upgrade to expand the Element’s appeal to dog owners. That package includes second row and cargo area pet restraints, a cushioned bed with an elevated platform in the cargo area, a spill-resistant water bowl, doggy design embellishments, an extendable cargo area load-in ramp, a 12-volt ventilation fan, rubber floor mats, and second-row seat covers.


An available pet package includes a liftgate ramp.

End of the Line

In December 2010, Honda announced the end of the line for the Element citing customer preference for other models, particularly the similar CR-V crossover. Through its nine-year model run, more than 325,000 Honda Elements were sold in the United States, including small numbers outfitted with its pet-friendly package.


See Also — Honda Heritage Center Opens in Ohio

Photos copyright Honda Motors.

Filed Under: Classics & Discontinued Models Tagged With: dogs, HONDA, Honda CR-V, HONDA ELEMENT, pet package, utility vehicle

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

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  1. Compact SUV Value: 2016 Jeep Renegade Sport says:
    June 9, 2019 at 3:19 pm

    […] the sides, the silhouette becomes less Jeep-like and is similar to the now-retired Honda Element. Its boxiness is apparent in a near upright windshield and long roofline, but is also eased […]

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  2. Killed by Takata; Denied Access by the NHTSA says:
    June 9, 2019 at 3:20 pm

    […] Accord 2001 – 2002 Honda Accord 2001 – 2005 Honda Civic 2002 – 2006 Honda CR-V 2003 – 2011 Honda Element 2002 – 2004 Honda Odyssey 2003 – 2007 Honda Pilot 2006 – Honda Ridgeline 2003 – 2006 Acura […]

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  3. J.D. Power: Powertrain Problems Impact Quality says:
    June 9, 2019 at 3:21 pm

    […] segment winners included the Honda Ridgeline, Lexus RX, Lexus GS, Chevrolet Camaro, Toyota Sienna, Honda Element and the Honda Fit. Honda has since discontinued the […]

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  4. Bow Wow: Dog-Friendly Cars says:
    June 9, 2019 at 3:22 pm

    […] Honda Element is no longer made, a quirky-looking four-passenger utility vehicle sold from 2003 to 2011. If you […]

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