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STRENGTHS:
Practical cargo utility; updated stylish exterior; easy-access interior and controls
VALUE:
Based on the CR-V platform, the versatile 2009 Honda Element is well-suited for people who carry gear for outdoor activities, and for those with dogs. Its compact overall dimensions, good maneuverability and tall driving position make it a great urban vehicle. With plenty of standard safety equipment and a low base price, the Element makes a good value proposition. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2009 Element five out of five-stars for front- and side-impact crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2009 Element a "Good" rating (the highest possible) in frontal offset and side impact testing, and awarded it a "Top Safety Pick" distinction.
WHAT'S NEW:
The Honda Element enters 2009 with a complete exterior makeover and more space and functionality on the inside. Upgrading its competitive look, the 2009 Element features new headlights and taillights, a new squarer hood design, squared wheel arches, rounded roofline, a front grille surrounded by chrome, and restyled fenders, which are now made of metal instead of composite material. A titanium look pervades the interior with a new low center console, standard on the LX, and a new multi-function center console with removable cooler/storage box on the EX. A new overhead storage console with three configurable compartments is standard on EX and SC trims. New fabric colors and redesigned graphics for the gauges accent all trims. The SC adds unique copper-colored lighting around the gauges, and a carpeted floor replaces the waterproof rubber floor that comes with the LX and EX. The rear skylight has been discontinued. Full-power features, remote entry, and a 4-speaker sound system with CD player are now standard on all trims. Standard on the SC and EX are an MP3 jack, satellite radio, and wheel-mounted audio controls. SC and EX trims now have a USB interface available and a 270-watt stereo system with seven speakers and a front center-mounted 6.5-inch subwoofer. New options for the SC and EX also include a bundled rearview camera and voice-activated navigation system that can also play MP3 files via a flash-card slot and iPod jack. Bluetooth is available for all trims. An optional navigation system is available for the SC and EX.