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The Honda Element is a compact, car-based SUV that comes in three trim levels: regular LX, the upgraded EX and the special SC. For power, the vehicle has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 166 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic is optional. The Element LX and EX are available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, while the SC is front-drive only.

The Honda Element offers reasonably peppy around-town response with enough smoothness to make everyday commuting a pleasant enough experience. From behind the wheel, the Element feels just as tall and boxy as it is — although the steering offers positive feedback and the wide stance keeps it stable even in aggressive/evasive maneuvers.

The wide opening provided by the unique clamshell side doors is useful, but opening the rear doors for passengers is not always as convenient as one might think — to open them, the front doors must be opened first, leading to some annoyance for the front occupants as they must always open their doors in order to allow people in or out. If you don’t carry rear passengers often, you likely won’t notice.

There is a notable exception to the Element’s cavalcade of ergonomic excellence: yet another cheesy single/double-din radio. An optional subwoofer is probably the least satisfying answer to the challenge of listening to acoustic referencing only slightly better than Ye Olde Close N Play. In fact, Honda’s budget ICE machines must be keeping after-market radio shops in business.

Honda’s Element is still in its first generation, but was significantly updated in 2007, its fifth year. It’s a bit more stylish and laidback outside, and a little quicker too thanks to a 10-hp increase and a new, more efficient five-speed automatic transmission replacing the previous four-speed auto. It should also be safer than ever, thanks to new safety equipment including standard stability control and optional side curtain airbags.