Hondanews Online Newsroom

Element: Statement by American Honda Regarding Automatic Transmission Control Module Software Recall: 2005-2010 Accord, 2007-2010 CR-V and 2005-2008 Element

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:02:00 -0700

Honda will voluntarily recall approximately 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. to update the software that controls the automatic transmission. Certain 2005-2010 4-cylinder Accord, 2007-2010 CR-V and 2005-2008 Element vehicles will be included in the voluntary recall. Without the updated software, the automatic transmission secondary shaft bearing in the affected vehicles can be damaged if the transmission is quickly shifted between each of the reverse, neutral and drive positions, as may be done in an attempt to dislodge a vehicle stuck in mud or snow. If the bearing is damaged in this unusual scenario, it can cause the engine to stall or lead to difficulty engaging the parking gear. The update to the vehicle's automatic transmission control module software will ease the transition between gears to reduce the possibility of damage. No injuries or deaths have been reported related to this condition.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage all owners of affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. Notification to customers will begin on August 31, 2011.

When Honda identifies concerns of this nature, nothing is more important to the company than fulfilling our obligation and responsibility to alert our customers. To this end, in addition to contacting customers by mail, after August 31, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

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Element: Honda Achieves Its Best-Ever Result in 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:59:00 -0700

The Honda brand earned its best-ever ranking in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) for 2011, finishing second among all surveyed brands, including premium makes, the company announced today. Honda also led the industry with seven models earning the highest initial quality ranking in their respective segments, including its top-selling Accord and Civic models.

The Acura brand finished third overall in the 2011 IQS.

In the manufacturing realm, the 2011 study recognized three Honda plants for superior quality, including Honda's newest U.S. auto plant in Greensburg, Ind. Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, producing the Civic Sedan, was one of only three plants around the world to earn the Platinum Plant Quality Award. The Suzuka, Japan plant, line 1, earned a Silver Plant Quality Award, Asia Pacific (tie), for production of Civic and Insight, while the East Liberty, Ohio, plant took home a Bronze Plant Quality Award, North/South America, for production of the Accord Crosstour, CR-V and Element.

"Creating products of the highest quality and value is the foundation of our business, and it begins with a deep understanding of the customer," said Tetsuo Iwamura, president & CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "These results are an important demonstration of our focus on the customer and the tireless efforts put forth by Honda associates throughout our organization—in R&D, in manufacturing and in sales—to exceed their high expectations of Honda and Acura."

Of the seven Honda models earning the highest initial quality score in their segment – the most segment leaders of any brand – five were manufactured in North America: the Civic (compact car); the Element (compact crossover SUV—followed by the CR-V in second place); the Accord (midsize car); the Accord Crosstour (midsize crossover SUV); and the Ridgeline (midsize pickup). Those five models were joined on the 2011 segment leader list by the Insight hybrid (compact car, tie) and Honda Fit (sub-compact car).

Honda automobiles made in North America are produced using domestic and globally-sourced parts.

J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study serves as an important tool for consumers in evaluating the quality and design of new vehicles. Since 1987, J.D. Power and Associates has been surveying owners to measure the initial quality of new vehicles after the first 90 days of ownership.

Honda media contacts:
Chris Martin (American Honda): (310) 783-3164, chris_martin@ahm.honda.com
Ron Lietzke (Honda of America Mfg.): (937) 644-6627, ron_lietzke@ham.honda.com
Anita Sipes (Honda Mfg. of Indiana): (812) 560-8535, anita_sipes@hmin.honda.com
Mark Morrison (Honda Mfg. of Alabama): (205) 355-5136, mark_morrison@hma.honda.com
Edward Miller (Honda in Detroit): (313) 202-3150, ed_miller@ahm.honda.com

Connect with Honda:
Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (For Media Only): http://www.hondanews.com
ASIMO on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/asimo
ASIMO on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/asimo
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Honda Web Site: http://www.honda.com

Element: 2011 Honda Element

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:18:55 -0800

2011 Honda Element.

Element: 2011 Will Be Final Model Year of Production for Honda Element

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 10:00:55 -0800

The 2011 Honda Element will be the final model year of production of the innovative and functional crossover utility vehicle, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. First introduced in concept form as the Honda Model X at the 2001 North American International Auto Show, the Element virtually created its own functional class and became an immediate favorite for small businesses, outdoor enthusiasts and pet owners. After a long life cycle, utility-seeking customers have more recently embraced other vehicles in the Honda lineup like the versatile and comfortable CR-V.

