Honda's gone to the dogs

Although I don't have the actual "dog edition," I do have a great 2003 Honda Element. If the 2010 dog edition is anywhere close to as great as mine, then I would recommend it hands down.

From my own experience in owning an Element, here's what I've found:
1) It's hose'able! The interior is pretty much all plastic. One big piece from what I can tell. So no pesky seams to worry about leaking through. I've hauled yard debris, fruit trees, brick, soil, and various other things such as dump runs. After each it's very easy to pull up the back seats, sweep, then carefully hose out the rear. Just be cautious of the spare tire compartment and don't hit any electrical (like windows or locks).

2) Seats just won't stain! Coffee, soda, dog vomit, and mud... none have left a mark on my seats. They are made of this stain-resistant fabric that whisks away liquids. An occasional Febreeze when it gets a little "doggy smell" in there, but otherwise they are holding up well.

3) Head room to spare! I'm not very tall myself, but I have security in knowing I could adopt a great dane at any time and he'd have plenty of space to roam around. Speaking of roaming around - I've been able to make quite the doggy palace by putting one back seat up (usually the driver's side to help with visibility), a blanket down, a dog bed, and a travel water bowl. Presto - road trip ready for you and your pooch.

4) Mileage has been decent. I probably average 20 - 22 mpg downtown. On freeway road trips it's gotten up to 28mpg! This is the regular unleaded. I'm too cheap for the higher octane!

5) Maintenance is minimal. Like most Hondas I've owned and hear about, the repair costs are minimal to average. I've put in a few headlight bulbs, a battery, brakes, and sparks. Other than that it's been tires. Elements have a chain timing belt according to my salesman. That means they never need changing which saves $$$ in replacement costs. If you've done that before in your vehicle, you know it's a pricey, labor intensive, repair.

6) Colors! I have bright orange. I love the red. The blue is growing on me. Visibility is amazing - for the driver and to other drivers. There are newer editions with no black plastic fenders. I, myself, prefer the plastic for helping prevent dings and saving me from a scrape in a drive-thru that would've otherwise been a big paint repair.

7) Double side doors are great for dogs of all sizes! The pug thought he was Superman and usually just flew himself in for a "bye bye." But now we have Rolo, a shy dog - the one this blog is named after. Her past  must have included something traumatic re: being put in/pulled out of dark small places. Trying to get her in or out of a car was nearly impossible. The Element's doors open opposite, like french doors on a house, per se. It gives a wide opening leaving the entire back seat floor visible. This helps give Rolo a safe peek inside to know nothing is already in there, ads light, and keeps the door hinge out of her way for an easier jump in.
  >> On the negative side, these doors do cause some frustration if you're parked next to another car in a parking lot. Opening the back door requires the front door to open first. Sometimes it's a bit of a dance to get the driver out of the way, open doors, and leave room for the passenger to exit. I imagine if you had a toddler in a car seat back there it would be troublesome.


Here's what Honda is saying about their 2010 dog edition:

Man's best friend's best friend. Now friendlier than ever.

Dogs agree: The Element is one of the most "pet-friendly" vehicles ever. Now we're taking a good thing and making it even better with the new Dog Friendly Element, a specially designed collection of accessories including a stowable ramp, pet bed, water bowl, electrical fan and more—all created for the safety and comfort of your beloved canine companion and you.

I'm jealous of some of the new features. The fan and ramp especially! Dog Cars has a good review of this vehicle on their web site. And here's Honda's link.