2007 Honda Element

I love my element just because it’s soooo cute! Scooter loves it too!

2008-07-21 10:48:08

I LOVE my 2008 Element…with two 80 lb labradors, this vehicle is the BOMBE! perfect for trips to the beach (they LOVE to swim), to the park, camping, you name it! after years of struggling trying to get all the doghair off the carpet (impossible) and car seats, i was sold when i saw the rubber floors, waterresistant seats, and easy entry through the suicide doors for my big dogs who are getting up in years – jumping up into the 4×4 Toyota Tacoma crew cab was getting difficult for my 10 year old – the Element is so easy for him to climb in – and when i take the rear seats out, throw down some thick doggy comfortors, the two couldn’t be happier! this vehicle has enabled me to take my big boys with me on outings more frequently because it’s so easy to clean up when we get home – give me a whisk broom and a spray bottle of 409 and cleanup is a breeze!

2008-07-20 23:31:44

Excellent vehicle. My pound pups (Blue tick hound mix & a Shapei mix)love their mobil home. I have a fence/barrier attached to the back of the back seats, that is their crate. I have the EX and with all windows open and moon roof open = incredible ventilation. Also the rear mounted moon roof allows pressure release when the windows are down, that does help mpg a bit. The rear tailgate makes it easy to load my agile buddies, once that tailgate goes up they know to stay right there ‘cause the big door is coming next..no other vehicle offers that- they all have the big one piece door. Just took them canoeing, one huge benfit was I loaded them into the back then I could take my time getting everything else together while they chilled in the back. GREAT!!!AWD!!!EASY CLEAN!!!
No vehicle can do everything, there will always be give and take.
There are things I would change, but I cannot. My E works for me (pun intended) Thanks for reading my story ;o) ps Galapagos Green is the best color!!

2008-07-15 17:58:45

I have had a 95 Rodea that has been “The dog Car” sicne 1995. I love it. I had 4 Old English Sheepdogs.It is ready for retirement. My hasband brought home a 2003 Element from his car lot for me to look at, and it is not going back. This is a wonderful vehicle. I have only driven it for 4 days to see what I thought. I cannot say enough good about it. However, I now have Weimaraner’s who are “velcro dogs” and love to be in your lap at all times. I

2008-07-08 12:50:24

I have owned an Element for two years now. It preforms great, no problems at all.

I have large (150+ pound) Saint Bernards and they love it too.

I also work with SB Rescue, and the Element is the perfect ‘rescue’ transport vehicle.

I love how easy it is to clean, and the ride is good. I’ve driven over 1100 miles on a single transport and actually feel good when it’s over. A very comfortable drive.

I also agree that ALL dogs should be secured when driving, it’s the right thing to do.

2008-07-03 08:29:16

It is one of the ugliest cars made. The seats up in the back block your view,
Unstable on the road, Bumpy ride,

2008-06-29 09:09:40

I love this car. The best upgrade I did was to get some of the rubber padded gym floor squares at Wallmart. I trimmed them to fit in the back and it allows the dogs some padding and grip. Another benefit is it cut down alot on road noise.

2008-06-18 12:18:43

I was disappointed with the Element. I have a Scion xB, which provides amazing headroom both for my 100-lb collie & me. The windows are are tall so she can see out, & extend far back enough for her to get fresh air. We borrow my brother’s Element, and with the seats folded up, it was like a narrow canyon. Very little room for her to move around, & she couldn’t see out the windows. It also has a MUCH stiffer ride than my xB & it rattled our bones on the country roads.

2008-06-14 11:15:58

We have two Great Danes and they love to lay on the back seats (in the flat position with quilts on top) and watch the world go by. We have traveled thousands of miles with them, from Colorado into Mexico and up the California coast. Especially like the easy in and out of the clamshell side doors.

2008-06-11 09:32:21

love the element however would like to see 30 mpg without going hybred.

2008-06-01 19:42:48

I bought the Element originally just for the looks … I had a CR-V before and felt too much like a soccer mom (I don’t have any kids). I went for the Element because it was everything … car, truck, SUV, and eye-catching. I have a 75 lb Boxer and a 70 lb Coonhound, and once I got the Element I discovered how PERFECT it was for my doggies! I don’t know about anit-noseprint windows though; my guys are tall enough to leave all the noseprints they want. I haven’t had any trouble with those 4 U bolts in the floor though … my guys seem to steer clear of them. Might be a problem if you have kind of a stupid dog though. One little point I haven’t seen mentioned … in the back just inside the clamshell top gate, there are two bolts for securing babyseats. I attach my guys’ harnesses to that so they are ‘tethered’ so to speak. Works great and keeps them semi-safe. SPECS: 2003 Element EX 26,000 miles. (LOVE IT, but am wishing they would come out with an Element Hybrid).

