The 4 cylinder i-VTEC engine in these cars is the same as the engine used in the CR-V and Accord. It makes 156 horsepower at 4500 rpm. Front wheel drive is standard, but a Real Time four wheel drive is available. On the latter vehicle, the rear wheels are only activated during front wheel slippage.

One unique aspect of the Element is the interior, which is made to handle some very messy cargo. The textured urethane floors are easy to clean. Put away your expensive car detailing sprays and brushes, just open the doors and clean this car with your garden hose.

The side doors open in a clam shell style, similar to that seen on some trucks with extended 4 door cabs. The rear doors also use a clamshell style opening system which allows for large cargo to be put in the back with relative ease.

The retail on a new Element is between $16,000 and $20,000, depending on options. You can probably find some used if you look on dealer lots, especially dealers that carry a lot of certified used Hondas. You won't find too many in the car classifieds, as these cars are only a few years old. You will probably find used listings on eBay, as some car dealers sell through online auctions to unload inventory faster (which often means cheaper prices for the buyer!).