It's hard to call Honda's boxy Element SUV a runaway success, but it certainly has carved a niche filled with loyal, passionate supporters. As such, the automaker is looking at replacing the compact SUV with a similar vehicle, which may or may not use the Element name.
In 2003, the first year for the model, Honda managed to sell 67,478 Elements. In spite of a facelift and a spiffy S/C model, Element sales have fallen short of the original 75,000-unit estimate. Thus far, only 13,458 Elements have been sold in 2009. In contrast, 172,528 examples of the CR-V -- which shares most mechanicals with the Element -- have moved off dealers' lots this year.
While it may seem that the CR-V may have stolen all of the Element's thunder, Honda executives argue otherwise.
"In the showroom," American Honda vice president John Mendel told Automotive News, "you couldn't get most Element buyers to even sit in a CR-V."
Element buyers are typically dramatically different than CR-V owners, complete with the oft-touted "active lifestyle." As such, the flexible interior, washable rubber floors, optional surfboard and kayak carriers, and a new Dog Friendly package appeal to these shoppers. The CR-V, on the other hand, is more luxurious, and is positioned towards catering to young families.
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