2008-05-30 07:45:46

I’m a huge Element fan with a 2003 with 204,000 miles on it. Burns no oil, orig clutch and brakes, 25mpg…really. My work car.

All earlier praise is true. Just be aware they are a little tail happy in the wet when turning. Also,look in the cargo area when the seats are up or removed.

See the 2 channels in the floor where the engaging hooks are mounted to the floor. They look like 4 U-bolts.

Although dogs should be restrained in transit… some aren’t, also some can slide while walking or roughhousing in the back while parked at an event. Those 4 “U-bolts” can trap a paw and break a foot or leg.

There are aftermarket filler strips for this area for this purpose when the seats are up. Find them at sites for Elements for floor mats. Slide in and remove them when replacing the seats in a down position, OR, make your own. But they shouldn’t “squish down” much when a dog steps on them or the purpose is defeated.

2008-05-29 18:01:05

No dawgs right now, but I love my Element!

2008-05-29 17:11:05

DID YOU ALL SEE THIS ON THE HONDA ELEMENT?
www.ursaminorvehicles.com

NOT BAD AT ALL.
FROM; camperstephen@yahoo.com

OUT

2008-05-29 17:01:38

Great car! We got our Element in 2005 as a dog-and-bike hauler, and I use it for Humane Society transports (I can fit two dogs, two bikes, and enough gear for a week’s vacation, or a bunch of transport dogs). Easy to clean/sanitize, roomy, frugal, nimble and great in the ice and snow. Pulls great behind our motorhome, too. I took out the rear seats the day I bought it, and they’ve been in the basement ever since. Best vehicle I ever had, and if I ever get wind that Honda’s not making them anymore, I’ll buy five and Frankenstein the parts together until I’m too old to drive!

2008-05-29 16:42:59

I’m looking for a car low enough for my older Golden to climb in. My two other, younger ones have no trouble jumping into my SUV, but it’s too high for my older guy…who also is frightened of the ramp I bought and had to return. Any suggestions from anyone? Thanks, bthomas@rtjgolf.com

2008-05-29 16:23:11

I bought the Element specifically for my two 60 lb dogs. The day after I bought it I took out the back seats and they haven’t been back in since – that is the area for my dogs and mountain bike (which fit great together back there – plenty of room to spare). The one thing I didn’t realize when I was buying it was how much I would love it myself! It is light and airy, always clean, handles great (I have 4 wheel drive) and I actually really like the unique look of it. Just like the user below – if you guys were giving out decals about it winning Dog Car of the Year send one my way! I’ll definite promote that – I hope every dog owner knows what a find it is.

2008-05-29 16:22:07

Our 2003 Ellie is a Swiss Army Knife on wheels. Want to taxi 2 Golden Retrievers? No problemo. They love it. Take out the seats and you can load it up like a box car. Leave the seats in for people and they have tons of leg room. Muddy canine and human footprints come off with a sponge. The only canine issue is footing – our older Golden doesn’t like lack of traction. We solved that with some cheap indoor-outdoor carpet that can be vacummed or tossed if messy.

2008-05-29 12:22:22

Pet Bistro just bought Honda Elements to carry products, Pets, People and the Pet Bistro Logos. Wish us luck it’s our first time buying The Element. I feel better that I read all your comments because after the purchase I read Consumer Affairs and they did not have great ratings so I was a bit concerned.
Thank you
www.Petbistro.us

2008-05-29 09:48:51

I really love my Element and my sister’s dog Bailey loves it too because he can walk around it! It has so much room and is such a great roadtrip car. It’s just such an all-around great vehicle. And I love that Dogcars.com gave it there Best Overall Rating for 2007!!! I wish I could get a sticker for my Element!

2008-05-13 11:53:44

Hello! I’m Samuel Smith, i’m from Switqerland i and find your site really brilliant!

