AW survey: Honda Element won't be missed

Is Honda making a mistake by killing the Element SUV after the 2011 model year? AutoWeek readers think not.

Our poll shows that 56 percent of voters indicated a readiness to wave good-bye to the “toaster on wheels.” On the other hand, 32 percent found the Element was supremely useful and cool, and 12 percent signaled they didn't know how to transport their dogs anymore in its absence (remember the “dog-friendly” Element?).

The Element was introduced as a concept car in 2001 at the Detroit auto show to target youthful buyers with a funky box design. It hit the market in 2003 for campers and tailgaters alike with an easy-to-clean, hard-plastic interior. The Element sold at a mild rate through 2004, then slowed in sales for a total of 325,000 to date.

Rather than the Generation Y-ers for whom it was originally intended, the ute mainly appealed to 50-year-olds and animal lovers. Adios, Honda Element.

By Michelle Koueiter