Element enlightens dog trainers and walkers
By Keith Turner
March 8, 2010
When Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori first launched DogCars.com as an offspring to PetConnection.com, they set out to inform, educate and enlighten dog lovers about the dog-friendly differences in vehicles on the market today. Then, at the end of the first year, DogCars.com sorted through all its research to come up with a DogCar of the Year Best in Show award for the vehicle that best fit the safety and comfort attributes craved by serious canine carrying travelers.
What vehicle was the distinguished recipient of that first-ever DogCars.com Best In Show award? And the winner is . . . the Honda Element! The Element’s versatile cargo area and easy-to-clean interior were just some of the key points that made the Element the best among many other vehicles ranked high on the DogCar of the Year list.
The Element’s popularity among dog owners was so impressive that the marketing folks at Honda jumped at the opportunity to capitalize oncater to the dog-loving public by creating a cute little ad campaign featuring pups and the DogCars.com Best in Show logo.
It also set into motion the design of a new dog-friendly version of the Honda Element for 2010 that features a built in dog bed, flexible crate, stow-away ramp and many other accessories that make it appealing to those of us who like to travel with our dogs.
And the praise keeps rolling in for the Element. This year, the Dog Friendly Honda Element was back in the Best In Show winner’s circle when it tied with the Toyota Venza for top honors by DogCars.com.
Last month, Bark BuckleUp named the 2010 Dog Friendly Honda Element as of the Top 10 PetSafe vehicles. And DogSmith.com gave high praise for the Honda Element by endorsing it as the vehicle of choice for dog training professionals.
“The Honda Element reflects our DogSmith standards of superior quality and professionalism in pet care at an affordable price,” says Niki Tudge of DogSmith,
Now just because the Element is right for some dog-loving families, doesn’t mean that it’s right for everyone. That’s why DogCars.com provides in-depth reviews of a variety of vehicle makes and models, providing pluses and minus each one tested. Check them out here.
(Photo: Twyla, Harper and Bella pose in the dog friendly Honda Element during DogCars.com reviewer Kim Campbell Thornton’s test drive.)
We’ve been waiting for a re-design of the Honda element. Do you have any idea when Honda will update this model? We’re hoping to see better gas mileage or maybe a hybrid version. I’m also not too fond of the rear “clamshell” doors.
Comment by Colby — March 8, 2010 @ 2:12 pm
Last month I was car shopping. The lease on my Pathfinder was up and I was in the mood for something a little more curvy.
I pretty much looked at every car/suv out there. My main criteria in the order of importance:
1. a/c vents in back
2. room for dog crates in cargo area
3. Not one of the this-SUV-looks-like-all-the-others SUV
4. Nice interior (leather, wood accents) and some curve on exterior style
5. Not too expensive
The Honda Element didn’t have a/c vents in backseats.
I leased the Honda Crosstour instead. It has room in back for dog crates and a/c vents. And it has nice int/ext lines.
Some articles and reviewers think it is ugly and/or do not know what class to put it in: SUV, Sedan?
But I love it!
Comment by ericka — March 8, 2010 @ 2:29 pm
one more comment: Does the Toyato PJ Cruiser think the back seats are for adults? Such a cool car. Until you sit in the back seat.
Comment by ericka — March 8, 2010 @ 6:01 pm
I’m starting to think about a new car and looked at Honda Element over the weekend. I went to a couple of dealers. One thing I learned is that there aren’t that many Elements on the lots—it apparently isn’t that big of a seller. I’ve also more or less decided that I probably won’t get the dog Element—it just doesn’t offer that much over the regular Element, and the package is $995. (I have two retrievers, so it was something I was considering. I like the ramp—but there were complaints about how rattly it is when it is stowed). I’ve also read online that the Element is scheduled to do a redesign for 2011 (which will come out late summer/early fall). There was a lot of speculation about what (if anything major) will be changed—the bad economy could affect Honda’s plans )which are, of course, top secret at this point).
Comment by Arlene — March 8, 2010 @ 6:17 pm
oops, FJ, not PJ Cruiser.
Comment by ericka — March 8, 2010 @ 8:37 pm
I bought the 2010 Element with the dog package, and I adore it. The extras were well worth the money, the ramp is awesome, and my dogs also love it.
Between the review on dogcars.com and the review on BBC’s Top Gear, I was ready to be impressed, and impressed I was!
Comment by Darlene — March 8, 2010 @ 9:52 pm
The Element just looks like it was made for dogs. I have a 4 door jeep that does well with the back seats down - my pup loves sniffing the sky while driving :)
Comment by Brett — March 9, 2010 @ 6:24 am
Over on the Nihon Ken Forum, an Informal Dog Car survey:
http://www.nihonken.org/forum/.....=1#Item_10
Comment by glock — March 9, 2010 @ 9:14 am
DogSmiths love this car. It looks good, transports safely and has lots of great dog features. The fact that you can clean it so well is also a great feature
Comment by Niki Tudge — March 9, 2010 @ 9:16 am
We have a 2004 element and have loved it, our JRT Molly seems to like it as well, esp when we take out the extra back seat, that means we are packing up for the beach!
jean
Comment by Jean M Fogle — March 10, 2010 @ 6:58 am
I bet I have personally been responsible for the purchase of at least 100 Elements. Honda should pay me a commish. :)
Comment by Gina Spadafori — March 10, 2010 @ 7:11 am