2008-05-04 16:13:47

I’ve owned my Element for four years. Homer and Gibson (dogs) and I love it dearly. It’s our adventure fun wagon. If Honda made a hybrid version that pushed the mileage up to the 30s, I’d never be without one. But low 20s is not only hard on the wallet, it’s irresponsible. So, I’m looking for a successor. Nothing will replace my Element; only come after it.

2008-04-27 21:30:47

I always wanted an Element, finally got one thinking it would be great for my 2 Labs who love to ride and put their noses out the windows. They are very disappointed that they cannot put their noses out since the back windows open just 2” and not in such a way as to allow the air to blow in. That is my only serious complaint about the car, but it’s a big one. I am surprised that HOnda has not corrected this as I would think that even people in the back seats would like a window that opens.

2008-04-24 19:52:17

I’ve had my 2007 Element for 1 year and it’s great for the furkids! The backseats were quickly banished to storage and bars were installed behind the front seats. The tail gate really makes it easy to manage the dogs. They learned quickly to only exit the car when the tailgate is down. It drives fine with adequate power. My complaints are echoed by others: wider opening windows in the suicide doors, elevated cup holders, and a hybrid engine! Actually, I’d also be happy if the whole car was a foot shorter.

2008-04-14 01:46:25

I cannot wait to get my Element. What I am surpised at is all the dogs that travel lose because they like it. They might also like antifreeze but it is about as unsafe. Think kids without car seats! And in even something as simple as slamming on the breaks hard and they can break a leg and if there is anything in the back with them they will be hurt! Dogs belong in crates and that is why I am buying an E.

2008-04-13 11:34:21

Amazing car! But cost 44200$ is killing me. =( I love this car, but I think I’ll never can buy it.

p.s.: Price from Russia.

2008-04-03 04:20:42

I bought a 2007 Element AWD last April. I live in Canada and cannot believe I survived this long without an AWD! The E handles well on snow and ice and while a bit noisy (road noise) most dog people could care less about that! As soon as I got it home I pulled out the rear seats and they are in storage. I built a platform and have the JB Wholesale 23” x 36” big wire crates with the slide up doors that fit side by side in the back, plus can fit a smaller crate (like a vari 300) behind the passenger seat with it pushed all the way forward (no passenger). I have a Thule roof box and there’s also plenty of storage under the platform for my EZ Up, all weather clothes, boots, dog gear extra crates, Xpens whatever! It’s really huge inside! I travel regularly with 4 medium sized dogs in comfort, and don’t have to “unload” at a trial site – just park in shade, open all the doors and perfect cross breeze and air circulation! It is easy to keep clean – thank you for NO CARPETING – perfect! Only wish would be a V6 engine so one could safely tow a small camper while still loading the E with gear.

Fiona in North Hatley, QC Canada

2008-04-02 15:34:13

I have 3 Golden Retrievers and we think it’s great plenty of room for them and a few other things. We even leave the seats in and up. Jazz, Molly, and Izzy can easily get in and out.

2008-03-31 07:05:12

In 2004 I bought Our New Element to replace our 1997 Ford Explorer. We travel from Long Island to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We bring both our Dogs a Male Black Chow mix (Tyson) and a female brown Pit Bull (Alize). Tyson in a crate Lashed down,while Alize is safely stramped to the seat ankers. We remove one passenger side rear seat for better visability and put winter tires for winter conditions. The Dogs love the trip and We still have plenty of room for soft luggage. We see alot of Elements in Snow Country. I average 22-24MPG on My Trips. I got 35K miles out of the OEM tires but replace withDunlop Radial all weather. Still use winter Bridgestone Z3’s for winter!

2008-03-30 09:02:44

I saw my first Element in 2003 at an agility trial. Love at first sight. In 2004 I bought my own. Now, I breed and show dogs, so the right vehicle is vital. I have 9 Cardigan Welsh Corgis and 1 Labrador. The Element is ideal. I raved about it so much, in fact, that three different dog show friends went out and bought their own. When it comes time to replace my ‘04 model, I will buy a new Element.

Jennifer Roberson
www.cheysuli.com

2008-03-29 09:48:51

I have only had my Element for 2 months but I LOVE it! With 3 small dogs of my own and another 3 that “visit” I can fit them all in.
I have taken a hose to the floors – careful not to get the dash, ect.- and had no problems. The best way I have found to clean up the dog hair is a damp cloth. No more spending hours trying to vacume it up.