"The Element proved that ultimate functionality can often come from thinking inside the box," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "It made boxy vehicle designs cool, and Element owners continue to enjoy its unique styling and unmatched versatility."

Developed from the inside-out, the Honda Element entered new territory when it debuted during the 2003 model year by providing a multi-functional cargo area, innovative and versatile seating, a durable and dirt-friendly interior, energetic performance and outstanding value. Major upgrades were made through the years including more power and safety features in the 2007 model year. More recently, the Element embraced its long-held position as a pet-friendly vehicle by introducing the Dog Friendly Element accessory package in 2009.

More than 325,000 Elements have been sold in the United States since its introduction in December 2002.

Element: 2011 Honda Element Provides Rugged Versatility Inside and Out

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:57:56 -0700

The 2011 Honda Element SUV stands ready for adventure with its wide-opening side cargo doors, a wipe-down utility floor and a multitude of seating configurations that range from lounge mode to maximum cargo mode.

The purposeful interior offers a low load-in floor with flat surfaces along with a tall interior ideal for hauling many types of gear. The interior provides seating for four people along with a cargo area that quickly adapts to large items with its flip-up rear seats that fold flat, fold up and to the side, or can be removed altogether (64-plus seating arrangements). Cargo space measures an impressive 74.6 cu-ft. with the rear seats removed. The Element has a water-resistant, urethane-coated utility floor that quickly wipes down and seat fabric that resists moisture.

Element models for 2011 include the rugged and simple Element LX and the more refined Element EX. All Element models are powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine with a five-speed automatic transmission. Available Real Time 4WD™ enhances all-weather traction. EPA city/highway/combined fuel-economy ratings¹ are 20/25/22 miles per gallon for two-wheel-drive models and 19/24/21 miles per gallon for Real Time 4WD models.

The Element LX comes standard with a 4-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and remote entry. The Element EX adds a 270-watt high-output audio system, XM® Radio, CD player-based MP3/WMA™² capability, an auxiliary audio input for MP3 players or other audio devices, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and seven speakers including a 6.5-inch subwoofer.

All models include numerous storage bins and beverage holders for items such as mobile phones, audio players and drinks. Storage areas include: a large, three-bin tray above the glove box; a modular three-compartment overhead storage bin (EX); seat back storage (EX); six hooks for strapping down bikes or other bulky gear; and door storage pockets on all four doors. The Element EX exclusively has a convertible center console with a removable cooler/storage box.

The Element's fully independent suspension uses a front MacPherson strut and a rear compact double wishbone design for responsive handling and a comfortable ride. A 101.4-inch wheelbase contributes to a compact exterior size. An ultra-tight turning diameter of 34.9-feet provides for excellent maneuverability in tight quarters. Element LX and EX models are equipped with 16-inch wheels (steel on LX, alloy on EX) with all-season P215/70R16 tires. Additional LX and EX standard features include power rack-and-pinion steering and front and rear stabilizer bars.

The all-aluminum Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) engine produces 166-maximum horsepower at 5800 RPM and 161 lb-ft. of maximum torque at 4000 RPM. The Element's i-VTEC variable valve timing system enhances low RPM torque while also delivering high RPM horsepower. The standard five-speed automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control to minimize "gear hunting" on hilly roads. The available Real Time 4WD system enhance all-weather and light-duty off-road capabilities when driving in rain, snow, dirt roads and sandy conditions by sending power to the rear wheels when the front drive wheels experience a traction loss during acceleration.

