MSRP:  $22,935

The Honda Element started as a box.  They tweaked it slightly, but it is still, essentially, a box on wheels.  If you want this particular box, though, you will have to move now.  This is the Element’s last year; it will be discontinued after this year.

The EX is the higher end of two trim levels.  It has a 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder engine that produces 166 horsepower.  It has 16-inch alloy wheels and a 5-speed, front wheel drive, automatic transmission.  It is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.  An upgrade to 4-wheel drive is available.

The for its unassuming shape, the Element EX has a lot of features.  It has power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, a power adjustable driver seat, a tilt steering wheel with controls for your audio system, and it even has a removable cooler in the center console.  The audio system has 7 speakers, A CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, and an audio jack.

One great add-on, which I hope remains elsewhere in their product line, is the Element’s dog-friendly package.  If you want to treat your canine friend well, the package includes a dog bed, a kennel, a water dish, a food dispenser, and a fan.  It also has mats to keep your friend from soiling your upholstery.

The Element is equipped with the requisite safety features: anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, side front airbags, and side curtain airbags.  The Element received the highest possible scores in safety tests using last year’s standards.

Conclusions and driver feedback:

The Element is a good vehicle in a lot of ways, but it isn’t perfect by any means.  The box design is great for cargo space and passenger room, but terrible for aerodynamics.  Despite its lack of aerodynamic tweaks, though, the Element drives well.  It has a smooth though firm ride, and handles much better than you would expect for its shape.

As for the negatives, it all goes back to the trade-offs.  The boxy design hampers acceleration and decreases gas mileage.  If you are looking for a superstar in either, you are looking in the wrong place.  Also, the shape creates a lot of wind noise, especially at higher speeds.

All in all, the Element EX is an acquired taste.  If you like it, you like it, but you can do much better elsewhere.