Honda has just announced that it will discontinue the Element with no plans in the near future to revive it or create a successor.
When the Element came onto the scene back in 2002, it was definitely a bold statement in terms of design. Most hail it as the one that started the whole box on wheels craze that has now afflicted Nissan, Scion and Kia.
Honda cites poor sales as the reason for the Element’s demise. Oddly enough, in a press release, Honda stated that customers straight up preferred the CR-V to the Element due to its refinement and its less controversial shape. Usually automakers don’t admit to cannibalism within the lineup because it makes their product planning department look stupid.
The Element went through very minor refreshes over the years, not least of which was the introduction of the SC (pictured above) which I personally believe is the best looking Element. But of course, best looking is all relative. It’s still not a very attractive design.
In any event, I suppose that means there will now be some killer deals on Elements, so if you’re the outdoorsy type that needs lots of room, it may be well worth your while to check one out before it dies for good.
[Honda]
