Honda announces end of Element production

Filed under: SUV, Honda

2010 Honda Element

2010 Honda Element with Dog-Friendly Package – Click above for high-res image gallery

After a nine-year run, the Honda Element will officially be killed off after the 2011 model year. The Element has suffered from slow sales numbers over the past few years, and in the model’s death notice, Honda specifically cites that a large amount of customers prefer the better refinement and improved fuel economy of the automaker’s CR-V crossover.

Since its debut in December of 2002, more than 325,000 Elements have been sold in the United States. During its lifespan, we saw the introduction of the bolder-looking SC model in 2007, and just last year, Honda began offering the 2010 Element with a dog-friendly package (pictured). Modest facelifts over the years have helped keep the Element somewhat fresh, but newer competitors on the scene have helped expose weaknesses in refinement and power. That said, Honda’s boxy sport-ute has long been praised for its utility-oriented and easy-to-maintain interior – not to mention kicking off the modern styling trend of boxy vehicles.

Follow the jump to read Honda’s official statement. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Element Dog Friendly Package

Photos copyright (C)2010 Alex Nunez / AOL

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda announces end of Element production

Honda announces end of Element production originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Honda announces end of Element production”

Honda announces recall of 2010 Element models with manual transmissions

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Crossover, Honda

2010 Honda Element – Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced on its website that Honda is recalling 585 2010 Element crossovers equipped with a manual transmission. The vehicles in question may have an improperly set cable that connects the shift lever to the transmission, an issue that could lead to anything from a major inconvenience for owners to the increased risk of an accident.

This defect may cause the gear shift lever to interact improperly with the transmission, leading to the wrong gear being selected. Affected vehicles could also get stuck in neutral, lose the ability to shift into reverse or fail to allow the key to be removed from the ignition.

Owners of the affected vehicles can bring their Element to the local Honda dealership for a free repair. Some owners have already been contacted about this issue, but all 585 will receive a notice from Honda by August 9. Element owners with questions or concerns can contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Element Dog Friendly Package

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Honda announces recall of 2010 Element models with manual transmissions

Honda announces recall of 2010 Element models with manual transmissions originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Honda announces recall of 2010 Element models with manual transmissions”