2008-03-29 08:58:28

I was one of the first Element Owners – and was first attracted by the funky look and sold when I recognized how dog-friendly the Element would be for me and my 3 Vizslas:
1) The REMOVABLE rear seats and square rear lines and lack of carpeting provides the maximum usable worry-free floor space for dog crates & stuff.
2) I can easily fit 3 Midwest SUV crates (narrower than standard crates) in it – 2 side-by-side opening to the back (on a 4” high carpeted platform to clear the rounded projections on the walls on both sides) and one perpendicular right behind the front seats – whose door opens easily to the side thanks to the back door that opens forward. My Vizslas range in size from 40-60 pounds (22-24” at shoulder) and all fit comfortably in these crates.
3) The “fish gill” rear windows are safely opened while the car is in gear w/o fear of dogs sticking heads out.
4) The clamshell rear doors are perfect for in and out dog access – the bottom 1/3 door acts as a landing platform for up and in and as a surface to stretch on upon exiting the crate before jumping to the ground.
5) When attending outdoor dog activities, a solid cover can be clamped to the open rear window for the perfect rear shade “visor”. The rear window being up is great for ventilation. The bottom door can be closed to prevent dogs and young children walking by from noticing and bothering my dogs, is extra safety to keep the crate doors closed, are low enough to allow my dogs to look out but still give them some privacy and separation from passers-by.
6) The rear crates are not so far back from the front so that when stopped at intersections, the driver can easily reach back and give the dogs french fries!
7) There is so much vertical space that even with crates in the vehicle, I can still check all directions before changing lanes. When needed, lots of stuff can be piled on top of rear crates though visibility is then restricted.
8) The wheelbase is short so it’s easy to squeeze into parking spots the big guzzlers have to pass on.
9) I can set up my 12’x12’ Eureka screen tent and slip one zipped open end over the the opened rear window for a private, cool retreat at outdoor dog events.
10) It is just the quirkiest looking vehicle, period. I love driving it and appreciate still being able to get it with a manual transmission.
THANKS HONDA – you were trying to fill a surfer dude niche and you accidentally made the most rockin’ dog friendly vehicle ever!

2008-03-28 20:23:52

I have an 2007 EXP and LOVE it. I take my dog Rosie, a 75lb Pit Bull to work with me every day. The back seats are up, and there is a dog bed & blankets, water bowl, treats, etc. in the back. In warm weather, I crack open the rear windows & sun roof and Rosie stays cool & comfy. If we walk past other Es on our walks, she’ll look in them, as if she’s thinking all Es should dogs.
They are great dog cars!!

2008-03-28 18:58:39

Where have you been!!!
I have a 2004 Honda Element
along with one Lab, three
Greyhounds and a Great Dane!
My Ellie is okay… afterall,
it’s just a car. Nothing
like my five road bikes or
my Honda motorcycle… and
certainly no match for my
Mutts!!!

2008-03-28 16:39:01

The #1 reason I bought my Element last year was because it is INDEED the most DOG FRIENDLY vehicle EVERRRR!!!!

2008-03-28 16:31:09

We love our Element and it is most used for surfing and the local dog beach. However, we have a big black lab who really loves the wind in his ears. We would be very happy of the rear windows rolled down instead opening just a crack. We love the armrests too, but our dog likes to stand between the front seats and he can only do so if the arm rests are up. Not sure where the extra room would come from, but it would be nice to enjoy the dog between the seats with our arms on the armrests.

2008-03-28 15:36:07

We got out Element last October. It’s been great… currently I have the seats out and a RuffWear Bachelor Pad on the floor for Yogi, our Rhodesian Ridgeback/Malamute mix, other than being able to stickhis head out the window he’s quite content and so are we.

2008-03-28 14:38:38

Bought my 2008 Element about a month ago. Our dogs love it – easy to get in/out and plenty of room. We have Cooper, a 100 lb Bernese Mtn Dog, and Skye, a 50 lb Airedale. It also has plenty of room for my mother’s wheelchair and walker and our hoard of various bicycles.

2008-03-27 20:44:46

I love my Element and so does my Luna! We never worry about a wet dirty dog in the car. she just jumps right in. I’ve had it for 5 years and can’t wait til Honda makes a Hybrid version (oh please, oh please!)....

