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This was such a perfect camping/surfing/biking car, I used to rent them off Getaround. The seats actually folded up and to the side, to make a huge amount of ro

by joshe 4y ago

This was such a perfect camping/surfing/biking car, I used to rent them off Getaround. The seats actually folded up and to the side, to make a huge amount of room on the back floor. We also slept in that back a few times when it was cold out, just threw down a pad. Check out the awesome: https://www.core77.com/posts/61976/The-Honda-Elements-Unsung-Interior-Design-Brilliance https://www.core77.com/posts/61976/The-Honda-Elements-Unsung... And not hose able, but the whole back was one continuous flat rubber mat, so it was absurdly easy to clean after you put your 2 un-disassembled bikes in the back. It was actually a sports / active oriented car, instead of couch on wheels that all the other SUVs are. And it might not have been for everyone, but it's a shame that a different type of car like this didn't find a market. This would have been a great design to steal for the new but boring bronco. (I had hopes :-)).

hyperbovine 4y ago
I hate this car so much. My parents owned one, I mostly rode in back: - nausea inducing rear seating. For several reasons: no ventilation in back (can’t roll the windows down); weird elevated rear bench; overall effect is of being in a dark tunnel, horrible if you are prone to car sickness. - you have to open the front door to open the rear door. Great for when it’s raining! - giant box of a car that seats … 4. - surprisingly little cargo space for what a giant box it is. - ugly.
- joshe 4y ago
  Yeah I get it, I think it's a better car for a couple with stuff vs. a family. Also very much not a one size fits all car. Most people never camp or go to the beach at all.
- elxr 4y ago
  Still looks better than most of the compact crossovers nowadays which look neither here nor there. At least the element looks unique and utilitarian. And considering the short length (it's shorter than the current corolla hatch), the cargo volume is great. I hate modern car design. Traditional non-lifted station wagons and purposeful off road short-wheelbase SUVs are getting rarer by the day. Instead we get awkward looking "sporty" SUVs with giant grilles and high beltlines.
- jiscariot 4y ago
  If you want a car that's main function is seating four, your parents had about 20 other models to choose from. Everyone I know with an element has removed the rear seats or has them stowed. I've hauled a full patio set, appliances and couches without issue. My girlfriend and haul 2 mountain bikes + a decent size lab every weekend for adventures. AWD lets us go on wet timber roads and the gate gives you a nice place to sit and change boots/snowshoes/have a beer. It is OK if not every car is designed for hauling kids to soccer practice.
agloeregrets 4y ago
The Bronco Sport to a light amount and the Volvo XC40 come to mind as alt-takes on modern SUVs as well.

by joshe 4y ago

hyperbovine 4y ago

I hate this car so much. My parents owned one, I mostly rode in back: - nausea inducing rear seating. For several reasons: no ventilation in back (can’t roll the windows down); weird elevated rear bench; overall effect is of being in a dark tunnel, horrible if you are prone to car sickness. - you have to open the front door to open the rear door. Great for when it’s raining! - giant box of a car that seats … 4. - surprisingly little cargo space for what a giant box it is. - ugly.

joshe 4y ago
Yeah I get it, I think it's a better car for a couple with stuff vs. a family. Also very much not a one size fits all car. Most people never camp or go to the beach at all.
elxr 4y ago
Still looks better than most of the compact crossovers nowadays which look neither here nor there. At least the element looks unique and utilitarian. And considering the short length (it's shorter than the current corolla hatch), the cargo volume is great. I hate modern car design. Traditional non-lifted station wagons and purposeful off road short-wheelbase SUVs are getting rarer by the day. Instead we get awkward looking "sporty" SUVs with giant grilles and high beltlines.
jiscariot 4y ago
If you want a car that's main function is seating four, your parents had about 20 other models to choose from. Everyone I know with an element has removed the rear seats or has them stowed. I've hauled a full patio set, appliances and couches without issue. My girlfriend and haul 2 mountain bikes + a decent size lab every weekend for adventures. AWD lets us go on wet timber roads and the gate gives you a nice place to sit and change boots/snowshoes/have a beer. It is OK if not every car is designed for hauling kids to soccer practice.

agloeregrets 4y ago

The Bronco Sport to a light amount and the Volvo XC40 come to mind as alt-takes on modern SUVs as well.