April 16, 2003 – Honda Element goes on sale

Many things have been said about the Honda Element, but above all one stands out: it’s got small cup holders. Whether you like it or not, the boxy SUV hit the market on April 16, 2003, launching with it a cult following among a trove of similar-styled rides. The Element began its life as the Model X concept car, Honda R&D began development of in 1998. That design exercise debuted at the 2001 North American International Auto Show. That particular vehicle featured body lines inspired by a beachfront lifeguard station; its roof curved like a surf board. Ah, the height of Baywatch.

Given the superb reaction the Model X received, Honda pushed the car toward production. This led to the Honda Element, one of the few E names Ford had not trademarked (probably). With its carefully named bi-parting doors (not suicide doors, mind you), and lack of a b-pillar, the production version debuted at the 2002 New York Auto Show. The prime target: males under 25 with an active lifestyle. The same people who watch Pamela Anderson run up and down the beach.

Features of the Honda Element

Aside from its rear-hinged doors and gaping openings, the Element did fill a niche as a quote unquote adventure vehicle. With accessories that include built in tents and roof racks, the small SUV attracted plenty of buyers, with nearly 70,000 being sold in its first year of production. Beyond its hose-it-out PVC interior, another attractive option was its peppy i-VTEC 4 cylinder that produced 160 horsepower. Better yet, an it could be had with a 4-wheel-drive system and 5-speed manual transmission, giving it go-anywhere versatility.

Why did people like the Honda Element? According to a 2003 Car & Driver article, mostly comfort. Good legroom, comfy seats and happy dogs earned the vehicle a thumbs up from many. But some design elements (pun intended) didn’t quite fly. For example, based on how the seatbelts mounted, anyone in the front would have to unbuckle to let passengers into the rear. Another complaint? Small cup holders. This of course coming at a time when “grande” entered the English language.

A Dog Friendly Car

Perhaps the most important component of all entire Honda Element history is its dog-friendly package. The pet package launched at the 2009 New York Auto Show, building upon the success of the Element’s “Dog Car of the Year” award from Dogcars.com in 2007. This comprehensive package, available for dealer installation at a retail price of $1,000, equips the vehicle with essential features tailored for pet owners’ convenience and their furry companions’ comfort. From a pet restraint system and extendable cargo area load-in ramp to a spill-resistant water bowl ingeniously integrated into the corner of the pet bed, Honda aimed to make its ride a safe and enjoyable one for pets of all sizes.

The second-row pet restraint system offers a secure and cozy space for cats or small dogs, while the cargo area pet restraint system boasts sturdy netting and a zip-up fourth side for added security during transit. With thoughtful details like all-season rubber floor mats adorned with a charming toy bone pattern and exterior pawprint emblems proudly displaying the vehicle’s “Dog Friendly” status, Honda’s dog-friendly package exemplifies the brand’s dedication to enhancing the automotive experience for pet owners everywhere.

End of the Line

Honda Element production continued until 2011, all as a single generation. It’s boxy design riding along with a generation of other vehicles, including the Nissan Cube and, dare I say, the Pontiac Aztek. While targeted toward the young folks, in the end, the Honda Element became a mid-life crisis car. In its first year of sales, the median age of a buy stood at 42-years-old. More Honda history.