Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - Honda Element Pricing Starts At $16,100

Torrance, Calif 11/13/2002 -- Honda's all-new and highly anticipated Element light duty truck goes on sale Dec. 19, 2002, with manufacturer suggested retail prices starting at just $16,100 for the entry-level Element DX front-wheel drive model, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

Element's innovative and versatile design, targeted for active, young male buyers, is capturing the imaginations of a wide range of consumers. The Element combines the best features of a pickup truck, SUV and van. Innovative features on all models include center opening side cargo doors, a flat floor with dirt and water-resistant urethane coating, and highly versatile seating that can be folded flat, to the sides, or removed entirely.

"A key to the Element's wide appeal is its versatility and functionality," said Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda. "Element also offers a versatile lineup of models for buyers to choose from. The DX model allows the buyer to configure the vehicle to their personal taste, while EX versions come fully equipped."

Element will be available in DX and EX trim levels with either front-wheel drive or Real Time 4WD. Both models will be available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. A 2.4-liter, 160-horsepower 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC "intelligent" variable valve control will power all models.

The front-wheel drive Element DX with a 5-speed manual transmission has a MSRP of $16,100. With a 4-speed automatic, it will be priced at $16,900. The Element DX equipped with Real Time 4WD and automatic transmission will have a MSRP of $18,300. Features found on Element DX models include:

-Power front windows with driver auto down/up feature,
-Tilt steering wheel,
-Power door locks,
-Dual-stage front airbags,
-P215/70R16 99(S) tires,
-16-inch styled steel wheels,
-Driver's seat with manual height adjustment,
-Multi-adjustable seating (more than 65 positions),
-Patented waterproof seat fabric for front seats,
-Urethane-coated flat utility floor for durability and easy cleaning,
-Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) for child safety seats,
-Three point seat belts at all seating positions,
-Front 12-volt accessory outlet.

The fully loaded EX models start at $18,650 for a front-wheel drive version when equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, $19,450 with an automatic. The EX version with Real Time 4WD will be priced at $20,850. EX models add:

-Air conditioning,
-Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake control,
-16 inch alloy wheels with P215/70R16 99(S) tires,
-Cruise control,
-Power mirrors,
-270-watt AM/FM/CD unit with 7-speakers including a subwoofer,
MP3/Digital auxiliary jack,
-Driver armrest,
-Front and rear seat waterproof fabric,
-Rear accessory outlets.

All Real Time 4WD models will be equipped with a removable rear skylight with tilt feature. A 5-speed manual transmission for 4WD models will be available in spring, 2003.

All Elements will have a $460 destination and handling charge, the same as other Honda models.