Standard safety equipment includes: Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®); a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front exterior; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); active front seat head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The Element is assembled in Ohio at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.

¹ Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
² Windows Media® Audio is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Element: 2011 Honda Element Specifications and Features

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:55:56 -0700

ENGINEERING	LX	EX
Engine Type	In-Line 4-Cylinder	In-Line 4-Cylinder
Engine Block/Cylinder Head	Aluminum-Alloy	Aluminum-Alloy
Displacement (L / cc)	2.4 / 2354	2.4 / 2354
Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net, Rev 8/04)	166 @ 5800	166 @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)	161 @ 4000	161 @ 4000
Redline (rpm)	6500	6500
Bore and Stroke (mm)	87 x 99	87 x 99
Compression Ratio	9.7: 1	9.7: 1
Valve Train	16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC®	16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC®
Multi-Point Fuel Injection	•	•
Drive-by-Wire™ Throttle System	•	•
Real Time™ 4-Wheel Drive	Available	Available
CARB Emissions Rating	LEV-2	LEV-2
Direct Ignition System with Immobilizer	•	•
100K +/- Miles No Scheduled Tune-Ups*	•	•
* Does not apply to fluid and filter changes. May vary with driving conditions. See your owner's manual for more details.

TRANSMISSION	LX	EX
5-Speed Automatic Transmission	•	•
Gear Ratios: 1st: 2.786, 2nd: 1.614, 3rd: 1.082, 4th: .773, 5th: .566, Reverse: 2.000, Final Drive: 4.500	•	•

BODY/SUSPENSION/CHASSIS	LX	EX
Unit-Body Construction	•	•
Control-Link MacPherson Strut Front Suspension	•	•
Compact Double Wishbone Rear Suspension	•	•
Stabilizer Bar (mm., front/rear)	30.0 / 21.0	30.0 / 21.0
Variable Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering	•	•
Steering Wheel Turns, Lock-to-Lock	3.26	3.26
Steering Ratio	16.2	16.2
Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (ft.)	34.9	34.9
Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Solid Rear Disc Brakes (in.)	11.1 / 11.1	11.1 / 11.1
Wheels	16" with Full Covers	16" Alloy
All-Season Tires	P215 / 70 R16 99S	P215 / 70 R16 99S

EXTERIOR MEASUREMENTS	LX	EX
Wheelbase (in.)	101.4	101.4
Length (in.)	169.9	169.9
Height (in.)	70.4	70.4
Width (in.)	71.6	71.6
Track (in., front/rear)	62.1 / 62.3	62.1 / 62.3
Ground Clearance (in., unladen)	6.9	6.9
Approach/Departure Angles (degrees)	25.6/26.3	25.6/26.3
Curb Weight (lbs., 2WD AT)	3515	3540
Curb Weight (lbs., 4WD AT)	3624	3641
Towing Capacity (lbs.)	1500	1500

INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS	LX	EX
Headroom (in., front/rear)	43.3 / 38.0	43.3 / 38.0
Legroom (in., front/rear)	41.0 / 39.1	41.0 / 39.1
Shoulder Room (in., front/rear)	57.1 / 52.2	57.1 / 52.2
Hiproom (in., front/rear)	55.0 / 47.6	55.0 / 47.6
Cargo Volume (cu. ft., behind 2nd-row)	25.1	25.1
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.,maximum)	74.6	74.6
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.)	103.6	103.6
Seating Capacity	4	4

*EPA MILEAGE ESTIMATES/CAPACITIES**	LX	EX
5-Speed Automatic (2WD; City/Highway/Combined)	20 / 25 / 22	20 / 25 / 22
5-Speed Automatic (4WD; City/Highway/Combined)	19 / 24 / 21	19 / 24 / 21
Crankcase (qt.)	5.6	5.6
Coolant System (qt.)	7.5	7.5
Fuel (gal.)	15.9	15.9
Required Fuel	Regular Unleaded	Regular Unleaded
Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