2008-03-24 21:16:49

Charlie loves the element. He gives it two paws up!

2008-03-23 17:07:29

My wish is for a built in, slide in/out ramp for old dogs! I’d also be rooting for a barrier behind front seats, but since the seats fold flat, I can get my old girl into the back where she belongs pretty easily….

2008-03-22 17:16:55

I own a 2004 Element and my 2006 Old English Sheepdog loves it. The seat are great for his taillessness. I owned a 1993 4-door Chevy Blazer and my 1995 OES mix loved the room but the seats did not lay down flat and the gas mileage wasn’t great. I got over 175,000 miles in it and finally decided to get the Element because of having a hairy dog and Honda’s reliability and I haven’t been disappointed. My Dessy has passed on and Zorro, my 2006, has inherited the Honda and as stated earlier, he absolutely loves it. He can noseprint the front windows but Honda did let me control his window rolling down habit. The ability to only have one backseat down is great to accommodate his Aero-Bed. The only downside is the 20 MPG, but “Oh Well”, over $3 a gallon isn’t great with any real car. I still love the room, hope they make a hybrid by the time I am able to afford my next car.

2008-03-20 17:50:54

Love mine! Started out with a great dane and an aussie, and now we have the aussie and a lab. Both fit well and like it when we have have one seat down (for aussie window noseprinting) and one up so the lab can lay on the floor. Wet paper towels work well at corraling the dog hair without hurting the electronics Honda says are lurking under the floor.

2008-03-20 14:23:40

I own a Honda Element and thought it would be a great dog vehicle, but while you say it’s great because the windows are too high for the dogs to nose-print up, this means it is also too high for the dogs to look out! Also, my dogs like to stick their noses into the wind out the window. Impossible with windows that don’t roll down.

So points all around for ease of cleaning, but demerits from the dogs’ point of view. They prefer the back of the pick up with the camper shell and the sliding rear window.

2008-03-14 09:06:28

We had a 2003 Element. My husband loved it, but I didn’t like that the windows in the back did not open for the dogs to stick their heads out (on short fun trips), which lets face it “They love to do!”. I also, dislike how heavy the seats were, my husband was the only one who could lift the seats in and out of the Element – big problem! Also, the back doors turned out to be a big pain, especially when passengers could not let themselves in and out of the car. It also turned out to be pretty tiresome having to open the doors wide open to let passengers in the back in a tight parking space. The inside floor totally warped and got really badly scratched from our big dogs (we have two big dogs and one small dog). Anyway, hope this helps. I don’t mean to dog the Element, but it turned out to be very unpracticle for us!

2008-03-11 13:58:23

First trip in our 08 Element was to dog shows in Cleveland, just as a terrible storm rolled in. It handled pretty well in the snow and got better mileage than our previous Subaru .Have also used a force dryer to blow debris out of the Element, much easier to clean than our previous car. Bonus: Visibility from the rear seat from a four year old child’s perspective is great, and you can fit a potty seat on floor between front and rear seats, a private bathroom for a newly housebroken child reluctant to use dog show portapotties. Only negative: The large window pillars obstruct vision a bit, I had better visibility in my Forester, although fewer airbags. LOVE IT.

2008-03-03 15:30:44

Three Border Collies will fit quite nicely in the back of an Element although there isn’t much room for anything else once the crates are in. I’m the one who asked about Midwest side-by-sides below. Right now I have two 32” Vari-Kennels in the back and one 30” Midwest wire crate (not the side by side type) sideways between those crates and the front seat. Unless you have a very, very large Border Collie it’s unlikely you’ll actually needa 36” crate (in my opinion). My 52 lb male used to ride in a 36” crate but would always curl up into a tiny ball in the back of it (habit, not fear) so I got him the 30” wire crate and he is quite comfortable in it and I have more room for stuff.

2008-02-23 00:10:38

I share my life with a Belgian Sheep Dog – he prefers to ride on the back seat floor wearing a seatbelt harness. I have fleece mats in the back for his comfort.

The E is a perfect dogmobile.

It even drives well on ice.

2008-02-22 20:56:14

I have to large dogs, coon hound and plott hound. Crates? ha my dogs sit on the seats to enjoy the view. :) I bought a seat cover. Sometimes one lies on the floor in front of the seats as well. They love the theatre seating so they can see out front. I agree about the bad spot for Cup holders. Mine dont drink it but they often stand on my ice coffee. Grrr. LOL I would prefer the sunroof over ME. Dont like the vent windows in the back and I wish you could seat 5 instead of only 4 people. The barn doors can be a pain if you are in squisshy parking areas. I do love that it has the AUX for my Ipod and Phone/walkman Plug in. Awesome tunes!!!

