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2008 Honda Element Safety Review

June 27, 2008

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

a perfect five stars for frontal-impact protection
Edmunds

Five stars, front impact protection; five stars, side impact protection
NHTSA

Good, frontal offset impact; Good, side impact
IIHS

The Honda Element has scored well in both National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests since it was first introduced in 2003.

In its latest version, the 2008 Honda Element earns very high praise from both agencies. The NHTSA has awarded the 2008 Honda Element its highest rating, a full five stars, for both front and side impacts. The IIHS also bestows its highest rating, "good," upon the Honda Element, in both frontal offset and side impact tests.

When it comes to safety equipment, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com strongly approve of the standard features on the Honda Element. Edmunds writes that "you'll find antilock disc brakes with brake assist, traction control and stability control on every 2008 Honda Element," along with standard "front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags." Those standard airbags represent a critical new addition to the Element; Honda's previous versions scored poorly in side-impact crash tests if they weren't fitted with what were then optional side curtain airbags. In addition to these standard airbags and driving assistance features, Cars.com writes that the 2008 Honda Element also has "LATCH child-seat anchors embedded in both rear seats," which allow for quick and easy installation of child seats.

In addition to the multitude of interior safety features such as curtain airbags on the Element, Honda includes an electronic stability program on all 2008 Elements. An electronic stability program (often referred to as ESP) monitors the power being delivered to each wheel and cuts powers when one wheel starts to spin or lose its grip, which greatly reduced the chance of skidding out or rolling over.

One drawback to the wealth of safety features and exceptional crash-test ratings on the Honda Element is the decidedly average driver visibility. ConsumerGuide finds that while "the SUV-tall driving stance and short nose offer a panoramic feel," the "roof pillars slice into visibility aft and over the shoulders." ForbesAutos agrees, writing that "it takes many miles behind the wheel to become accustomed to the sight picture."

Conclusion

The 2008 Honda Element has great safety features and crash-test scores.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:a perfect five stars for frontal-impact protectionEdmundsFive stars, front impact protection; five stars, side impact protectionNHTSAGood, frontal offset impact; Good, side impactIIHS The Honda Element has scored well in both National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests since it was first introduced in 2003. In its latest version, the 2008 Honda Element earns very high praise from both agencies. The NHTSA has awarded the 2008 Honda Element its highest rating, a full five stars, for both front and side impacts. The IIHS also bestows its highest rating, "good," upon the Honda Element, in both frontal offset and side impact tests. When it comes to safety equipment, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com strongly approve of the standard features on the Honda Element. Edmunds writes that "you'll find antilock disc brakes with brake assist, traction control and stability control on every 2008 Honda Element," along with standard "front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags." Those standard airbags represent a critical new addition to the Element; Honda's previous versions scored poorly in side-impact crash tests if they weren't fitted with what were then optional side curtain airbags. In addition to these standard airbags and driving assistance features, Cars.com writes that the 2008 Honda Element also has "LATCH child-seat anchors embedded in both rear seats," which allow for quick and easy installation of child seats. In addition to the multitude of interior safety features such as curtain airbags on the Element, Honda includes an electronic stability program on all 2008 Elements. An electronic stability program (often referred to as ESP) monitors the power being delivered to each wheel and cuts powers when one wheel starts to spin or lose its grip, which greatly reduced the chance of skidding out or rolling over. One drawback to the wealth of safety features and exceptional crash-test ratings on the Honda Element is the decidedly average driver visibility. ConsumerGuide finds that while "the SUV-tall driving stance and short nose offer a panoramic feel," the "roof pillars slice into visibility aft and over the shoulders." ForbesAutos agrees, writing that "it takes many miles behind the wheel to become accustomed to the sight picture." ConclusionThe 2008 Honda Element has great safety features and crash-test scores.  2008 HONDA ELEMENT STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "Easily recognizable at any distance" ConsumerGuide: "Simple, convenient climate and audio controls" The Auto Channel: "Spacious, accessible, and easy-to-clean interior" While the 2008 Honda Element has undergone very few ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Mazda5 is a mini-minivan with a decent powertrain, a sliding side door, and enough room for five. The Scion xB has its own alternative appeal, but seems thicker and less fun than the first-generation version. For van lovers and needers, the Ford Transit Connect arrives for the 2010 model year, offering a four-cylinder powertrain and a customizable rear cargo area.

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See the Honda Element in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

Comments (1 total)

  1. By tara mapes #1, Posted: 2/8/2009

    Owner's review 5 out of 10

    besides the lack of storage space inside, and the inability to heat or air condition the back where my three year old sits, the car is reliable, and very good in the snow. What drops my rating to a 5 is the very poor quality of the body. Ive had this car for 6 months and have more dings than any car I've ever owned. Small bumps such as when my mom opened her car door and it literally BUMPED the back, it left golf ball sized dent from the rearview mirror. A box I was loading into the back of my car slipped and left two LARGE scratches in the paint. The body feels like flimsy frisby material. Even though my car may last a very long time as Honda's do, who wants a banged up car to drive around forever. POOR BODY. 5 out of 10.

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