Honda Element 2008 - The ideal mid-sized dog vehicle?

Ok, so I keep saying the Honda Element is probably the best dog vehicle out there, at least in the mid-size range. I still think so, but after taking a good look at one on the dealer's lot, I have a few suggestions for Honda.

First of all, even if we own dogs, that doesn't mean we don't enjoy some luxury in our mode of transportation. Maybe it's a Southern California thing, but I really like having a sunroof over my head! The Element has the option of a sunroof, but it is manually operated and only over the rear seats. I suppose it's for the benefit of those who enjoy car-camping in the wilderness but I really have to wonder how many people actually use it?  It might offer ventilation for the dogs crated in the back, but not so easy to open/close if the car is packed tightly. The "reason" behind not having a sunroof in the front, as has been explained on the message boards, is because of the clamshell doors which require the Element to have a center beam for structural integrity. That's fine. Then give me two electric sunroofs, one for each side of the center support. That way, my passenger could also have the option of basking in the sun or gazing at the stars.

Speaking of the clamshell doors... You don't see this type of door in vehicles very often anymore. They were once known as "suicide doors" since there is a perceived danger of the doors opening with the airflow as the car is in motion. I'm guessing this is why the Element's rear doors do not open without the front door opening first. The advantage, of course, is a larger entry to the side of the vehicle. The disadvantage is that you end up with relatively large front doors which can be difficult to get in and out of in a tight parking space, especially for rear-seat passengers. I imagine having the space for all doors to be open, however it would give nice ventilation for those times when you choose to crate the dogs in the car.

Honda claims there are 64 ways to configure the rear seats in an Element. My suggestion, just take them out. It's great to have the flexibility, but for traveling with dogs, the seats are just in the way. They're also heavy. When they're folded up to the sides of the vehicle, your visibility is severely impaired and they're really just encroaching into your usable cargo space.

The rear of the Element makes for a nice tailgating set-up, but could be somewhat of a challenge to reach crates if they're set back at all. Still, I like having the option of having part or all of the back open for access or a quick seating space. It's different than your typical hatch in the rear, but I don't think I'd change this feature.

So what about the aesthetics of the vehicle. Some people don't care for the boxy shape but it certainly lends itself nicely to fitting dog crates. Unlike the typical mid-sized SUV with radiused edges, having the squared sides is an advantage in my opinion. The Element is available in some fun colors and the interior finishes are excellent for a dog vehicle. Despite the industrial strength surfaces, however, there are electrical parts running beneath the floor. Following the advice of your neighbor's-best friend's-brother's-cousin and hosing out the vehicle is NOT advisable! 

One thing worth mentioning is that the Element's windshield may be more prone to damage from road debris because of it's upright angle. There was a class action settlement involving the 2003 & 2004 models with windshields that would crack with little or no impact, but I believe the structural problem this involved has been corrected. Still, a boxy vehicle won't be as able to deflect the pebbles that get kicked up on the road.

Another important topic that has come up in discussions about the Element is the hit-or-miss mileage. Some people have reported excellent mileage, but others say it isn't so. The wide range in actual mpg is somewhat of a mystery. Admittedly, the Element is not a true SUV, but more of a cross-over vehicle, so there are limits to its off-roading capabilities. Most of the miles would likely be from city or highway driving. I would think, however, with a vehicle appealing to the outdoor types who like to commune with nature, having the option of an Element with hybrid or other "green" technology could really be the icing on the cake!

So the Element looks to be a very good option as a dog vehicle, and indeed it seems a lot of Element owners have dogs. Despite my affection for the Element, however, fuel economy is something to consider for those of us who put more than a few miles on our vehicles traveling with our 4-legged passengers.

Mileage

5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission available , 4 cylinder, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

Fuel tank capacity: 15.9 gal.

Mileage estimates: 18 mpg city / 23 mpg highway (manual), (automatic)

Range in miles: 286.2 miles city/365.7 miles hwy

More Information

Honda

Edmunds

Element Owners Club

Measurements
Depth from back door to front seats (2nd/3rd row folded) = maximum depth range (D1)	55"-67"
Depth from back door to second row seats (D2)	24"
Dept from back door to third row seats (D3)	n/a
Height from cargo floor to ceiling behind front seats (H1)	46.5"
Height from cargo floor to ceiling behind 2nd row seats (H2)	44.5"
Height from cargo floor to ceiling at entry of vehicle (H3)	40"
Height of wheel arches (H4)	11"
Height from ground to top of bumper (not pictured)	26.25"
Width of cargo area at ceiling (W1)	40.75"
Width of cargo area maximum (approx. at 2nd row seats (W2)	52.25"
Width of cargo area between wheel arches (cargo "table" holders encroach into space)	42"
Illustrated dimensions 1 (W1, W2, W3, D2, D3) Illustrated dimensions 2 (H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, D1)

Ventilation

Rear windows do not open

Sunroof available in rear, manual only

Miscellaneous
Cargo tie-downs	Yes
Electrical outlet in rear	Yes - DC
Electrical outlet in front	Yes - DC + Auxiliary jack
Location of spare tire	under rear deck in cargo space
Tailgate Lifts up	Yes
Roof Rack Capacity	unk.
Rear Seats	removable, fold flat or against sides
Towing	1500 lbs.

Cargo Volume (cu. Ft.)
2nd-row seats down	75
2nd-row seats up	25.1