2008-02-21 18:29:45

Regarding the Midwest 36” Side-by-Sides, yes, with the rear seats removed, I got ‘em in, barely. They went in okay through the wheel wells until they got to a little extra jut-ty thing (I’m so technical) that prevented them from sliding in perfectly. Problem solved by lifting the crates up a bit so they rest on afore-mentioned jut-ty thing, and putting something in the front (er, back—where the crate doors are) to level them. My Elkhounds ride just fine in them, but I’m still going to have my husband install custom aluminum dog boxes. Also, a word of warning—the tailgate is SLIPPERY! The first time one of my dogs, who’s normally quite coordinated, jumped in, she totally wiped out and crashed into the back of the crate, poor thing (she was fine apart from the bruised ego). Otherwise, I LOVE my new Element EX (in Kiwi, no less!)—it’s a lot of fun to drive and I’m really looking forward to using it for agility trials this spring.

2008-02-21 17:36:19

I have an 08 Element SC and a Rotti————-wonderful dog car. She travels with me daily,
easy in/out and the clamshell rear doors allows plenty of ventilation even in the( lite) rain. I removed the rear seats and keep a 36” midwest kennel in the back I doubt if 2 would fit but haven’t tried it. The SC model is carpeted, less road noise , so I keep a moving blanket under the kennel. 20mpg city 27 hwy, Got a roof rack and a Sears roof box
( the one that looks like a Thule) for the extras. A pleasure for all of us to travel in. Roof box detaches in a jiff and the seats go in in short order as well. I give the “E” an AAA+++++++

Good luck

2008-02-08 11:18:29

I am considering an element but will be downsizing from a much bigger van. I need to carry three border collies, one in a 36” long (by either 20” or 24” wide) and two 30×22 crates. Anyone with experience fitting those size crates?

2008-01-29 21:52:46

Ihave a 2005 Element and bought it to haul my 2 German Shepherds to dog trials. I have installed a barrier to keep them out of the front seat. I have 2 complaints. With the back seats up your rear visability is restricted. Also the back windows should roll down. If Honda could fix these 2 problems the vehicle would be perfect..

2008-01-29 12:05:21

I have 3 small dogs (Shih Tzus), and love traveling in my ‘08 Element with them! Usually, I put the three in a large crate in the cargo area (seats up), for safety’s sake. I can’t imagine a better vehicle for myself and my dogs.

2008-01-29 09:08:47

I have a 204 element , three dog’s two labs and a rotti , I go to many agility shows . had to remove my back seats , but a friend of mine welded a crate like area , which is removable, all three dogs love the room . it’s elvated so that i can put my tent, crates chairs under it . also can leave the back open for air . i just love it , just bought a small 1200lb popup trailer , no problems hauling it

2008-01-28 06:18:23

Can someone confirm to me that it is actually possible to fit two Midwest side-by-side 36” crates in the back?

Right now I have two 32” Vari-Kennels back there and they are a tight squeeze. I have my doubts about the wire crates due to the wheel wells.

Thanks!

2008-01-26 23:13:45

Is there no barrier that will fit in the element? I have hurt my back and have trouble putting the crate in and out and my lab puppy will not sit still and hates the seat belt harness. He gets himself all tangled up. I need a barrier.

2008-01-19 09:25:59

Two Years of owning my element. There has yet to be a single thing I couldn’t do with it that I felt I wanted to. 40k miles. Camping, Earthdog, Dogshows, hauling compost, moving boxes, construction debris, home improvement supplies – You Name it.

I can get three coolers, four stacked crates (tejas 250s) and a weeks worth of luggage in with nn trouble at all. I am getting a Scamp camper/trailer in the spring and I am sure my element will handle that with ease as well.

The Element is easily the most versatile, practical and comfortable vehicle available.

