Honda to Terminate Element Crossover Next Year, No Direct Successor Planned

The quirky-looking Honda Element will soon cease to be as the Japanese automaker has decided to retire the boxy crossover model with the funky rear suicide-style doors after the 2011MY, due to declining sales. There's no direct successor planned, though Honda may develop a new derivative of the CR-V to fill the gap in the near future.

First introduced in concept form as the Honda Model X at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Element made its production debut at the end of 2002. Providing a multi-functional cargo area, versatile seating and a dirt-friendly interior with washable floors, the Element received several upgrades though the years, the most recent being a subtle facelift in late 2008.

"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."

Sales of the Element peaked in its first full year of production in 2003 when Honda sold close to 70,000 units, but dropped to under 15,000 last year. Overall, more than 325,000 Elements have been sold in the United States since its introduction in December 2002.

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Honda Recalling Close to 400,000 Accord, Civic and Element Models in the States

And yes, we have another recall. This time it's Honda issuing two recalls, one for 384,220 vehicles including the 2003 Accord and Civic Coupe / Sedan, and the 2003 and 2004 Element to fix a potential problem with their ignition interlock systems, and another separate recall for 585 Element models from the 2010 model year for an issue with the automatic transmission.

Starting with the first recall concerning the '03 Civic, '03 Accord and '03-'04 Element models, Honda said that interlock lever of the ignition switch may dysfunction allowing the removal of the key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position.

To fix this problem, dealer's will remove the original interlock pin and lever within the ignition switch, and replace them with new, designed components - free of charge, of course. Honda plans to begin notifying customers in late September, 2010.

For the recall on the 2010MY Element models manufactured from April 1, 2010 through June 25, 2010, the problem lies with the cable that connects the shift lever to the transmission. Honda says because the cable was not set correctly during assembly process, there's a chance the driver may move the gear shift lever but the transmission may not be placed in the selected gear.

" This can cause the key to be stuck in the ignition switch, an inability to shift into or out of park, or an inability to shift into reverse, increasing the risk of a crash," said Honda.

The Japanese carmaker noted it has contacted some owners of the affected models by phone and arranged to, have, or has had, their vehicles repaired free of charge, with all other owners to be notified by mail in the next few days.

Honda Recalling 412,000 Vehicles in the U.S. Over Braking Issues

Approximately 344,000 Honda Odyssey minivans and 68,000 Element crossovers from the 2007-2008 model years are being recalled in the United States to address a problem with the brakes.

The Japanese automaker said that it had received a number of customer complaints of brake pedals that feel "soft" or that gradually needed more pressure to work. Honda added that the in the affected vehicles, this condition tends to "very slowly increase over time".

The problem is said to be caused by air accumulating in the vehicle stability assist (VSA in Honda's lingo) modulator.

"While only a miniscule amount of air can enter the system during each check, over a period of months or years, the air will accumulate and can result in the "soft brake pedal" or "low brake pedal" condition symptoms associated with this issue," said Honda in a statement.

The recall is expected to begin at the end of April.

This latest issue for Honda comes only a month after the maker recalled more than 430,000 vehicles over an airbag inflation problem.

2010 Honda Element goes Doggies with Pooch-Loving Equipment Package

The Honda Element enters the 2010 model year with a new range of factory-designed dog-friendly accessories that were first previewed at the New York Auto Show earlier this year. The new Dog Friendly package is priced at $995 and includes several components that are said to improve safety, comfort and convenience for dogs and their owners alike.

These include a soft-sided cargo area car kennel made from seat belt-grade netting, a 12V DC rear ventilation fan to keep your four-legged friend cool, a cushioned pet bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform, an extendable ramp that stores under the pet bed platform and even a spill-resistant water bowl.

And for those that like to show off their affection for dogs, Honda also throws in a set of Dog Friendly exterior emblems and all-season rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern.

There are no other changes for the 2010MY Element that received a facelift in late 2008. All models feature a 166HP 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine linked to a 5-speed automatic transmission while buyers can choose between FWD and 4WD versions.

Prices for the 2010 model year Element (excluding tax, license, registration and a $710 destination charge), start at $20,535 for the 2WD LX and reach $25,585 for a fully loaded 4WD EX with a navigation system.

NY Show: Honda Element with Dog-Friendly Accessories

At this year's New York Show Honda is previewing a new range of dog-friendly car accessories for the Element that will be available for order this fall. The canine-aftermarket lineup includes numerous components such as a cushioned pet bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform, second row and cargo area pet restraint systems, a spill-resistant water bowl even seat covers with a dog pattern design and "Dog Friendly" exterior emblems.

For those wondering 'why', allow us to inform you - if you don't already know- that according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Inc., a staggering 39 percent of all U.S. households own at least one dog with the country's dog population estimated at a whopping 74.8 million. The estimated total market value of all pet purchases, related products and services in the U.S. was more than $43 billion in 2008.