Honda Element

The Honda Element is a compact, car-based SUV that comes in two trim levels: regular LX and upgraded EX. For power, the vehicle has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 166 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard. The Element LX and EX are available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

In reviews, we've found that the Honda Element offers reasonably peppy around-town response with enough smoothness to make everyday commuting a pleasant enough experience. From behind the wheel, the Element feels just as tall and boxy as it is, but the steering offers positive feedback and the wide stance keeps it stable even in aggressive/evasive maneuvers.

The wide opening provided by the unique clamshell side doors is useful, but opening the rear doors for passengers is not always as convenient as one might think -- to open them, the front doors must be opened first, leading to some annoyance for the front occupants as they must always open their doors in order to allow people in or out. If you don't carry rear passengers often, you likely won't notice.

The Honda Element lineup expands for the 2010 model year with an all-new "Dog Friendly™" pet accommodation system designed to improve safety, comfort and convenience for dogs and their owners alike, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The 2010 Honda Element arrives at dealerships nationwide by mid-October. The Dog Friendly Element is set to become available on November 16.

"The Honda Element has long been recognized as an accommodating vehicle for people with active lifestyles involving sports and hobbies," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of Product Planning for American Honda. "The new Dog Friendly Element takes that concept to a whole new level with specially designed features for dogs and their owners."

Engineered to integrate with factory precision into the Element EX, the Dog Friendly equipment is intended to accommodate the secure transportation of a dog in the cargo area within a nylon-webbed car kennel. In daily operation the car kennel helps prevent a dog from interfering with the driver in traffic by keeping the pet properly restrained and out of reach of the driver. In the event of a frontal collision, the kennel is intended to help restrain the dog behind the rear seats, reducing the chance for the pet to be injured - or to injure human occupants during a crash.

The Dog Friendly equipment enhances pet comfort by providing a soft floor surface for the dog's legs and paws along with a dedicated fan and a spill resistant water source. Convenience is improved for owners with an integrated ramp, easy to clean surfaces and a full suite of matching Dog Friendly accoutrements.