2008-01-18 12:15:08

I have a 12yo German Shepherd Dog with arthritis-I had a beautiful 2008 Escape that had all the bells and whistles and was only $25,000. I just traded it in because my shepherd could not jump up into it or out of it w/o hurting her paws or back legs. I now have a 2008 Element EX-we made one step to the side of the vehicle screwing indoor/outdoor carpeting on top of a bin that is about 10in high-she walked right up into the Element and came out with no problem(one back seat completely out and one up to the side). The other 4WD or AWD vehcles may allow you to fold the seats down flat but I needed my dog to be able to get up to floor level-not higher up into flat seating level. It was the only thing we could find that was almost as low entry as a van floor. We have 2 shepherds-they and I all got in the back easily-since we live in the snowy backcountry hills of Navarino, NY-the Element was the only AWD vehicle that serve all of our needs. Love the Element so far in every way!

2008-01-02 06:07:23

One can wash out the polyurethane floor in the Element. You just can’t hose it out as legend has it.

A damp mop or sponge is fine.

2007-12-27 13:37:45

I took 3 English Mastiffs with me the day I went to test drive my first Element in March 2003.

It will also fit, side by side 2 medium sized veri-kennels with seats out. It will fit 2 large suit-case style wire crates as well for the larger dogs.

As for clean up, the plastic interior makes it wonderfully easy clean up.

I’ve sold 2 Elements to 2 other Large Dog folks who do Rescue, one for St. Bernards and the other for All Breed rescue.

It’s a truly wonderfully Ugly vehicle! :D

http://www.elementownersclub.com come check us out!

2007-12-27 13:23:44

Honestly, Honda told me that if you DO wash it out you risk damaging your electronics and voiding your warranty.

So … not recommended. :)

Gina

2007-12-22 14:01:58

YOU CAN wash it out! I had to test that theory when a pup had a runny number two while driving, which of course got into the front seat floor tracks, so I HAD to get it out somehow…and I hosed it out! Careful of the dash and such, most the water drained out the bottom, some puddled in the front floor, which I just toweled up! I love this car! Kids and Dogs!

2007-12-20 14:54:46

I bought my 2005 Element for the dogs. I leave the seats in and there is enough floor space in front of them for two medium size dogs. My travel crates folded flat fit perfectly in the back cargo area, leaving plenty of room for luggage. I love my Element! My only wish is for rear windows that roll down instead of vent open. It’s impossible to close the far side window while in motion.

2007-12-18 12:34:22

We have a 2005 Honda Element and we actually bought it before we got a dog. Now our year old chocolate lab Hans can ride comfortably and see the road. He has side windows to sniff out of and a huge skylight to bring in lots of sunshine. His favourite spot is shotgun next to Tom on his way hunting.

2007-12-12 07:31:39

I have over 40k on the original tires, and have averaged 25 mpg since day one.

If I haul a trailer the mileage drops to the upper teens, but normally it’s 25 to 27 MPG.

Bottom Line, this car is great for hauling dogs, I use it for transporting large breed dogs for a rescue.

2007-12-12 06:31:24

I have 2 medium sized dogs and they LOVE rides in the Element. I don’t even put the seats up, they ride in the back with no problem. It’s big enough for a large bed to share (not that they sit for a minute). The back seats are high so that prevents them from jumping over them. They do peek between the seats and the windows to say hello, but no problem. I LOVE MY ELEMENT!

2007-11-12 16:40:05

the element will be great but with a newfoundland breed you need all the seats up. that would not go if you have a family wanting to go to a beach.

2007-11-09 18:50:04

Well I’ve drooling over the Element for years … if only I could afford one. My Civic is on its last leg, so I am hopeful I will be able to get the Element next. Anything!!! easier to clean would be welcome. Any used ones in Ontario for sale anytime soon???

2007-11-08 12:22:28

Just remember that you will have to replace the tires before you reach 25K miles and that you won’t get the advertised 27 mpg, ever.

2007-10-30 09:45:35

i have two dogs one large and one small. i bought my elemant specifically for the carpetless floor, and the wipe off sports seats. I LOVE IT. my only thing is i wish i could put up a barrier between the front and the back seats so i would not have to fight to keep the front seats puppy free.

2007-10-24 11:54:54

Bought a 2003 Element just because I had dogs and needed a way to transport them. It is the BEST dog vehicle anywhere. We use an air compressor to blow out the vehicle when we are done. Since I own it the dog hair doesn’t matter but if I just have one dog I leave the seats in and fold them down so they are flat and put the bed and blanket on that.

2007-09-10 17:28:27