SAFETY	LX	EX
3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions	•	•
Front 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System	•	•
Driver's and Front Passenger's Seat Belt Reminder	•	•
Dual-Stage, Dual-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)	•	•
Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)	•	•
Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor	•	•
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)	•	•
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)	•	•
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control	•	•
Brake Assist	•	•
Daytime Runing Lights (DRL)	•	•
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)	•	•
Side-Impact Door Beams	•	•
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All)	•	•

EXTERIOR FEATURES	LX	EX
Side Cargo Doors	•	•
Variable Windshield Wipers	•	•
Rear Window Wiper/Washer	•	•
Roof-Mounted Antenna	•	•
Remote Entry System	•	•
Power Side Mirrors	•	•
Green-Tinted Glass	•	•
Rear Privacy Glass	•	•
Clamshell Tailgate	•	•
Alloy Wheels		•
Multi-Reflector Halogen Headlights	•	•

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE	LX	EX
Air Conditioning with Air-Filtration System	•	•
Power Front Windows with Auto-Up/Down Driver's Window	•	•
Rear Ventilation Windows	•	•
Power Door and Tailgate Locks	•	•
Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls	Cruise	Cruise/Audio
Adjustable Steering Column	•	•
Instrument Panel-Mounted Shifter	•	•
Lower Instrument Panel Storage Compartment	•
Driver's and Front Passenger's Vanity Mirrors		•
Sliding Sun Visor Extensions	•	•
Overhead Storage Compartment		•
Map Lights		•
Dome Light	•	•
Urethane-Coated Utility Floor	•	•
Beverage Holders, Front and Rear	•	•
12-Volt Power Outlet	Front	Front / Rear
Door-Pocket Storage Bins, Rear with Bottle Holders	•	•
Driver- and Passenger-Side Seatback Pockets		•
Driver-Side Seatback Bungees, Front and Rear		•
Rear Window Defroster	•	•
Rear-Seat Heater Ducts	•	•
Cargo Area Tie-Down Anchors (4)	•	•
Cargo Area Storage Bins	•	•
Cargo Area Hooks (2)	•	•
Cargo Area Light	•	•
Center Console		Removable Cooler

SEATING	LX	EX
Driver's Seat with Manual Height Adjustment	•	•
Water Resistant FXC™ (Fabric for Extreme Conditions) Seat Fabric	Front	Front and Rear
Adjustable Head Restraints	•	•
Driver and Passenger-Side Armrests		•
Removable, Flip-Up Rear Seats	•	•
Fold-Flat-Capable Seating	•	•

AUDIO SYSTEMS	LX	EX
120-Watt AM/FM/CD Audio System with 4 Speakers and Clock	•
270-Watt AM/FM/CD Audio System with 7 Speakers including Subwoofer		•
MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) Playback Capability		•
MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack		•
XM® Radio		•
CD Text Display Capability		•

INSTRUMENTATION	LX	EX
Backlit Gauges	Blue	Blue
Tachometer	•	•
Digital Odometer and Digital Trip Meters (2)	•	•
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Indicator	•	•
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)-On Indicator	•	•
Maintenance Minder™ System	•	•
Door-/Tailgate-Open Indicator	•	•
Fuel and Coolant Temperature Indicators	•	•
Low-Fuel Indicator	•	•
Low-Oil-Pressure Indicator	•	•
Exterior Temperature Gauge		•
Passenger-Side Side Airbag-Off Indicator	•	•
Fuel Cap Indicator	•	•

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice or obligation, in colors, specifications, accessories, materials and models.

Element: 2011 Honda Element Pricing and EPA Data

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:55:00 -0700

Model	Transmission	MSRP*	City/Hwy/ Combined**

Element 2WD LX	5-Speed Automatic	$20,825	20/25/22

Element 2WD EX	5-Speed Automatic	$22,935	20/25/22

Element 4WD LX	5-Speed Automatic	$21,075	19/24/21

Element 4WD EX	5-Speed Automatic	$24,185	19/24/21

Dog Friendly Honda Element Concept