The 2008 Honda Element is the archetypal sport utility vehicle, completely satisfying its purpose. The best design elements have been invested on the parameters that matter most - cargo and passenger space. Ultra-versatile, compact and affordable, Element has the most unique profile in its class. This is further bolstered by its safety and reliability, making it a brand to reckon with. Element's three styles range from the rugged on the LX trim, to the refined on the EX trim, and sporty on the "street custom-styled" Element SC.

Honda Element features an all-aluminum, 2.4-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC engine that produces 166 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, and 161 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. The engine can be paired with either the standard five-speed manual transmission or an available five-speed automatic. The Element's i-VTEC system combines variable valve timing and lift electronic control with a cam position-adjusting variable timing control (VTC) system to enhance low rpm torque while extending high rpm horsepower. The only area where the Element is a bit of a letdown is in the acceleration, which is pretty average for a vehicle that is expected to take on the highway. The interiors are also slightly dated.

The Honda Element is extraordinarily utilitarian. It has a completely flat cargo floor, removable flip-up rear seats and convenient side cargo doors. Composite body panels on the fenders (black on LX, body-colored on EX and SC) provide increased dent resistance compared with steel panels. Inside there is spacious seating for four. The cargo area quickly adapts to large items with flip-up rear seats that fold flat, fold up and to the side; they can also be removed altogether. The LX and EX trims have a black urethane-coated utility floor that quickly wipes down; and seat fabric that resists moisture. The passenger area in the SC trim is carpeted. Air conditioning with micron air filtration is standard on all models.

Standard safety features include side curtain air bags with a rollover sensor; front side air bags with a passenger-side occupant position detection system (OPDS); dual-stage, dual-threshold front air bags; vehicle stability assist; and an anti-lock brake system. In addition, the Honda Element has earned the federal government's top crash-test safety rating of five stars in both frontal and side impacts.