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I admit it; I'm prejudiced and base my initial judgments on appearances. I have pre-conceived notions of pretty and ugly and ugly just doesn't get valued. I know I am not alone and fear that most men share my shallow judgment of value based on attractiveness. We buy cars emotionally and new designs often confuse our idea of what we like. I confess that initially I thought the Honda Element to be an ugly vehicle. It was too new and too different that it didn't connect with me. The box look and composite cladding simply did not fit my idea of a beautiful vehicle. Even as I talked to Pat Steiner, New Car Manager at Lee's Summit Honda about picking up the Element I was not sure I would appreciate its value. But now after spending a few days with the 2003 Honda Element I have changed my mind. Each time I turn the key I fall in love with this vehicle. Near the end of my time with the 2003 Honda Element 4x4 EX, I am ready to proclaim it as close to the ultimate compact sport utility vehicle. It simply makes sense. From the sensibility of protective cladding with the full time four-wheel drive to the wide-open accessibility of the coach doors and clamshell tailgate this vehicle is the ultimate in utility. Of course it's sporty, but not in the aerodynamic sense of a sports car but in the sense that if you live an active lifestyle and participate in sports this may be your perfect vehicle. The 2003 Honda Element 4X4 EX shares much with the proven Honda CRV including the 160 horsepower in-line 4cylinder aluminum-alloy engine. A squared off shape, rubberized floor and waterproof seat fabrics tells you this is a vehicle meant to be used. While seating four with room to spare, the 2003 Honda Element has possibility the most versatile rear seat configuration available, folding down, flipping to the side or removing completely. The automatic four-wheel drive worked flawlessly as I powered through loose sand and the tight 34.9 turning radius made parking easy. Highway driving was stable and relaxing even when I encountered a downpour of rain on the highway. My 270 watts of AM/FM/CD tunes were powered through six speakers and a massive subwoofer for sound enjoyment. Wherever we went our Honda Element drew a crowd. It is so different; it is the ultimate of "cute." As we had dinner at Torreon Mexican Restaurant in Overland Park, Denise the owner told me how much she enjoyed hers. She has found hers to not only fun but useful in catering with the easy care floors and swing up rear seats. Because the doors provide so much access to the cargo area this little baby does it all in style. The 2003 Honda Element 4X4 EX is easy to overlook but it really deserves more attention. Torreon is easy to overlook as well because it is tucked behind QuikTrip on 87th Street about a mile East of I-35. As the oldest restaurant in Johnson County, Denice's parents Gus and Betty Ibarra started this Mexican Restaurant as Los Ibarra out of their house at 79th and Metcalf in 1960. Now named Torreon after a village in Mexico the little building only seats about 70 lucky dinners for some of the best Mexican food in the area. While the reputation for the best margaritas and most intimate outdoor patio may be what most people know, it's the original and fantastic array of Mexican culinary delights in a family atmosphere that will keep me coming back. On our visit we met three generations that have worked to make Torreon Mexican Restaurant a must for those in search of dining excellence. Don't overlook it because it's not on the Plaza or among the development in South Johnson County. The Honda Element should not be overlooked if you really want a fun sport utility vehicle. It's not for everybody. There are more luxurious vehicles, some with more "off-road" capabilities and even those can fit seven in cramped discomfort. However if you are looking for the ultimate compact sport utility vehicle that's a little different than what everybody else is driving take a look at the 2003 Honda Element. You could find that it's a beautiful choice.
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©2003 - Stan Risener